I thought I dodged this bullet in Bangkok but until I have 3G for my iPhone - I am in this conversation.

Japan

index

• http://www.narita-airport.jp/wireless/

hotspots

i see these all over the city

1. docomo
2. FLETS-SPOT

services

1. http://www.livedoor.com - (partnered with FON) (more radical mesh networking, community-supported!)
2. Boingo - (if anyone has experiences to share with this service - it sounds like a great global partnership amongst paid providers!)
   • US$39/month for up to 2 devices
   • partners with MobilePointBB and Livedoor in Tokyo
3. iPass - this service looks quite mature - based out of Redwood Shores, CA
   • iPass Provides Wi-Fi Connectivity for Windows Mobile 6 Devices; iPhone and Blackberry Support Planned - woo hoo - a aggregator that actually cares about iPhone users!
4. WeRoam - based out of Switzerland, they seem to have more robust support for Mac OS X (compare to Boingo not supporting Intel-based macs - what's up with that?!?)
   • don't see cost info anywhere...
5. BB mobilepoint - found a provider associated with SoftBank, clearly committed to supporiting EN speaking customers. It's how I found out they have partnered with other aggregators (not just Boingo)
6. HOTSPOT - run by NTT, looks promising...
   • online signup form (in Japanese)

alternatives

broadband by mobile pretty much is the way to go, but can be a tad bit expensive. these are some alternatives presented to me...

1. emobile - broadband provider now in the cell phone business.
   • this USB modem by Huawei (same maker as my broadband modem in Buan Suan Thon) works on Mac OS X. I figure someone will hack a driver to make it work on my Eee as well.
     • aha - at 5980 yen/month, such a device eliminates the need to have Internet provided in my apartment which transforms the playing field!
       • 11MB - 2980 yen/month - decent for starters (no downloads)
       • 1GB - 4980 yen/month - medium-use

Thailand

favorite places for WiFi

1. Bug & Bee
2. Zsa Zsa Zhu (see Thailand Cheatsheet
3. Coffee Society ( a bit dingy but open 24 hrs )
4. Coffee World
   1. Esplanade
   2. Silom: across CAWOW - joint with New York Deli
   3. Silom: in Silom Complex on basement near Hachi (8) noodle shop

Roaming

pleased to find True has an agreement with Boingo!