Toshiba hosts Wi-Fi Lounge in Auckland CDB

Wednesday, 2 June 2004, 12:09 am
Press Release: Toshiba

Welcomes Wireless Internet in the Heart of the City

Auckland: 1 June 2004 - Mobile computing leader Toshiba (ISD) is excited to be part of Auckland's Wireless Internet in the Heart of the City campaign enabling wireless mobile computing for CBD workers, visitors and downtown commuters.

Through zone coverage provided by Reach Wireless people will be able to access their email, confirm appointments, surf the web, do e-banking, book travel and a host of other online activities on Pocket PCs and notebooks within the HotCity zone - be they in a coffee shop, roaming the streets or hanging out in the Toshiba Wi-Fi Lounge.

Open in Freyberg Square during lunch hours for visitors to experience wireless computing at no cost, the Toshiba Wi-Fi Lounge features the latest Toshiba notebooks and Pocket PCs. Any purchase from any retailer within the HotCity zone gives one hour's free Wi-Fi access via a unique PIN number. This access can be redeemed at the Toshiba Wi-Fi lounge where Toshiba and MobilePlus specialist, Portable Plus, attendants will be on hand to answer any queries and demonstrate the benefits of wireless computing.

Alternatively, purchasers can bring their own Wi-Fi enabled notebooks or Pocket PCs along to the Hot City zone to trial their one hour free access. Additional ongoing access packages can be purchased. Toshiba will also be offering a new Wi-Fi-ready Tecra M2 notebook as a major prize and special offers on other Toshiba products. Entry details are available at www.reachwireless.co.nz.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for people to discover the freedom and flexibility that Wi-Fi offers," said Steve Ford, Country Manager for Toshiba in New Zealand.

"We are fully behind this initiative as many of our customers and international travellers want Wi-Fi hotspots in cities. The Auckland CDB is already a wireless zone and this campaign draws attention to that. We encourage everyone to drop in and experience the joys of wireless computing."

Toshiba first introduced Wireless LAN (local area network) Wi-Fi technology in New Zealand in November 2000 via Wi-Fi PC card solutions for their notebook computers. This innovation enabled business and school users to access network files and the Internet, without being connected via cables to the office LAN.

"A number of organisations are fast switching on to the benefits of wireless mobile computing," added Steve. "Toshiba has been behind all of the major developments that have driven mobile computing forward, ever since we created the first clamshell notebook in 1986. We're delighted to be part of this promotion to show how today's Toshiba technology can create a better work and lifestyle for people."

The Toshiba Wi-Fi lounge will open from 11 am - 2 pm on Tuesday 1 June to Friday 4 June and again on Monday 14 to Friday 18 June in Freyberg Square.

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