June 12, 2007

US & CANADA, US | EUROPE, ENGLAND, LONDON

Driving on the Download

By Nicole Cotroneo

Avis' new WiFi device keeps you "plugged in" even on the parkway.

Applying lipstick from behind the wheel used to be a feat. Now prepare to flex your multi-tasking muscles with a little en-route internet surfing — because Avis has just introduced WiFi throughout its U.S fleet. For $10.95 per day you can keep your online intravenous attached no matter where you drive. “Avis Connect” works by hooking up any WiFi-enabled device to the most available network — jumping from one signal to the next without interruption.

And as if driving under the influence of WiFi wasn’t enough, you can also plug your MP3 player into an Avis GPS. Meanwhile, if you’re driving any Hertz vehicle from the “fun collection” (Shelby Mustangs, Mazda Miatas, Hummers), you can scan more than 130 channels on free Sirius satellite radio. The next rental-car upgrade is set to be more utilitarian, though: word’s out that Avis will up the ante by equipping cars with electronic toll payment devices. (You’ll have to pay for the service and the tolls.) And for the non-drivers? Well, if you land up in London, you can comfort yourself with the WiFi heaven of the Heathrow Express — which offers prepaid broadband access. Just think how much work you can power through on a 15-minute airport shuttle to town.