I'm At The Office
The Age
Friday March 28, 2008
Wireless internet with your latte? Robert Brenner road-tests nine popular spots that could double as a home office (only with better coffee).
Caffe Trubi The coffee's great at this cozy corner cafe, as are the wireless networks. Pick one up near the power point in the corner, the other from the outdoor tables nearest Little Lonsdale Street. Omelettes, ciabattas and cevap sausages are on offer from the friendly mother-daughter operation. Access cost: free. 391 Little Lonsdale Street, city, phone 9600 3486Relish This burger bar with cafe offerings is quiet in the afternoon. There's one power point and a desktop computer, too. You can also browse curbside or request the plush leather seating upstairs. Access cost: $2 for the first 10 minutes and $1 for every 10 thereafter. 235 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, phone 9699 1750Australia on Collins For the price of occasional pop-up ads, you can have a high-speed connection in this bustling food court. Snag a seat in one of the carpeted enclaves to muffle the din and avoid major feeding hours. Power points are out of range yet fast-food options abound. Access cost: free. 260 Collins Street, city, phone 9650 4355 State Library Register as a library user at the book desk on the ground floor and you'll be entitled to wireless access. The signal is strongest in the main rooms but even there it can be more temperamental than a student during exam week. Access cost: free. 328 Swanston Street, city, phone 8664 7000The Bean Room Request wireless access with your coffee and you'll get 30 minutes free, with more available on request. The prices are reasonable, the seating comfortable, though it can be loud in the main area, which has the only power point; there's a slightly quieter enclave in the back. Access cost: free. 261-265 Russell Street, city, phone 9654 8388Starbucks The coffee isn't the only thing that's pricey. "Telstra Wireless usage time" can be purchased online with a credit or prepaid card. There are three power points. Access cost: Telstra charges of $8 for 30 minutes, $14 an hour. 249 Lygon Street, Carlton, phone 9349 4391Prahran Hotel An hour's worth of high-speed wireless is yours for the asking at this spacious pub. Comfortable leather seating and recent renovations make for a pleasant workspace. Pop in at noon and you'll have the place mostly to yourself, as well as an appealing mid-range lunch menu. Access cost: free. 82 High Street, Prahran, phone 9529 8577Joe's Garage The wireless network is free at this hip full-service restaurant, which packs out for brunch but also offers a versatile lunch and dinner menu. Drop by on a weekday afternoon for a quieter setting; power points in the two front corners complement the friendly, casual service. Access cost: free. 366 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, phone 9419 9944Jwow Bar Recline amid throw pillows on a plush white leather couch, order from the seductively priced happy hour menu (5pm-7pm Monday to Thursday) and wonder why you have the place to yourself. This QV lair is nearly deserted early in the week; with two power points, consider the waiter your new PA. 243 Little Lonsdale Street, city, phone 9663 5986
© 2008 The Age