Subaru adding Wi-Fi hotspot to 2011 Outback vehicles
Wi-Fi hotspots are spreading like wildfire, especially when it comes to different modes of transportation. Following airplanes and trains, now more automobiles are being hooked up with Wi-Fi, including the 2011 Subaru Outback.
The crossover SUV model will be outfitted with Wi-Fi service that can be stretched out for up to 150 feet around the car. Provided by Autonet Mobile, the hotspot is actually optional and not included in the 2011 Outback's base price tag of $22,995. Buyers would need to fork over $499 for installation, $35 for activation, and then pay $29 per month with a one-year minimum subscription. But at least the first three months are free!
This should be particularly helpful for anyone dragged along on a family road trip and would prefer to just play on their iPads all day instead of enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Joking aside, any additional forms of communication from vehicles can be good in case of emergencies.
Yet, while extra Wi-Fi coverage is certainly useful, with those prices this really only seems necessary if you're planning to be in the countryside a lot where 3G and Wi-Fi reception is sparse. Otherwise, pull over to Starbucks or McDonald's if you need the Internet that badly.
[Image via CNET]