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North Pole Gets Wi-Fi Hotspot

Posted by Zonk on from the i-wish-penguins-lived-there-so-i-could-make-a-linux-joke dept.

Torrey Clark writes "Two Moscow-based Intel employees have setup a Wi-Fi hotspot near the North Pole, according to Intel. The hot spot was built in the Arctic region at the Barneo ice camp, a tent complex used by scientists, researchers and rescue crews during the month of April, when ice conditions are safe. Still, the camp environment is never ideal for computer devices, as the air temperature rarely rises above -30 Celsius, according to Intel. The hotspot uses Intel's Centrino equipment and the Iridium satellite phone system as backhaul. The company said in its statement that the installation shows that the equipment can be used in extreme circumstances. It said that those at the camp use the hotspot access for chores ranging from e-mail to getting real-time weather conditions and for taking care of matters at home, including, potentially, financial transactions."

166 comments

  1. Misnomer by jawtheshark · · Score: 5, Funny

    Shouldn't that be a coldspot, then?

    --
    Ahhh...the great dumpster continuum. Many a free computer will be found there. -- sowth (748135)
    1. Re:Misnomer by Delta2.0 · · Score: 5, Funny

      I don't care what its what its called... Anyone up for a little warsleding?

    2. Re:Misnomer by ShaniaTwain · · Score: 5, Funny

      Boy! its a good thing they didn't put one under the sea.. I dont know if intel would want to take responsibility for a wetspot.

      --
      Starsucks
    3. Re:Misnomer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I heard some rumors that Intel's making a Wi-Fi for women only... G-spot. Only problem is that no geek would be able to figure out were it's supposed to go.

    4. Re:Misnomer by The-Bus · · Score: 1

      And all this time we thought it was the greenhouse effect melting the ice caps...

      *ducks*

      --

      Small potatoes make the steak look bigger.

    5. Re:Misnomer by KinkifyTheNation · · Score: 1

      This is obviously a lie. My wireless card isn't picking it up at all!

    6. Re:Misnomer by presidentbeef · · Score: 1

      That's the intel we got from Intel...

      --
      Everything I need to know about copyrights I learned from Slashdot.
    7. Re:Misnomer by nEoN+nOoDlE · · Score: 1

      Or in space, where they would have had to call it a zero G-spot

      --
      Don't trust a bull's horn, a doberman's tooth, a runaway horse or me.
  2. Perhaps it will be used for by ClosedSource · · Score: 2, Funny

    warmth.

    1. Re:Perhaps it will be used for by bersl2 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Nah, they would be using a Prescott for that...

      (couldn't resist)

    2. Re:Perhaps it will be used for by hyc · · Score: 1

      I suppose a Centrino could get comfortably warm up there. A Prescott would probably run down their generators too fast, but I suppose they might have used that instead of other space heaters.

      --
      -- *My* journal is more interesting than *yours*...
  3. I know what you are thinking... by Greg+Wright · · Score: 5, Informative

    Pretty cool, but I know what you are thinking, "-30 Celsius, so what,
    we have wireless communications and electronics operating out in deep
    space where it is only 3 degrees kelvin!"

    Well, it is a lot colder for sure, more difficult and expensive, but not as bad as
    you might think. It is actually kind of hard to get space craft electronics down
    to a very low temperature that is needed for items like x-ray telescopes and the
    like. Space craft that don't want any heat radiation at all affecting them. From a
    tutorial on extreme temperature electronics:

    "Far from anything (in intergalactic space, for example) a passive object would
    cool to a few kelvins (a few degrees above absolute zero). However, spacecraft
    are not in such an environment during their useful life; most spacecraft are near
    bodies such as the Earth and also receive energy from the Sun. In addition,
    spacecraft usually incorporate power sources (chemical batteries, solar cells,
    or nuclear generators), and the resulting heat must be dissipated. [snip]

    Cooling a spacecraft down to a few kelvins passively (without refrigeration or a cryogen)
    in the inner Solar System is probably impossible. However, quite low temperatures can
    be attained by using well designed thermal shielding and insulation combined with
    large heat radiators. For example, major parts of the James Webb Space Telescope
    (JWST) (Formerly the Next Generation Space Telescope, NGST) are planned to be
    operated as cold as about 35 K (about 240C) by these techniques."

    Still 240C is pretty impressive. However, At the low end, operation of
    semiconductor-based devices and circuits has often been reported down to
    temperatures as low as a few degrees above absolute zero, in other words as
    low as about 270C. This includes devices based on Si, Ge, GaAs and other
    semiconductor materials. Moreover, there is no reason to believe that operation
    should not extend all the way down to absolute zero.

    You can learn more here:

    --
    --greg Vulcan quiescent... Q: What machine shutdown with this message?
    1. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      Damn, why can't I get links right....For more info
      try here:

      http://www.extremetemperatureelectronics.com/tutor ial1.html

    2. Re:I know what you are thinking... by brunes69 · · Score: 1

      Moreover, there is no reason to believe that operation should not extend all the way down to absolute zero.

      Isn't there a limit as to the speed increase you can achieve by cooling electronics? Surely as you approack 0k, the speed of the electrons themselves must be being reduced.

    3. Re:I know what you are thinking... by nihilogos · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Moreover, there is no reason to believe that operation should not extend all the way down to absolute zero.

      Except that, by definition, a device at absolute zero wouldn't be doing anything.

      --
      :wq
    4. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Junior+J.+Junior+III · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Moreover, there is no reason to believe that operation
      should not extend all the way down to absolute zero.

      Um, doesn't everything stop at absolute zero, which is an unattainable and theoretical temperature to begin with?

      --
      You see? You see? Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!
    5. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Kelvin is not measured in 'degrees'.

    6. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      I stand corrected sir.

      Three temperature scales are in common use in science and industry. Two of those scales are SI metric:

      The degree Celsius (C) scale was devised by dividing the range of temperature between the freezing and boiling temperatures of pure water at standard atmospheric conditions (sea level pressure) into 100 equal parts. Temperatures on this scale were at one time known as degrees centigrade, however it is no longer correct to use that terminology. [In 1948 the official name was changed from "centigrade degree" to "Celsius degree" by the 9th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM).]

      The kelvin (K) temperature scale is an extension of the degree Celsius scale down to absolute zero, a hypothetical temperature characterized by a complete absence of heat energy. Temperatures on this scale are called kelvins, NOT degrees kelvin, kelvin is not capitalized, and the symbol (capital K) stands alone with no degree symbol. [In 1967 the new official name and symbol for "kelvin" were set by the 13th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM).]

      The degree Fahrenheit (F) non-metric temperature scale was devised and evolved over time so that the freezing and boiling temperatures of water are whole numbers, but not round numbers as in the Celsius temperature scale.

    7. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      might want to put a minus sign in front of temperatures in C.

      eg. -240C = 35K

      240C is the Sn/Pb reflow soldering temperature for electronic.

    8. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Feyr · · Score: 2, Insightful

      im sure you meant -240C and -270C there. we don't want those telescopes boilings :)

    9. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Neither is Centigrade. But I'm only an American so what would I know.

    10. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      That's okay. Most of the people on wireless networks aren't doing anything, either.

    11. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      lol, actually as you approach 0 Kelvin all mass melds into a solid glob called the Bose-Einstein condensates. Its part of quantum mechanics because it is impossible to determine where and how fast the electrons are on any given atom or the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. By finding its location you affectively move it and thus it is impossible to pin point the electron. Originally people thought that by cooling it down to 0 kelvin that you would freeze the electrons in place however Bose and Einstien theorized that at 0 kelvin all matter tranforms into a new state called a condensate. A condensate is ensentially an atom whose electrons/protons/neutrons have melded into a sinlge lump. In this state it is impossible to determine any of the components of an atom. The condensate is basically spreading out further and further as you got closer to absolute zero. However, its impossible to get to absolute zero but you get the idea.

      Thats basiclly how it goes. I tried to make explain it in the simplest way I could and so to those who actually know the physics it sounds pretty dumb but thats the basics. Since I highly doubt you know the math, physics and technology behind this I won't go into it. Overall you can not reach absolute zero and no one really knows the electrical or mechanicle properties of condensates so its not really possible to give you an answer. But I would guess based on the knowledge that I have that the behavior of condensates is so different that all known physical or electronic properties no longer exist. Thus the electronics would not function at all. That is if you could get the entire device to near absolute zero. Hope that helps.

    12. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "...only 3 degrees kelvin!..."

      Your lucky you didn't have my heat transfer instructor. -2 points for putting degrees in with kelvin. According to him, it would be 3 Kelvin because degrees is implied.

    13. Re:I know what you are thinking... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      wtf, just say you stand corrected and be done with it. The lesson in temperature scales, though interesting, doesn't help your case of making a blooper live on /.

  4. *loL* by Adult+film+producer · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    this story is just ripe for +5,funny comments involving insane dwarfs and Santa's wife.

  5. I always wanted to WiFi there by ErebusNT · · Score: 4, Funny

    Glad they solved this problem. I always wanted to wirelessly connect there.

    1. Re:I always wanted to WiFi there by pete19 · · Score: 1

      Would it have been posible for them to connect before this was set up? If it's running through a satellite phone I wouldn't have thought it too difficult to do technology wise... Not that I've ever tried it or anything!

      --
      There is nothing more practical than a good abstract theory.
  6. That's funny by CSMastermind · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The north pole? Intersting but wouldn't it be great to place a wireless node on every telephone pole? Just a public accessable wireless network that was free to use. Maybe included wireless networks in every government building. I really do feel wireless is the future of networking. We should take steps now to set up a huge coast to coast wireless network.

    1. Re:That's funny by XpirateX · · Score: 1

      "Spend billions now, or thousands later." After manufacturing costs become a fraction of what they are now; after standards and protocols change for the nth time, maybe you'd be second guessing a massive governmental rollout of a nationwide wifi blanket.
      Besides, our money is being better spent...wait no, scratch that last bit.

    2. Re:That's funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "...wouldn't it be great to place a wireless node on every telephone pole? Just a public accessable wireless network that was free to use...."

      Yes, it would be great. And it would be great too if money grew on trees. Who is gonna pay for that free service? It's nice to have dreams... sorry for the negative waves.

  7. "Potentially" by NitsujTPU · · Score: 5, Funny

    including, potentially, financial transactions

    Also including, potentially, browsing for porn and hot online cybersex.

    1. Re:"Potentially" by pete19 · · Score: 1

      Also including, potentially, browsing for porn and hot online cybersex. The word 'hot' being used loosely!

      --
      There is nothing more practical than a good abstract theory.
    2. Re:"Potentially" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      and hot online cybersex

      a/s/l

      51/m/middle of freakin' nowhere freezing my ass off

      OR...

      Hot male here. 51 and in North Pole looking for bunny to warm me.

  8. Mail your wish lists! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    So now we can mail Santa Clause?

    Great :D

    1. Re:Mail your wish lists! by Lapsed+Catholic · · Score: 2, Funny

      So now we can mail Santa Clause?

      From: joe@sixpack.com
      To: santa@northpole.org
      Subject: Filthy Communist!

      Dear Santa,

      You are no longer welcome in our home. I have been distressed to learn that a public access point exists at the North Pole, which means you must be a Communist who hates the American way of life.

      We should have known, with the RED suit, and the commune of little elves!

  9. Financial Transactions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Looks like somebody forgot to prepare their taxes before going to the north pole, and now has to file electronically huh? There's no escaping taxes.

  10. X-max list by wyckedone · · Score: 1, Funny

    Now Santa can get those emailed Christmas wish list a lot faster. He was getting tired of dial-up.

    1. Re:X-max list by grozzie2 · · Score: 1

      Take a close look at the article, they are using irridium for the backhaul. Irridium is 2400 baud dialup on a satellite phone.

  11. Good News for Santa... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...now on those sleigh rides he'll finally be able to kill some time browsing /.

  12. Learn more where? by CSMastermind · · Score: 1

    Heh well if we're on the topic of intersting places to put wireless, why didn't we stick a network on Antartica? I mean if I remember correctly there's no body of land at the north pole...just a whole lot of water and ice.

    1. Re:Learn more where? by fm6 · · Score: 1

      I imagine there already is a lot, given all the scientific work that goes on in Antarctica. Except at the south pole itself. Why not there? Because it's a prime location for radio astronomy.

  13. -30 degrees celcius! by Winckle · · Score: 5, Funny

    Imagine the overclocking!

  14. Re:Slowin' down... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Didn't you mean speeding up then?

  15. But.. but.. by Raleel · · Score: 1

    Do they have hot mochas and hot chics? No? worthless hotspot :)

    --
    -- Who is the bigger fool? The fool or the fool who follows him? --
  16. maybe they should try an amd system by squarefish · · Score: 1

    s the air temperature rarely rises above -30 Celsius, according to Intel.

    but those suckers would probably melt the ice instead.

    --
    Creationists are a lot like zombies. Slow, but powerful and numerous. And they all want to eat our brains.
  17. Silent computing by lakeland · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I bet that at -39 you wouldn't even need a heatsink!

  18. Depending on their security settings... by The+Hobo · · Score: 1

    This could give a whole new meaning to wardrivng.

    --
    There is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men. -- Boondock Saints
    1. Re:Depending on their security settings... by hawk · · Score: 1

      So if you connect the antenna to the skin of your nuclear sub, does it increase the range for this?

      And is the the range the same in the z axis as fofr x & y?

      hawk

  19. Municipal wi-fi KILLS Competition by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Kills any chance of an elf-based ISP startup.

  20. oh boy by The_Ubergreek · · Score: 1

    Great, Now I can play Halo2 online when I'm bringing my mail to Santa.

  21. ummmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hot spot, north pole

    ohhhhhhh

    I get it.. *slaps knee*

  22. Not Suprising by Aoverify · · Score: 0, Redundant

    People have been using liquid nitrogen to cool their extremely overclocked off-the-shelf CPUs for years.

  23. so, by fmobus · · Score: 0, Redundant

    There won't be "warchalking" in such place?

    1. Re:so, by B3ryllium · · Score: 1

      Finally, a use for the yellow snow!

      "Ohhhhhh yeah, that's the spot!"

  24. Business Opportunity by DyslexicLegume · · Score: 1

    I can't wait for Starbucks to start setting up shops there...it's like they can just grow them wherever they want to...or they're like the cheaply constructed buildings in Monty Python that only stand up if the owner wills them to.

  25. News headlines for 2005.4.16 by showardkid · · Score: 4, Funny
    New phishing scam originates in Barneo ice camp

    Sources say that the scammers set up a wireless hotspot and commenced hosting a web page on an Apache web server.

    --
    Do, do not, or delegate to someone else: there is no try.
  26. I think you mean... by alienmole · · Score: 1

    ...warskiing.

  27. I needed this. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Just the other day I was at the north pole and I needed to read about frostbite on Wikipedia.


    Now I can.


    Finally.

  28. TLD? by harmonica · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Antarctica has .aq, but what about the north pole?

    1. Re:TLD? by BrainSurgeon · · Score: 1

      domain.nope

      :-)

      --
      "It's not rocket science, Smithers! It's only brain surgery!" --Mr. Burns
    2. Re:TLD? by Toba82 · · Score: 1

      Nothing for itself - it's not land (last I heard, there isn't a .po extension for the Pacific Ocean). I *would* like to know the IP range they're serving up there though... maybe they DO have a webserver.

      --
      I pretend to know more than I really do by mooching off google and wikipedia.
    3. Re:TLD? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Antarctica has had wifi for a long time as well. The north pole melts every year.

  29. Penguins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    OF COURSE PENGUINS LIVE IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE!!

    Lameness filter encountered. Post aborted!
    Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.

  30. Re:I wonder what its SSID says... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I dare someone to go up there and wardrive!

    That's warsnowmobiling.

  31. WEP Key already cracked by StuffJustHappens · · Score: 1

    It was 3030303030

    --
    --What's this sig thing all about then? Should I have one?
    1. Re:WEP Key already cracked by MHobbit · · Score: 1

      You're wrong. It was DEADBEEFDEADBEFDEADBEEF.

      (Ok, if you don't remember that article about the FBI cracking into a WEP network in 3 minutes, then you don't know what I'm talking about. Otherwise... yeah.)

      --
      Debugging? Klingons do not debug. Bugs are good for building character in the user.
  32. I can see it now... by BrainSurgeon · · Score: 4, Funny

    Prof Tom: "Damn it Bob! Quit tying up the satellite phone! I need to get online!"

    Prof Bob (on the Phone): "No, I love you more!...No, you hang up first.."

    Prof Tom: "Damn it Bob! My "online" girlfriend goes to bed at 11! HURRY UP!"

    --
    "It's not rocket science, Smithers! It's only brain surgery!" --Mr. Burns
    1. Re:I can see it now... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      you wrote this wrong.

      It should say:

      Prof Tom: "Damn it Bob! My online "girl"friend goes to bed at 11! HURRY UP!"

  33. Definitely not broadband by jessehager · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Iridium satellite data services:
    Dial-up-data: 2.4 kbps
    Direct Internet Data: 10 kbps (when the compression is working)

    1. Re:Definitely not broadband by Reaperducer · · Score: 1

      Would they use Iridium phones up there? I'd think something along the lines of Inmarsat would be better suited for the task.

      --
      -- I'm old enough to have lived through six different meanings of the word "hacker."
    2. Re:Definitely not broadband by EvilNecro · · Score: 1

      You beat me too it... I have done some work transferring data over Iridium in the past. Agonizingly slow and huge latency issues. Only appy if you've used a 1200 baud modem before, just so you can have flashbacks!

    3. Re:Definitely not broadband by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Iridium satellite data services:
      Maximum Connection Duration: 5 minutes.

      I hear if you use multiple phones (~4) you can keep the connection going for hours.

    4. Re:Definitely not broadband by rdl · · Score: 1

      Geostationary satellites don't have coverage at the poles, as you'd need a negative elevation angle (it'd work if you built a many hundred mile high pole for the satellite dish)

      Only LEO constellations (Iridium being the only commercial one which does comms operational today) or polar orbit satellites are suitable.

      Inmarsat is almost entirely GEO-based. Their high speed data service, RBGAN, is only available in certain regions, too. (roughly the same as Thuraya coverage area, since they use the same satellites)

    5. Re:Definitely not broadband by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Geostationary satellites don't have coverage at the poles, as you'd need a negative elevation angle (it'd work if you built a many hundred mile high pole for the satellite dish)

      Actually GEOS is used from the South Pole. It's the main data link. Of course you are still right, the satellite used is "out of gas" and wobbles up and down during it's orbit. It's only visible for a few hours a day, but still a whole lot better than Iridium. Instead of a tower, they are planning on running a data cable from South Pole to north to Dome C. That way they can have a 24 hour high speed link.

    6. Re:Definitely not broadband by Reaperducer · · Score: 1

      Excellent information. Thanks.

      --
      -- I'm old enough to have lived through six different meanings of the word "hacker."
  34. Huh? by Leomania · · Score: 4, Funny

    those at the camp use the hotspot access for chores ranging from e-mail to getting real-time weather conditions

    Folks... you're in a tent at the north pole... you don't need an internet connection to check on weather conditions! Just open the tent flap, for goodness' sake.

    - Leo

    --
    You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right.
    1. Re:Huh? by MrNonchalant · · Score: 1

      Folks... you're in a tent at the north pole... you don't need an internet connection to check on weather conditions! Just open the tent flap, for goodness' sake.

      Submitter omitted information, they're checking real-time weather for Mexico City, the Bahamas, and Morocco. And trying desperately to pretend that they are there.

    2. Re:Huh? by Tim · · Score: 1

      I realize that you're joking, but there's a serious point here: when you're miles away from civilization, with only a tiny shack or a bit of nylon protecting you from the elements, it is very useful to know what kind of weather is heading in your direction.

      As any serious camper/hiker/climber knows, a few hours' notice of a storm is enough to save your life.

      --
      Let's try not to let fact interfere with our speculation here, OK?
    3. Re:Huh? by arose · · Score: 1

      Where would they go?

      --
      Analogies don't equal equalities, they are merely somewhat analogous.
    4. Re:Huh? by GigsVT · · Score: 1

      Doesn't much matter, snow is a good insulator, once their buildings get buried in, it should be pretty easy to keep warm.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    5. Re:Huh? by Tim · · Score: 1

      They don't necessarily have to go anywhere. Preparations could be as simple as reinforcing their shelter against strong winds, or tying down supplies.

      Of course, I would imagine that these guys could be rescued by air, should they have advance notice of any really serious weather.

      --
      Let's try not to let fact interfere with our speculation here, OK?
    6. Re:Huh? by Leomania · · Score: 1

      Submitter omitted information

      Well, yes, this is Slashdot, after all...

      But seriously, I assumed that... but I couldn't think of any angle to be funny that way. I gots to take my yuks where I can gets 'em.

      - Leo

      --
      You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right.
    7. Re:Huh? by MrNonchalant · · Score: 1

      I was actually attempting be funny. I have no idea where they're checking weather for. But yeah, your idea was better as indicated by the +5.

    8. Re:Huh? by MoogMan · · Score: 1

      Hehe, I can see it now:

      Monday: Very Cold.
      Tuesday: Very Cold.
      Wednesday: Very Cold.
      Thursday: Very Cold.
      Friday: Get your shorts out!... Nah, only kidding. Very Cold.

  35. That's Just Great. by Goo.cc · · Score: 1

    Now my spam can find me anywhere on earth. Thanks!

  36. OC anyone? by stm2 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Some thoughts about IT in the poles:

    - It should be easy for overclockers to play there.
    - Computers must be very silent, since they don't need coolers.
    - You could put use the heat grid at the side of the notebook to warm your hands (I do it sometimes without living in the north pole).
    - IceWM must be default desktop manager.
    - ??

    --
    DNA in your Linux: DNALinux
  37. Mods by northcat · · Score: 5, Funny

    Informative? INFORMATIVE?!?

    1. Re:Mods by NitsujTPU · · Score: 1

      Yeah, it was really more intended to be funny. I just hate when people use a concept that is impossible to prove as fact. They use it loosely, so you can't say "you don't know that".

      Nice.

      That hotspot could also, potentially, be used to launch nuclear weapons and online hunting.

    2. Re:Mods by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You don't get any karma for "Funny" mods, so moderators who appreciate a funny post often toss some "Interesting"s or "Informative"s in there to give the comedian some credit.

      I feel like such a /. geek.

  38. perhaps... by mangus_angus · · Score: 0

    The hotspot uses Intel's Centrino equipment

    Perhaps someone has finally found the perfect and cheap way to cool those warm little Intel Chips.

  39. That be COMMIE-NISM! Outlaw it now! by Cryofan · · Score: 1

    verizon and comcast will "fund" the legislation....

    --
    eat shiat and bark at the moon
    1. Re:That be COMMIE-NISM! Outlaw it now! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      lol no one takes you seriously because you always turn a rational discussion into some irrational debate about your political extremes. even most socialists aren't as retarded as you

    2. Re:That be COMMIE-NISM! Outlaw it now! by Cryofan · · Score: 1

      satire == beyond_you;

      --
      eat shiat and bark at the moon
  40. If there's a hotspot... by Ruprecht+the+Monkeyb · · Score: 3, Funny

    there'll be a Starbucks there within a week.

  41. Let the Soviet jokes begin... by blueadept1 · · Score: 1, Funny

    "Two Moscow-based Intel employees..." In Soviet Russia, Wi-Fi hotspots get the North Pole! err...

  42. The Geekiest job at the North Pole by barfy · · Score: 2, Funny

    Used to be Dentist... Now it's IT Guy...

  43. Pfft, the northpole is only NOW getting wifi... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    We've already got hotspots at Concordia station and Amundsen-Scott. Had 'em for years.

  44. Been watching too much pr0n by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I read this as "North's pole gets Wi-Fi hotspot".

  45. Bandwidth leeches of the North Pole by willith · · Score: 1

    This oughta give the elves a good chance to try out his w1r3l355 sk177z! All they gotta do is hook up that wireless adapter up to bigred.santa.org, set it to promiscuous mode and fire up with Ethereal. They'll be through the WEP in no time, and then the way will be cleared for them to download as much hot elf-on-reindeer action as they can handle!

    I bet Santa haX.

  46. Don't tell this guy... by IronChefMorimoto · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Keep this to yourselves, folks. Otherwise, those poor Russians will have this guy just randomly showing up in a parka he found in a dumpster wanting to set up his abandoned CPU and monitor:

    http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000263038617/

    IronChefMorimoto

  47. If this were an American -30F hotspot... by IronChefMorimoto · · Score: 1

    ...tonight (April 15) they'd all be huddled around waiting for turns with TaxCut.

    for taking care of matters at home, including, potentially, financial transactions.
    IronChefMorimoto
  48. HOORAY!!! by atomm1024 · · Score: 2, Funny
    Pokey and his pals can now enjoy fun and learning with wireless UNTERNET!!!!

    (Authentic Pokey all-caps type omitted because of the lame lameness filter. Apologies for any lack of fun happy this may have caused.)

    --
    Signature.
  49. Now we know why by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The polar ice cap is melting.

  50. -30 C, eh. So I'm guessing ... by fygment · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... CPU and case cooling isn't a problem. It runs totally quiet. That peristent deafening blowing sound? That'd be the WIND!

    --
    "Consensus" in science is _always_ a political construct.
  51. ASL by Rie+Beam · · Score: 2, Funny

    27/m/NPole

  52. Don't put one in the Senate by Mr.+Underbridge · · Score: 1
    Boy! its a good thing they didn't put one under the sea.. I dont know if intel would want to take responsibility for a wetspot.

    Rather have a wet spot than a Santorum-spot. Then you really have to change the sheets.

  53. Isn't it obvious? by PetoskeyGuy · · Score: 4, Funny

    The North Pole is .ic

  54. Weather? by kniLnamiJ-neB · · Score: 1
    getting real-time weather conditions
    You mean they don't already KNOW the weather at the NORTH POLE?
    --
    Windows isn't the answer... it's the question. NO is the answer!
  55. Come on guys... by macintoshguy · · Score: 1

    I refuse to call it the north pole; it is henceforth known as the ice-planet of Hoth!

  56. Son of a.... by KipCas · · Score: 1

    No WiFi where "I" live, but the frikin Island of Misfit Toys has a hot spot. That's just great.

    --
    Turk: Let's play Steak. J.D.: What? Turk: Steak. The 1st person to finish their steak is the winner of Steak. -Scrubs
  57. smashing by SuperBanana · · Score: 2, Funny
    Intersting but wouldn't it be great to place a wireless node on every telephone pole? Just a public accessable wireless network that was free to use.

    Smashing idea! Because after all, it's cheaper to put two electronic boxes on top of two poles than to run a wire between the two poles. Geez, those silly phone companies, what were they thinking.

    --
    Please help metamoderate.
  58. Re:I wonder what its SSID says... by antdude · · Score: 1

    Or warsledding that someone mentioned earlier. Heh. :)

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  59. It's being done by mg2 · · Score: 1

    Say hello to Ricochet.

    They're doing what you proposed - wireless nodes on telephone poles. Streetlights, too.

  60. Kelvin start at -270... by puregen1us · · Score: 3, Informative

    I think you need to put in a minus sign or two...

    -240 Celsius = 35 Kelvin

    0K = absolute 0 = -273 C or thereabouts.

    0C = 273 K

    240C = 240 + 273...

    Alex

  61. RIAA files new wave of lawsuits against Santa by Kylere · · Score: 2, Funny

    Los Angeles, 2009. The RIAA today announced that they have filed 9 "John Doe" IP based lawsuits against file sharers abusing the North Pole Hot Spot to download evil MP3 files. Using their powers under the CAN-RIGHTS law, they lauched a ICBM with 10 MIRV based 20 Megaton nuclear warheads.

    This meets their new slogan, "The RIAA - Megatons for Megabytes!"

  62. WRONG! Thermal Velocity != Current Velocity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    That's patently false. Absolute zero is the temp at which thermal velocity (vibration, rotation of particles) stops. There is no reason why it would prevent ELECTRICAL fields from inducing electron flows.

    An electron at absolute zero is still fully capable of moving in response to an electrical field. Now, granted, when the electrons start moving, you can talk about them having a temperature. However, that's just a manifestation of the transfer of energy (electrical potential -> kinetic/temperature). Once that energy is used to do work, ie, emitting a photon from an LED, then the temp is back down to absolute zero.

    Yes, I am a physicist.

    1. Re:WRONG! Thermal Velocity != Current Velocity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Try reading up on Bose-Einstein Condensation. You'll realize there is more to it then you think.

    2. Re:WRONG! Thermal Velocity != Current Velocity by jacksonj04 · · Score: 2, Informative

      We obey the laws of thermodynamics in this house.

      --
      How many people can read hex if only you and dead people can read hex?
    3. Re:WRONG! Thermal Velocity != Current Velocity by nihilogos · · Score: 1

      Now, granted, when the electrons start moving, you can talk about them having a temperature.

      Well, that was my point.

      --
      :wq
  63. Safe from WEP cracking! by antsquish · · Score: 1

    I guess they don't have to worry too much about anyone trying to crack their WEP keys... :-)

  64. Does it run Linux? by Ph33r+th3+g(O)at · · Score: 3, Funny

    I assume it would support ELF binaries?

    --
    I too have felt the cold finger of injustice.
  65. Papa Johns.com by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    including, potentially, financial transactions.

    I wonder if papa johns delivers to the north pole.
    Pizza anyone?

  66. Hotspot... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hotspot? Don't they have to worry about global warming?

  67. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  68. News Flash: Russians set up WiFi in Canada!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ummm.. yea, the North Pole is in Canada....

    1. Re:News Flash: Russians set up WiFi in Canada!! by XnR'rn · · Score: 0

      Only the magnetic north pole is.

  69. security by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ICE, duh!

  70. Re:-30 C, eh. So I'm guessing ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Mod Parent up!

  71. YES!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    INDEED!! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND AT A HOT SPOT IN HTE^H^H^H THE ARCTIC CIRCLE!!!

    Hello,
    We tried contacting you awhile ago about your low interest morta(ge rate.
    You have qualified for the lowest rate in years...
    You could get over $380,000 for as little as $500 a month!
    Ba(d credit? Doesn't matter, low rates are fixed no matter what!

  72. Great for Research by Delilah+Jones · · Score: 1

    Seriously, though.

    Don't you think that this would be a valuable research tool? I mean, where else would you be able to experiment with wireless connections in subzero temperatures? ...apart from the freezer at Costco, I mean.

    --
    http://augustwestproducts.i8.com
    1. Re:Great for Research by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What a worthless experiment that would be. Do you really think electromagnetic waves stop propagating at temperatures of -30 degrees?

      Oh, but you meant your post as a joke because of the Costco comment. ROR YUO ARE FUNNY.

  73. Stressful Conditions? by LordoftheFrings · · Score: 1

    Why would the extreme cold be stressful for computing parts? While it would sort of suck if condensation got everywhere and shorted out stuff, that's not a possibility at arctic-cold temperatures because water couldn't get hot enough to form a liquid, I wouldn't think. Unless some components get hard enough to cause the cold air around them to condense, I don't see extreme cold as being a problem.

    --
    Canadian Cynic, canadian politics is less boring than you
    1. Re:Stressful Conditions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      sigh, retard

    2. Re:Stressful Conditions? by Detritus · · Score: 1
      Thermal coefficients of expansion. Changes in physical and electrical properties of materials. Reductions in chemical reaction rates.

      Materials become brittle. Batteries don't work. Lubricants congeal. Differing thermal coefficients of expansion cause poor contact or mechanical failure from stress. Parameter shifts in electronic components can exceed design specifications.

      It's a real problem. That's why a lot of equipment is installed in an insulated box with a thermostat and an electric heater. Extreme cold can cause permanent failure.

      --
      Mea navis aericumbens anguillis abundat
  74. Will they use it to read slashdot? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I can see it now...

    Frost post!

  75. Nope by hawk · · Score: 3, Funny
    They're using intel chips. It may be -30 outside, but it sure isn't inside the case . . .

    :)

    hawk

  76. All year weather prediction by diablobsb · · Score: 1

    Here are some real-time weather conditions for you folks...
    ASS FREEZING COLD
    (don't believe me? just go outside on a bathing suit)

    these predictions will be valid all year long...
    thank you

    --
    I for one, welcome our new hot grits... PROFIT!
  77. Oh noes! by ErZo · · Score: 2, Funny

    Gee, Now WHO take the blame of melting the polar caps?
    Intel of course!

    Basterds with those hotspots!

    --
    In the Soviet Union, signatures writes you!
  78. Of course, this would be illegal in the U.S. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They'd should have asked verizon first.

    Otherwise, its just communism.

  79. Weather? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why would you need access to weather?

    *Click* damn, it's gonna be cold
    *Click* damn, it's gonna be cold
    *Click* damn, it's gonna be cold
    *Click* damn, it's gonna be cold
    *Click* damn, it's gonna be cold

  80. This opens up a lot of possibilities! by xander2032 · · Score: 1

    hmmmmmmmmm... "including, potentially, financial transactions"

    Let's see... you're stuck at the north pole, it's freakin' cold outside, sure you have shit to do, but c'mon? Who wants to work! "financial transactions" eh... I'm thinking online gambling and LOTS of porn! And I'm sure that's what intel meant by "financial transactions"! They just didn't want to come out and say it. ;)

  81. Re:Warsledding by L0k11 · · Score: 1

    I had this image of a polar bear sitting on a laptop stealing bandwidth...

    --
    "Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything" -- Josef Stalin
  82. I just hope... by kcorporation · · Score: 0

    ...that the processor doesn't speed up ice cap melting! *ducks*

  83. getting real-time weather conditions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Weather today:
    Chance of rain: 0%
    Chance of snow: 0%
    Chance of wind: 100% mild 150 Mph gales

    Temperature: My God Man, Get Inside! Brrrr!

  84. Who cares!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I know I don't . . . Slashdot has gone from suck to blow . . .

  85. Damn I should be there overclocking :) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Forget the WIFI, it should be a good place to o/c... -30 deg ambient!

  86. not ideal for computers? by nilbog · · Score: 1

    -30 Celsius are you kidding me? You could clock that baby up so fast, and you wouldn't even have to buy all that expensive cooling stuff, or a case for that matter. Sounds like overclocking heaven to me!

    --
    or else!
  87. WRONG? Thermal Velocity != Current Velocity by Dolda2000 · · Score: 1
    However, that's just a manifestation of the transfer of energy
    Considering how no energy transfer I've ever seen has been possible to carry out with 100% efficiency, I find it hard to believe that any device doing anything would actually be able to be at absolute zero.
    1. Re:WRONG? Thermal Velocity != Current Velocity by explosive3d · · Score: 1
      Considering how no energy transfer I've ever seen has been possible to carry out with 100% efficiency, I find it hard to believe that any device doing anything would actually be able to be at absolute zero.


      I think you might be wrong on this. At absolute zero (which I dont believe exists, except maybe in the darkest corners of the universe) the copper interconnects used in computers would manifest superconductivity. This happens when the copper gets below somewhere around 27 Kelvin (really cold). At these temps circuits operate at 100% efficiency.

      Still, the camp environment is never ideal for computer devices, as the air temperature rarely rises above -30 Celsius, according to Intel.


      I think the computer devices would function just fine, he probably means to say that it is difficult for us humans to use these devices in these conditions.

      I would imagine it could be a bit tough to type with ski gloves on ;)

      Just my 2 cents.
  88. Re:Warsledding by Taladar · · Score: 1

    I don't think a Laptop with a polar bear sitting on it is able to steal much bandwidth.

    --
    Linux is not Windows
  89. DID YOU FAIL PHYSICS? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    i cant believe ur a physicist.

    1. Re:DID YOU FAIL PHYSICS? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      i cant believe ur a physicist.

      He's not, but he plays one on tv...

  90. What, no "frost pist" posts? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm disappinted. I went looking for "frost pist" jokes, and there aren't any. Seems a natural.

  91. Great.... by MSDos-486 · · Score: 1

    Now to find a Wifi card for my Kaypro

  92. Dear Intel... by LuisAnaya · · Score: 1

    Dear Intel: Thank you for the WiFi hot spot. Now keeping track of nice and naugty children is a breeze, specially when I'm playing ice golf with the elves, I just take my laptop and keep an eye on the nice gauge between pars. The Mrs. has been elated, she can actually do her online shopping while whale watching. It is sometime tough do to order fulfillment to several million kids and have some time off to pursue our hobbies. Thank you very much, expect something extra nice under the tree this december. Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

    --
    Vi havas e-poston.
  93. Re:Warsledding by epee1221 · · Score: 1

    I'm going to have to try warsledding during college (I'll be going to school on the UP).

    --
    "The use-mention distinction" is not "enforced here."