GMWDesign

Still Not Convinced Clear Internet is the Answer

// September 20th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Random Thoughts

The idea of Clear is appealing, but the actual service has let me down several times in the last 3 weeks I’ve had the service.

So far I’ve only been able to connect the USB device 50% of the time. I try to use the service mainly when I’m at my sons baseball practices. These are outdoors in the middle of open fields. There should be no issue grabbing a “clear” signal. But I’ve still had issue.

Keep in mind I’m on a mac.

The USB piece will keep trying to connect over and over again requiring you to put in your password each time. I’ve also noticed that the clear connection manager will get stuck on “obtaining IP address”, but the network manager on the mac will show it as connected. You’re able to cruise the internet fine while it’s in this mode even thought the Clear manager reads obtaining IP.

The home unit has never showed more than 2 bars and most of the time it’s only at 1 bar. The most annoying part of the home system is buffering on youtube and other internet related videos. The speeds of the home unit are less that desired. With Cox cable I could watch any video without the pausing for re-buffering. This just isn’t the case with Clear. It can’t keep up.

I’d rather they save some money on advertising and upgrade the speeds of their service. It needs to happen if they want to compete in the future.

Comment from Friend & Freelancer “There’s just no work out there”

// August 20th, 2009 // No Comments » // Random Thoughts

That was a quote from a friend of mine in Vegas. Frustrated about his lack of freelance business. The best advise I can give someone trying to build up their freelance book…GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! If business is slow then you have no reason to sit there. Most of the networking events are free and you don’t have to drink. If you don’t feel comfortable standing there without a drink, order a water with lime. That way you save money, stay sober & still look cool.

I visited a local Vegas networking event last night called “The Executive Lounge” (www.theexecutivelounge.com). The event is perfect for a freelancer. There’s a new location at The Sterling Club located in Turnberry Place. The drinks cost a little more than the old location at Lavo, but you can’t beat the class of people that attend.

I met with people at every level of business, but mostly people at the top of their field. Regardless of your social status everyone here is interested in meeting other business types. No one tries to shove their business in your face. If the subject came up then we talked about it. If not, sports, hobbies, kids, insert topic.

There are a couple networking events I like, but none of them have the vibe that Executive Lounge is providing. I would suggest signing up at Meetup.com and finding topics that fit your criteria. Today Smashing Magazine posted “6 Simple Ways For Freelancers To Increase Productivity“. Worth reading if you’re a full or part-time freelancer.