So I recently purchased a netbook for the ability to work on my website from anywhere.  Great tax write-off.  The problem is, for the first time since my laptop broke back in 2007 I have to deal with WiFi again.  I hate WiFi.

Let me tell you that I love the ability to access the internet wirelessly.  It’s convenient and fast.  It’s especially convenient when you want to sit on the couch and watch football while working on your website at the same time (as I’m doing today).  But I hate WiFi.

Why do I hate WiFi?  Because WiFi is as reliable as a Ford Pinto that’s been in 2 or 3 accidents and has water damage.  I’ve never had a router that simply WORKED.  I’ve purchased and/or set up a half-dozen routers over the years and never had one that simply worked.  Some are easy to set up and then constantly die and need to be restarted.  Some take 5 years to set up but then work great until something goes wrong and it takes another 5 years to get working again.

My most recent experience with purchasing a router went smoothly.  It’s a new Linksys one that looks, dare I say it, sexy (not like the old school one up top).  The set-up was quick and easy and after a few days with it I’ve had no problems.  Even got all the security set up without issue.  Hopefully if I ever have some time I’ll make part of the signal public so I can see what my neighbors are using my internet for.  By the way, if you’re stealing WiFi from the neighbor, there is a chance that neighbor set up the router so that they can simply watch what you’re doing.  Fun pass-time.

So when the router actually is working it’s the wireless card that causes problems.  My netbook came with a wireless card utility installed by Dell.  It’s ridiculous.  Every time the Dell powers down it turns off the card.  When it powers back up it doesn’t turn the card back on.  Changing the settings in the utility didn’t help.  So after a week of that crap I uninstalled the utility and went with the default Windows manager that isn’t stupid.

Wireless shouldn’t be this hard.  I shouldn’t have to hit the reset button and unplug my modem every other day.  But I’ve learned to live with it the same way Redskins fans have to learn to live with the fact they broke the Detroit Lions’ losing streak.  It’s bound to happen, but at least you’re still playing football.  And like that, I need WiFi to improve my life.  It doesn’t work the way I want it to, not by a long shot, but it’s good enough.

I suppose maybe I don’t hate WiFi.  Maybe I just love to hate it.  Whatever.  If you need me I’ll be on the couch, or holding down the reset button on the router.

By The Weakonomist

The Weakonomist is the founder of Weakonomics. Clicking the picture of the puppy will tell you more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts below. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. Also keep in mind that nothing I say can be construed as financial advice.

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