The Wandering Traveler
2 stars
Millions of people communicate through e-mail. It is only fitting that a book be written for all those e-mail junkies who feel the need to check their mail wherever they might roam. "Cybercafes A Worldwide Guide For Travelers," written by the group at cyberkath@traveltales.com, offers a guide to internet cafes worldwide.
"Cybercafes" is a pocket-sized guide that lists 530 cybercafes in 64 countries around the world. Organized into the regional sections of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, North America, Central and South America and Asia and the Pacific, "Cybercafes" is an easy tool to find a cafe with Internet access wherever a traveler might wander.
The guide outlines clear directions on how to locate the various cafes and uses a set of codes to describe what each cafe offers. For example, the number of computers available is indicated by a number printed in the middle of a small computer symbol. There are also symbols for scanners, black and white and color printers, and the availability of AOL software.
Why, one might wonder, would anyone care to read this? The author directly addresses this question. The author is of the opinion, or at least pretends to believe, that the only excuses for using the Internet on a luxurious vacation are the following: "A. The weather is absolutely appalling. B. You lack travel information. C. You are having a trivial argument that needs answering through information on the Net and, finally, D. You realize you are no longer able to cope with real life." Whatever the reason, if you have a desperate need to use the Internet while away from home, Cybercafes is the perfect guide to bring along.
In addition to the many cafes that "Cybercafes" introduces, the guide also includes a money conversion chart that enables travelers to know how much they are paying for their Internet time. In addition, it contains a metric conversion chart, yet the use for this is still unclear. It also contains a handy log at the end of the book in which to write all crucial e-mail addresses that one will need while on vacation.
Out of the 530 Cybercafes listed worldwide, one cafe from Michigan was included. It is Cybercafe@birmingham located at 750 South Old Woodwar Ave. in Birmingham. It contains 15 computers, both color and black and white printers, has a scanner and AOL access. It also contains the unique video-conferencing software Cu-SeeMe. As an added bonus, those who walk into the cafe holding a copy of "Cybercafes" will receive 15 minutes of free on-line time with a minimum purchase.
To most, the idea of "Cybercafes A Worldwide Guide for Travelers" seems a bit odd. Now, no matter where they might roam, the Internet obsessed will suffer no more anxiety attacks because a cybercafe is just minutes away.
- Corinne Schneider
09-15-98
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