When Apple pre-announced the iPad, I was disappointed at what appeared to be an iPod Touch on steroids. I didn’t understand what was so “revolutionary” and “magical” about it.

Now that I’ve been using the iPad for a couple of weeks, I get it. The device does live up to the hype. In fact, I like it better for just about every online activity…watching a video, e-reading (even over the Kindle), typing out a business email, gaming or just plain web browsing. My iPad sits on the coffee table in our family room so that it’s always within reach, and I find that I prefer it to my laptop and other mobile devices (which include an iPhone and a Nexus One). It’s fun, intuitive, and magical. I love my iPad (as you can see from the photo that my wife took).

So far, my only complaint about the iPad is that it’s heavy. As a lap device, it’s fine. But if it’s not resting or propped against something, it’s a bit cumbersome.

I’ve read some reviews that suggest the iPad is only for certain usage scenarios such as home entertainment. I disagree. I think the iPad will eventually find its way into everyday use, inside and outside the home. The device is revolutionary as it is, and it will only grow more useful and powerful as developers build up the iPad applications ecosystem. There’s no telling which use cases we’ll be discussing a year from now.

The final verdict: the iPad is a fun toy and a game changer. What do you think?

iPad Penetration Doubles Previous Second Place Mobile Device

Shocked. That may be the only word to describe our disposition after looking at updated web analytics for our managed network of hotspots. Within four days of release, the iPad has moved into second place among non-laptop devices, more than doubling the traffic of Android phones, and eclipsing the volume of devices from Blackberry and Windows Mobile.

The iPhone took significantly longer to make this kind of impact when it was released in 2007, and the radical growth it experienced didn’t take off until the 3G edition was launched a year later (at a significantly lower price).

The release is here.

On Monday, we announced a new app to purchase one-hour Wi-Fi credits directly from Apple iTunes. We also launched a contest to give away an iPad to the 1000th customer of the new Boingo app. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect the winner to materialize within hours of our announcement!

To keep the party going, we’re upping the ante with a bigger and better giveaway: one million free Wi-Fi credits. That’s a buttload of Wi-Fi! To qualify, all you have to do is tattoo a permanent Boingo logo somewhere on your body. Before you run out and make this commitment, however, be sure to read our full contest rules, including terms and conditions here.

Read our press announcement here.

If you need recommendations for tattoo parlors, we know of a few fine establishments that guarantee clean needles and plenty of painkillers. That’s because we’re no stranger to going under the needle — many of us, including our CEO Dave Hagan, sport one (even two) Boingo tattoos — yes, we dig our company.

Have you heard the news? By popular demand, we’ve launched a new iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad application that  allows you to purchase one-hour credits for Wi-Fi service directly from your Apple iTunes account. So you can buy $1.99 credits and redeem them — whenever it suits you — at 125,000+ Boingo hotspots worldwide. Looking for a Boingo Wi-Fi location while you’re on the go? There’s a mapping feature for that. You can read more details in our Boingo Wi-Fi Credits press release (note the “buy ten, get one free” special).

Now, onto iPad giveaway time. We’re really excited about the new Boingo app — so much so that we’re giving away an Apple iPad to the 1000th person to download and register the new Boingo Wi-Fi Credits app from Apple’s App Store.

With no further ado, here are the contest directions and rules:

1.    Go to the iTunes App store and download the free Boingo Wi-Fi Credits app to your iPhone or iPod Touch.

2.    Once installed, launch the app and enter your email address. Note: a valid email is required to register your entry.

3.    Good news: You automatically win a Wi-Fi credit!

4.    Potentially fantastic news: If you’re the 1000th person to register your email address via the Boingo Wi-Fi Credits app, you win an Apple iPad!

The lucky winner will be notified via email and announced on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/boingo.

Recently, I asked several Boingo folks to each share one travel or technology obsession of the moment. Unsurprisingly, my colleagues had trouble picking just one. (I knew I was dealing with a bunch of geeks and dreamers.) In any case, I narrowed down the list to ten items, below. What is your current travel/technology obsession (and yes, it’s okay if you have more than one )?

1. The Apple iPad: “I’m excited that it will be the first e-reader in color.” Tim Fox, director of billing and reporting.
2. Animoto:  “Animoto takes your photos and video and turns them into these amazing little movies that will make your friends believe you’re a budding Spielberg.  Free.” Dawn Callahan, vice president of marketing.
3. Internet Radio App for Nokia Smartphones: “This is an all time killer app for me.  Clear digital stereo streaming of 100+ radio stations from across the globe. Works on wi-fi as well as 3G networks.” Kishore Raja, senior device engineer.
4. SonyPlaystation 3: “Blu-ray, games, 3D Movies coming this summer, Wi-Fi, and Netflix streaming — what more do you need?”  Sush Wu, software test engineer.
5. CNN App for Blackberry: This is my real-time “newspaper” fix during my bus commute to and from work.” Charmagne Drew, office manager.
6. Audible.com: “This service provides over 50,000 audio programs (e.g., books, magazines, newspapers). It’s great for when you’re stuck on a cross-country flight and want to  pass the time with entertaining/educational audio books…learn on the go!” Eric Blue, director of systems applications.
7. The Targus airplane laptop battery charger/adapter: “It converts a boring twelve-hour flight into a super-efficient time for getting through emails.” Luis Serrano, vice president of network strategy
8. Belize Cayes: “I’ve been to these tropical islands twice and never was there a boring moment. The snorkeling and marine life are ten times better than Hawaii’s or Cancun’s.” Marco Lopez, network operations analyst.
9. Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas: “When I go to Vegas, I always stay at Excalibur because of its location on the strip, the weekend rate deals, and the kid-friendly activities. I’ve also had some exciting times at the craps table there!” Cynthia Tarver, customer support representative.
10. Boracay Island in the Philippines: “This captivating island (located south of Manila) offers fine  white sand, clear water, delectable food, and hospitable people.” Rammel Salazar, finance analyst.

I’m good with holiday gift ideas — except that they come to me at inopportune times, like smack in the middle of summer. By the time December rolls around, I’ve completely forgotten all my ideas (yes, I’ve tried writing them down; I just can’t locate the list).  So frankly, I’m not the best person to be writing a holiday gift guide. However, my Boingo colleagues, when I polled them, had no trouble contributing some fantastic ideas:

1. Fueltank UNO charger, $39.95: “Charge just about any device without having to search around for an outlet.” Dave Hagan, CEO.
2. Panasonic Pet Cam, $250: “Watch what your pets (or thieves) are doing to your house.  It’s accessible best over a broadband connection like Wi-Fi  so you can watch from a Boingo location anywhere in the world.  And, and! You can move the camera around remotely—up, down and side to side.” Colby Goff, SVP Strategy.
3. Lensbaby SLR Camera Lens, $100-$350:  “Lensbaby camera lens are a great way to add a unique flavor (e.g., texture or color-wise) to photos. Great for both professional and amateur photographers.”  Brian Shields, Interactive Designer & Architect.
4. Funky, Chic and Cool Laptop Backpacks, $59-$145: “I’m a frequent traveler and have really been feeling the strain of lugging around my laptop. These laptop backpacks are great for comfort AND style. The Komen Paris Backpack by Mobile Edge looks like a winner and proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.” Danielle DiMatteo, Director of Customer Support.
5. Kiva.com, $25+:  “I’m giving gifts to my family this year through this online micro funding site to entrepreneurs in developing nations. www.kiva.org.”  Michelle Li, HR & Recruiting Manager.
6. Sony Sound Bar speaker system, $299.99: “Techies may be skeptical but trust me, this is amazing sound engineering.” Jim Lake, Senior  Client Software Developer.
7. Baggu Re-Usable Gift Bags, $6.50-$8.00: “Eliminate wasteful wrapping paper (according to Whole Foods blog, extra waste during the holidays amounts to 25 million tons of garbage) and provide an additional gift by encasing your gifts in a re-usable bag. Additional places to buy re-usable bags: Whole Foods, Novica, Reusablebags, and Ecobags. The planet will thank you.” Julie Gamble, Marketing Communications Manager.
8. Apple TV, $229: “An iPhone or iPod Touch with the remote app can control the Apple TV over any home Wi-Fi network. Once installed the user has full command of their iTunes music and video library in the palm of their hands. The integration is seamless and very easy to use.” Pete Hovenier, SVP Finance.
9. 64GB iPod Touch, $399: ” All the apps of iPhone fame, plenty of  storage for music and movies, and Boingo-compatible for fast access to downloads and streaming video.” Niels Jonker, CTO.
10. Omega Speedmaster Professional Watch, $2691: “This watch was tested and proven by NASA to withstand exposure to extreme temperatures, vacuum, intense humidity, corrosion, shock, acceleration, pressure, vibration and noise. So not only does it look fly, it’s the one and only watch that’s certified and used by NASA astronauts.” John Han, Operations Data Specialist.
11. Roku HD-XY Internet TV Box, $79.99-$129.99: “Simple-to-use set-top box for connecting Internet entertainment (from a Netflix account)  to the TV. It’s Wi-Fi enabled for super-fast downloads and great picture quality.” Larry Gamm, Network Operations Center Analyst.

Have you tried any of these products? If so, give us your feedback.

Happy Holidays from the Boingo Team!

Photographer Mark Leibowitz leads quite a cosmopolitan life: he travels all over the globe photographing fashion models and exotic cities. Open up an issue of Glamour or Conde Nast Traveler, and you’ll likely find Mark’s photographs. His signature prints — praised by the likes of Vanity Fair and New York Magazine — are a lovely fusion of documentary, travel, and fashion. Check out his portfolio here and prepare to be wowed.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview the gifted Mark Leibowitz about his travels:

• Is there a gadget you can’t live without?
  A camera. Whether it’s one of my professional cameras, a small point and shoot, or my iPhone, I always have one with me. Recently I’ve been shooting more with film cameras such as the Contax T2 and Toyo field cameras. They feel very retro even though digital cameras have really only come of age in the last five years.
• What are you listening to your on your iPod these days?
  Brett Dennen is my current favorite. I also just saw him in concert at the House of Blues which was a great show. It’s not often enough that I get to stand in front of the stage with a bunch of screaming fans.
• What is your favorite city in the world and why?
  Rio. I lived in Brazil for a couple of years and love the people. Photographically, the views have no equal and I love the proximity of the urban areas to the beach. Whether I’m shooting kids in the favelas, professional soccer players, or samba dancers, I find they are all beautiful and radiate an amazing energy.
• What book is on your nightstand?
  Right now I’m reading Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. Haven’t seen the movie and so far I am loving the book.
• Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?
  I just spent a week in Mozambique teaching photography to AIDS orphans and documenting a bit of their lives. The children are incredibly resilient, raising themselves and siblings with no parents. As we discussed business they believed in their power to participate in a global dialogue and support themselves despite their disadvantaged starting position. They asked intelligent questions and believed they were the solution, not the problem!
• Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?
  My recommendations for Rio: don’t wear jewelry, try the Açai, and if you’re going to the beach in Ipanema, go to Posto 9. You can’t go wrong with the churrascarias (steak houses) – Porcao is the famous one. You can also visit up and coming areas like Santa Teresa for some good finds (like the Asian restaurant I photographed for Traveler Magazine). I like the view better from Pao de Açucar than from Corcovado (the Christ Statue), and Ipanema offers better hotels and safer streets than Copacabana. If you have time to head out of the city, Buzious is great for singles or families  and Angra Dos Reis can’t be beat for couples.

To check out Mark’s website, visit:  http://www.leibowitzpictures.com

To read more about Mark’s humanitarian efforts in Mozambique, visit:  http://leibowitzpictures.blogspot.com

I have to admit, I was at first a little star struck by Frank Eliason. After all, as the person who established a new customer support paradigm on Twitter for Comcast, he’s a celebrity among the Twitterati. But when I met Frank at BlogWorld last month, he was just as nice as can be. The next time I saw him, he was leading a conference panel about customer support via social media. I’ve been a fan ever since. 

A lot has changed since Frank first introduced the concept of customer service on Twitter in April of 2008.  Now, many companies (including Boingo) view Twitter, Facebook, etc. as important channels for interacting with valued customers. See what you started, Frank?

Unsurprisingly, Frank travels a good deal. Below are a few of this travel tips:

• When you travel, what is the one item you always take with you?
  I can’t narrow it down to just one item! I always pack the same things:  iPhone, Netbook, laptop, wireless cards, toiletries and clothes. With all my electronics, you may not want to stand behind me in the security line, but rest assured I tend to be fast.

• What are you listening to your on your iPod these days?
  I am mainly into Billy Joel but am also listening to a Grammys CD that goes through all the years of the Grammys.

• What is your favorite city in the world and why?
  My favorite city is Venice.  I went there for my honeymoon and also after our daughter passed away.  During my honeymoon, I marveled over the city’s uniqueness. During our last visit, I also grew to appreciate the people, their spirit, and their generosity.

• What is your favorite dining spot in the world?
  There is a restaurant on top of the Hotel Danieli in Venice that has the most amazing view.  I highly recommend it.  Food is good too!  I hope to get back there some day.

• Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?
  I did not stay there, but during my last trip to Vegas I spent a lot of time at the Encore.  I am not a gambler, but I have to say I really enjoyed the restaurants and ambiance of the place.

• What’s the most surprising/unexpected place you’ve ever visited?
  Tallinn, Estonia.  I just loved that place.  It was amazing to see on one side, the Soviet-era housing and on the other side, a quaint older city that was thriving.

Frank, when you’re ready, please share with us the deets on your next pioneering project!

You asked for it, and we’ve delivered! Boingo Mobile, our Wi-Fi service for mobile devices and smartphones, is now available on the Blackberry® Curve 8900, Blackberry Curve 8320 and BlackBerry® Bold.

For just $7.95 per month, Boingo Mobile gives you a high-speed alternative to cellular data so you surf the Internet, download large files, upload pictures, and stream video — all on your Blackberry. Usage is unlimited and you can connect all over the globe. That’s right, surf to your heart’s content while you travel for business or pleasure and save on international roaming costs.

To get Boingo Mobile, first download our free login software directly to your Blackberry. The software tells you when you’re in a Boingo hotspot and automatically connects you. Next, sign up via the software; or alternatively sign up on a PC.

We’re constantly working to expand our portfolio of smartphone support, which now includes the Android™, iPhone®, Symbian™ Series 60, and Windows Mobile™ platforms. We know how much y’all love those mobile devices of yours!

To download the free Boingo software for Blackberry, click here.

To download Boingo software for other mobile devices, click here.

To sign up for Boingo Mobile Wi-Fi for your Blackberry, click here.

Read the press release here.

In support of cancer awareness in general (October is Breast Cancer Awareness month), we interviewed survivor extraordinaire, Meaghan Edelstein.

Two years ago, at age 28, Meaghan was diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer and told her chances of survival were slim. But she waged a victorious battle against the illness and then went on to establish  Spirit Jump, a “grassroots non-profit organization with a mission to provide hope and comfort” to those battling cancer. During her own ordeal, Meaghan was so comforted by the “uplifting cards and inspirational gifts” that she has duplicated this experience for other cancer victims through Spirit Jump.

Meaghan, yours is a remarkable story of survival against the odds and we toast to your continued health! Good luck as you travel around the globe dispensing comfort to others battling cancer.

Here are a few of Meaghan’s travel tips:

1. Is there a gadget you can’t live without?

I cannot live without my iPhone! Spirit Jump runs 100% through social media and email. We have people all over the world trying to connect with us and that means at all hours of the day.  With my iPhone I can stay connected no matter where I am or what I am doing.

2. What is your favorite city in the world and why?

I LOVE Boston. It’s a city full of history and full of life. I received my cancer treatments at Dana Farber Cancer Institute so there is a very special place in my heart for Boston.

3. What is your favorite dining spot in the world?

What a hard question to answer! There are so many great places and I think each city has a specialty.  I just got back from Vegas and ate at a fabulous restaurant in the Venetian called Zeffirino.

4.  What book is on your nightstand?

One of my favorites books The Time Travelers Wife.

5. Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?

Las Vegas. I just got back and I have to say it was a blast! When I was diagnosed with cancer I thought I would never get to Vegas but I guess I proved myself wrong. It was a great city with wonderful food, shows and people!

6. What’s the most surprising/unexpected place you’ve ever visited?

St. Augustine,  Florida. I went on a short weekend vacation and had no expectations. My boyfriend and I had such a wonderful time there. It was absolutely beautiful, full of history, Tiffany crystals, ghosts and a wonderful winery. I can’t wait to go back. The Saragossa Inn in St. Augustine Florida was amazing!

Thanks, Meaghan!

If you’d like to support someone battling cancer through Spirit Jump, get more information here.