I use this one all the time, and it’s particularly handy because many site’s built-in search tools don’t return the results you’re looking for (and some sites don’t even have a search feature)… If I’m looking for WWD posts about GTD, for example, I could try this search: GTD site:webworkerdaily.com.

2. Use Google as a spelling aid…

As Rob Hacker — the WWD reader I profiled last week — pointed out, entering a word into Google is a quick way to see if you have the right spelling. If it’s incorrect, Google will suggest the correct spelling instead. Additionally, if you want to get a definition of a word, you can use the “define:” operator to return definitions from various dictionaries (for example,define: parasympathetic).

3. Use Google as a calculator..

. Google has a built-in calculator — try entering a calculation like 110 * (654/8 + 3). Yes, your computer also has a calculator, but if you spend most of your day inside a browser, typing your calculation into the browser’s search box is quicker than firing up your calculator app.

4. Find out what time it is anywhere in the world…

This one’s really handy if you want to make sure that you’re not phoning someone in the middle of the night. Just search for “time” and then the name of the city. For example, try: time San Francisco

5. Get quick currency conversions… Google can also do currency conversion, for example: 100 pounds in dollars. It only has the more mainstream currencies, though — if you’re trying to see how many Peruvian nuevos soles your dollars might buy, you’ll be out of luck. If you would like to convert minor currencies, be sure to be specific about the country. So, if you want to find out how many nuevos soles your dollars might buy, you could try: 100 dollars in Peruvian nuevos soles. ” (via  nytimes.com) by SIMON MACKIE of Gigaom

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But, Crowne Plaza, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Fairmont*, Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt*, Ian Schrager, Intercontinental, Lowes, Marriott, Rennaisance, Ritz-Carleton, Shereton, Sofitel, St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin and Wyndham* all charge around $10 or more per day for access. (* free service for members of their frequent stayer programs)

Conrad by Hilton and Kimpton were the only two upscale hotel brands to offer free high-speed Internet to guests at all of their locations and without restrictions. At the other end of the spectrum, Red Roof Inn, inexplicably, has a deal with T-Mobile that adds $10 a day for web connections unless clients have their own T-Mobile account. ” (via consumertraveler.com ) by CHARLIE LEOCHA

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click here for our post from Dec. 2008 on this topic

A union representative told Bloomberg News that attendants and passengers have raised “a lot of complaints” over the issue.

American Airlines is one of several airlines testing in-flight Internet access as a way to lure more passengers. American has been offering the service on a limited basis since August 20th on some flights between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and between New York and Miami. The cost of the service on cross-country flights is $12.95, and it’s $9.95 on the New York to Miami route.

The current program is in a 3- to 6-month trial period, and the airline plans to review usage and feedback on the service at the end of that period, an American Airlines spokesman told Bloomberg.

The controversy has stirred up an ongoing debate about whether Internet access in public places should be restricted. Earlier this year, the Denver International Airport took a lot flack for blocking access on its free Wi-Fi network to Web sites that officials deemed offensive.

The argument was made by Denver airport officials that users must abide by their rules because they are providing the service for free. But that case is harder to make for in-flight passengers, who are paying for Internet access.” ( via news.cnet.com ) by Marguerite Reardon

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