Productivity on the Road
I was planning on getting a lot done during this trip to New York and Connecticut. Of course things never work out that way, but the return trip partly made up for it. First, I ended up sitting in the Quiet Car, partly because the train attendant on the platform said that there might be a few seats up there on this sold out train.
The Quiet Car was great! They really respect and enforce the rules - no cell phones, and if you have to talk, it can only be in a whisper. Unlike some Quiet Cars on Dutch trains, ahem.
Plus there are two power outlets at each seat pair. Unfortunately they're located on the side wall, so if you're in the aisle seat, it's not that convenient.
A second revelation I had on this trip was that my phone can be turned into a wifi hotspot! One more reason why I love my phone (an Android LG Optimus), and probably more importantly, I love T-Mobile Prepaid. Unlike other carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and even regular T-Mobile, I don't have to pay any extra for tethering.
The third revelation was how awesome Southwest Airlines's boarding areas are. They replicate some of the best aspects of private airline clubs - comfy armchairs with side tables, and a power outlet and USB outlet for each seat. Wow! I plugged in my laptop and charged both my phone and iPod while using the wifi from my phone. The catch is that not every seat is like this. The majority of seats are normal airport benches. So you do have to be kind of lucky to snag one of these seats.
Good thing Southwest and United share a gate area, so I could also use these seats!
