Photo by CELL0

There are plenty of reasons to embrace new technology, but any technology that facilitates drinking—especially in Prague—is sure to catch on fast. That’s proven to be the case with a brand-new beer vending machine created by two Czech businessmen.

The machines, supported by the Pilsner Urquell brewery, debuted last month at 20 locations throughout Prague and have proven to be quite a success.

How do they keep underage drinkers away? By scanning passports and identification cards. The machines recognize ID cards issued by European Union states. If the prospective buyer’s ID indicates that he or she is underage, the money is returned and the vending machine voids the sale of the ice-cold brew. With the scanner, machines cost around $7500. Beer prices should undercut those at 24-hour stores in Prague, which charge something of a premium. What’s more, different machines will carry different types of Pilsner Urquell beer, depending on the location.

Now, if only they would only start installing the machines in offices…

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There once was a time when spending time in London as a tourist meant spending endless hours in Internet cafes. With the expansion of Wi-Fi zones throughout the city, this reality is quickly changing, with laptops increasingly counting as essential travel gear.

If you’re in Islington, Upper Street has free Wi-Fi access and a ton of cafes. Just stay away from Starbucks and Cafe Nero, as they charge. Get a tea for a quid and type away.

A stone’s throw from Leciester Square, Suburb in Soho does free Wi-Fi.

If outside of central London, you can find free Wi-Fi in a host of local cafes—in all Natural Cafes for example.

Wififreespot.com offers a small selection of places but our rule of thumb is that newer and forward-thinking hotel lobbies and cafes are golden. The latter happily give the stuff away to get customers, whilst the latter are keen to challenge Starbucks for patrons.

Warchalking has listings of several cafes and hotels. (We highly recommend the National Hotel.) My Hotspots apparently helps you find free Wi-Fi but we didn’t find it to be very useful. Rumors have it that the City (square mile) will soon go wireless but no doubt it won’t be free. University wireless access is also typically out of bound, as it usually requires a password.

No more 2 quid for 20 minutes of internet! Get a coffee or bowl of porridge and eat, type for hours and be merry.

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