Amtrak

Starting this Fall, all Amtrak trains may have free wireless Internet access. WiFi access, which is currently available on the Acela trains in the northeast, has been a huge hit; 39 percent of riders have logged in to date. With those kinds of stats, the rail company is planning to offer access on all of its trains nationwide. While the northeast trains are relatively easy to wire because of their set amount of cars and ample cell phone reception, trains operating outside of major metropolitan areas may have some difficulty. Additionally, many trains change configuration during any given trip, adding and subtracting cars from station to station. Any wireless capabilities would have to be able to withstand these challenges.

Now that I'm used to in-flight WiFi, not having it for a train trip seems like a huge inconvenience. Even though I understand why wiring a train is so challenging, there's something so counter intuitive about being able to access the Internet 30,000 feet above the earth but not while you're on the ground.

Although often pricier than its high-flying counterparts (since less competition equals less sales), there's something super relaxing about a train trip. Perhaps it's the ability to move freely in more space, plus added food and drink options and minus baggage fees, but I've got plenty of working pals on the East Coast who choose the Amtrak Acela line over shorter flights.

With zippy trips between NY, DC, and Boston, all of the Acela Northeast Corridor trains will be equipped with free WiFi by March. Combine prices set to compete with airlines offering cheaper Internet rates with Acela's existing at-seat electrical outlets and cars complete with conference-style tables, and this is chugging on track to a mobile office.

Even though at just under three hours, the NYC-to-DC trip will be longer than any flight, if you factor in travel time between airports and the downtown areas as well as mandatory early arrivals (even more so these days), and you end up saving time. And you know what they say? Yup, time is money.