This is not an article about mobile internet but rather the non-mobile/semi-mobile side of things, which for all intents and purposes means laptop or netbook connected via wireless networking.

Note before continuing: If you happen to live in a northern US state where it’s still fairly cold right now, you can still computer outside somewhat. I’ll explain how in a moment.

The idea of computing outside was considered completely ridiculous until modern Wi-Fi hotspots became a reality. Now in most places that have outdoor tables (coffee shops, bistros, sushi bars and heck, even Dairy Queen in some areas), you’ll usually see someone plick-placking away at their laptop/netbook keyboard.

But should you do that? Well, only if you absolutely need to for things you can’t do on your smartphone. Otherwise, I’d take a more personal approach to it.

What I mean by personal is to have some place where you live where you can go outside, sit, open up a laptop (or a tablet), do your stuff on the internet and do it undisturbed.

It’s generally true that most people simply don’t like other people around when they’re on the computer; this is especially true for gamers and the older generation of computer user. The attitude – which I don’t have a problem with, by the way – is, "What I do on my computer is my business, and I don’t want anyone looking over my shoulder. I’m not doing anything I shouldn’t be doing, but just.. GO AWAY."

Think of it as the exact same thing as when you’re reading a newspaper and someone looks over your shoulder to get a peek at what you’re reading; it’s just annoying.

Or think of it as the reason why a man wants his den, i.e. man cave. That’s his domain. The same applies to the computer he uses.

To answer the question directly, yes, it is worth it to use a laptop or tablet outside, so if you have the option, you should use it. It clears the head and feels good.

Here are a few options to compute outdoors, or as-outdoors-as-possible-while-still-inside:

1. Sit next to an open window (or a closed one where you can at least see outside).

The natural light that comes in through a window is better than any lamp you own. You may have to spend some time positioning your screen to avoid glare, but once you find that sweet spot, it’s worth it.

2. Create a makeshift computer station in the garage, and open the garage door.

Even those that live in colder areas can usually get away with this one when accompanied by a space heater.

All a makeshift computer station is comprised of is a small fold-out table for a laptop, a chair and nothing else. If you have a garage and have the space (which requires next to nothing for this type of station), this is something you can try and you may like it.

3. Sit inside your screened-in porch

Consider yourself blessed if you have one of these attached to your home, as it’s something many people desire.

The same applies to this scenario as it does with the makeshift station in the garage, but only if it’s not too cold out. With the garage you (usually) have the option of how open you want the garage door, but with the screened-in porch, the only thing between you and the elements is the screen.

4. Sit out on the deck

I think this one is even more desirable than the screened-in porch for a lot of people.

Sitting out on an open deck and using a tablet or laptop is almost always a fair-weather-only thing. Very little to nothing is out there to protect you (maybe a patio umbrella?) from the elements and you basically are 100% outdoors.

What do you think?

Given the options above, is computing outdoors good or just plain dumb?

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