The Mac traveler now has a convenient way to access Boingo Wi-Fi at more than 100,000 hotspots worldwide. A Mac version of the lightweight GoBoingo! client software, which simplifies the process of logging in to public Wi-Fi hotspots, is available for download at http://www.boingo.com/download.html.

GoBoingo! is a tool for travelers who want high-speed Internet without the hassle of searching for coverage, memorizing multiple usernames and passwords, and paying different Wi-Fi providers at each stop during a trip. Boingo offers monthly plans for both North American and international usage, as well as a “pay as you go” option.

“With our GoBoingo! software for MacBooks, you are now just one click away from enjoying Wi-Fi service at hotspots around the world,” said Dawn Callahan, vice president, consumer marketing, Boingo Wireless, in the press release. “We now have an easy-to-use Wi-Fi utility for the legions of MacBook users who want to be connected to Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots at airports, hotels and retail locations.”

GoBoingo! for Mac works on MacBooks running Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and 10.5 Leopard, and PowerBooks running Mac OS X 10.4. The lightweight authentication tool automatically determines whether a hotspot belongs to a Boingo roaming partner and helps users log on to the Internet with their Boingo account in a single click. Less than 1 MB, the tool stays in the background until the Boingo member needs to log into a Wi-Fi network.

According to usage reports from airport Wi-Fi networks operated by Boingo, there is a steady increase in Wi-Fi connections from MacBooks and PowerBooks. As of January 2008, nearly 20 percent of airport usage comes from Mac laptops, an increase of 30 percent since January 2007.

Boingo accounts work at more than 475 airports, including 85 of the top 100 airports worldwide. Boingo is also available at more than 17,000 hotels, such as Hilton and Marriot, and retail stores, such as Barnes & Noble. Other locations include coffee shops, restaurants and cafés.

Boingo operates Wi-Fi networks at 30 major U.S. and U.K. airports, including Atlanta-Hartsfield, JFK and LaGuardia in New York, Chicago’s O’Hare and Heathrow in London.

Source: Boingo Wireless