KUALA LUMPUR: A recent poll conducted by Intel Corp rated Hong Kong as the best place in Asia to surf the Net.

The Pacific Coffee Company’s shop at Hong Kong Peak won top honours as Asia’s favourite wireless hotspot in an online poll conducted by the chip giant last month.

The poll noted that a “magnificent harbor view together with a cup of coffee and wireless Internet access proved to be the winning combination.”

Stephanie Hallford, director of mobility and digital health brand management at Intel Asia Pacific, said the poll shows that wireless mobility is no longer merely about the needs of business users in Asia.

“A completely new lifestyle has evolved around wireless devices,” she said in a press statement last week.

Wireless hotspots, which offer convenience, a nice view or specific amenities are attracting a new generation of wireless notebook users, she said.

“That’s why people select specific locations to go online and have fun,” she said.

The poll drew 1,996 participants from more than 20 countries. Participants, comprising business and leisure travelers, were asked to choose from a shortlisted roll of 36 hotspots from 10 countries in the region.

The Starbucks Coffee Company shop at Circular Quay in Sydney, which is next to the world famous Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, ranked second in the poll, while the Suntec City Convention Centre in Singapore, the country’s most popular venue for exhibitions and international conferences, came third, Intel said.

The other top 10 winners included: Beijing International Capital Airport, Shanghai Xintiandi, Taipei's National Museum of History, and Korea's Jeju Island.

The poll also confirmed that people increasingly enjoyed taking their laptop out of their offices and homes to exciting places.

While at their favourite hotspots, 86.4% of respondents said they surfed the Internet looking for information on restaurants, shopping and local attractions; 83.7% checked their e-mail; 67.2% sent or edited photos; and 60.3% used instant messaging.

Additionally, 66.2% of respondents indicated they preferred thin and light notebook designs, with long battery life as a key feature.

As part of the poll, Intel also gave away five US$1,000 (RM3,800) travel vouchers to the participants whose top hotspot selections were closest to matching the region’s top ranking in the survey.

For more information on this poll, go to www.top10hotspotsinasia.com.