So what if Seattle invented the concept of sleepless and forever put online dating and that annoying “You’ve got mail” on the map. Kitsap too is trying to keep up the pace with the modern “always on the go,” “always connected,” “always busy doing something, preferably working” lifestyle — and Kitsap residents don’t even need to wait for the ferry to have its wireless network in place.

There are already spots around Kitsap, “hot spots,” where the busy-doers or the Internet addicts can get just what they need, wireless Net access. Of course, it may help that the “Wi-Fi capital of the nation,” Seattle, is only a Puget Sound away. As the sleepless city became crowned last month with having the highest number of hot spots per capita, the good neighbor is sending some of that high-tech fortune this way.

Hot spots are simply locations where anyone with a laptop, a wireless card compatible with the specific protocol used, most often Wi-Fi, another name for 802.11, can surf the Internet or check e-mail, in most cases for a fee.

Last month, Cometa Networks announced that 250 sites throughout Puget Sound would become hotspots before Oct. 1, including select locations at Tully’s, Barnes and Noble, McDonald’s and more. Cometa Networks did not return calls inquiring how many of those spots may turn out in Kitsap — but last time such a campaign made Starbucks wireless, local cities received their share of unwired cafes. Currently, at least one location each in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, and Poulsbo offer the service through T-Mobile. Just come in, get your java, and surf away.

Those thrifty or not belonging to the exclusive group of T-Mobile users have even a better deal: The nine branches of the Kitsap Regional Library all have Wi-Fi access, absolutely free.

“We saw the need, and it was extremely easy to install,” said the library’s Deputy Director of Support Services Michael Schuyler. Better yet, he said, it’s not very expensive at all: “People are essentially piggybacking off our Internet (wired) connection.”

There is even hope for those on the go at all odd hours with a sudden urge to fire up the laptop, and maybe get online directions to a date, check the scores of a football game, or e-mail a project proposal before the deadline: The libraries’ Wi-Fi connection works in the parking lot.