Best way to access internet on the move?

Bigun28

What's the best way to access the internet on the move from a laptop? We're going to be living abroad and coming back to the UK fairly frequently and need to use the laptop for internet access and VOIP.

If we are staying with the in-laws or friends, is there an ISP where we can plug into someone elses phone line, yet we pay for the time we use it (ie the laptop connects to a number that is charged to us)? At the moment, the in-laws aren't connected to broadband so may well just use dial-up.

If we go wireless, how does that work out if we are in a wi-fi zone?

Any info appreciated.

mrJ_5

you really need broadband for VoIP - so you need need to find WiFi hotspots around where you are BT openzone, T zone (i think - but its T-Mobile).... just search for them, there are thousands, and you pay for the amount of time you use it - however, it is expensive

ManAtHome

Likely to be a few developments over the coming months (kick-started by the Carphone Warehouse 'free' broadband).

T-Mobile seem particularly active http://www.netimperative.com/2006/04/28/williams_Tmobile http://networks.silicon.com/broadband/0,39024661,39153450,00.htm - depends how urgently you need it.

nearlyrich

I am really glad you started this thread, I asked a similar question a few months ago and got zero response.

I travel a lot for work, I have a wireless laptop, need an internet connection to get into the VPN (Virtual Private Network) with my AT & T connection. I also have my own laptop which just needs a wireless hot spot. The big providers seem to be really expensive or offer unrealistic amounts of time.

Some hotels have free BB access over Wireless, (my favourites) and some charge up to £30 for 24 hours for one user, so I can't justify paying it just to pick up a few emails.

I will be watching this thread ......

Bonecracker

What about a connection via your mobile phone and one of their network cards, I know vodafone do this but not too sure of any other providers.

ManAtHome

Saw on another thread that Orange do one-day GPRS for a quid on PAYG - think it's the Daily Orange World on here (near the bottom) http://www.mobileshop.org/costs/orangepayg.htm (think it's UK only though).

ps - yup, UK only, T&Cs here http://www.orange.co.uk/service_plans/payasyougo/extra_terms.html

nearlyrich

Bonecracker wrote:

What about a connection via your mobile phone and one of their network cards, I know vodafone do this but not too sure of any other providers.

does anyone use the vodaphone card? How much does it cost per onth/per minute realistically?

siva

nearlyrich wrote:

does anyone use the vodaphone card? How much does it cost per onth/per minute realistically?

I recently got the Vodafone 3G card which came with £20 allowance (pre pay). It is very expensive afterwards - £4 per mb (use a hot spot if possible) I am staying in a B&B for 3 days and has been very good but seems that I already used 20mb in 2 days. I will keep it to a minimum for the next 2 days so that I dont end up with a huge bill. Here is the link to vodafone website which has the details

http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispatch/Portal/appmanager/vodafone/wrp?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=Page_ProductDetails&pageID=BS_0701&Content_Id=AZ_039

Siva

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