laptop internet access via a mobile

gollum_2

Due to much use of other areas of this site (alright then, it's gambling introductory offers and loopholes!), I would like to purchase a laptop with integrated mobile phone so that I have internet access anywhere that I happen to be.

My current broadband provider (blueyonder) cannot help me.

Does anyone know which companies deal with this, what it would cost to set up (especially the cost of that type of mobile) and what the running costs would be?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

blinky

Never heard of one with an integrated mobile phone.

gollum_2

Sorry, when I say integrated mobile phone, I did not mean as an integral part of the laptop. Rather, it is a specially designed mobile (not used for other mobile phone activities) that fits into a slot on the laptop.

LincsLad_3

I have heard of such cards - mainly in the USA - but never seen one.

Whats wrong with using a normal GSM mobile and laptop combination? Probably cheaper for a start. Or is there more money in this gambling loophole lark than meets the eye??

blinky

There's the Vodafone 3G card. I think you can get GPRS cards as well. I don't think I've seen a laptop with one installed as you have to have a service contract with the card.

Probably better just to get a connection lead between your mobile and laptop. (Could use bluetooth but kills the batteries).

Godders

At work we have a few Vodafone Mobile Connect cards and they seem to work really well. You get 3G if it is available or GPRS if not. Using Bluetooth or a lead with your existing phone is OK - but you only get GPRS I think. It also means your phone battery gets hammered as you are making data as well as voice calls.

I should point out there will be other providors for the 3G cards (most likely all major vendors)