Dongle??

penny_pitstop

What exactly is a dongle? I have been told (very vaugely) that you can connect to the internet with a dongle while on the move. Is this right and how does it work?

Thanks

Stompa

As good an explanation as any:

http://www.uswitch.com/mobile-broadband/dongles/

buglawton

I have a Vodaphone one for occasional travel and when the main internet is down. Just plug into side of laptop, click thru a simple wizard for the first time install and am online. For normal web surfing & email the 1GB lasts ages and costs £15 to top up with another 1GB. Big plus is that this tariff never expires the credit.

If you wanted such a dongle for your main every day internet then a £15/month and 3GB or so dongle might suite best, also you need to carefully select a brand that has an excellent signal in your house.

Most brands prevent you doing Skype or MSN phone calls via the computer, maybe '3' is the exception.

boliston

buglawton wrote: »

....
Most brands prevent you doing Skype or MSN phone calls via the computer, maybe '3' is the exception.

I don't think Vodafone block ports used for SIP (voip).

jacnorm

We have a dongle for occasional use and find it useful

buglawton

@boliston - seems correct - Voda say they don't block Skype so a vote for Voda there.

boliston

buglawton wrote: »

@boliston - seems correct - Voda say they don't block Skype so a vote for Voda there.

I presume they would have to mention if they block ports in their t&c otherwise someone could legally cancel their connection as it is technically "broken", especially for a regularly used port such as SIP.

PlutoinCapricorn

I rely entirely on my prepaid dongle for internet access now. It uses the mobile phone network.