PCMCIA Data Card for mobile access to internet

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MickKnipfler wrote:

I need GPRS or 3G access from a desktop in a motorhome. Where is the best deal now? I heard that T-mobile are doing a pretty good deal? Could I get a bluetooth mobile and then just a bluetooth USB thingy for my desktop?

Will you be using it every weekend or so, do you have the Internet at home.

MickKnipfler

I do have internet at home but work away all week and live in a motorhome on a campsite.

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MickKnipfler wrote:

I do have internet at home but work away all week and live in a motorhome on a campsite.

I would recomme that you get a Orange one plus a USIM Pag as You Go simcard off ebay. Because you get £1 for 1 day. (midnight of that day) so if you get the offer at 2am wednesday you must disconnect by 11:59.59 pm.

MickKnipfler

I was just looking into the orange broadband deal. It may be worth getting an Orange mobile/broadband deal and then either doing as you say or getting a T-Mobile in addition and their &.50 a month deal.

MickKnipfler

Incidentally, how do you activate the £1 usage? Do you just use it and get charges if you do or do you need to text or something?

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MickKnipfler wrote:

Incidentally, how do you activate the £1 usage? Do you just use it and get charges if you do or do you need to text or something?

You have to text a code to orange, and then you get a text back stating that it now until midnight.

MickKnipfler

That's cool....is it a free text? Also, would I be better going for an HSDPA or 3G phone?

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MickKnipfler wrote:

That's cool....is it a free text? Also, would I be better going for an HSDPA or 3G phone?

The text is free you just pay the £1. HSDPA is 3.5G and the offer is only on the GPRS system so unless you are going to have VOIP (Skype) or download or playing online games, I would recomme that you get the 3G because 4G is coming out next year (2008) and if you can get a cheap Orange 3G datacard from ebay (£65+P&P) and an Orange PAYG USIM. It will allow you to do all of the features of 3G and then when 4G comes out you could get that.

A PCMCIA card is much better then a mobile phone, because you have virus scans for the laptop, but not for your mobile.

MickKnipfler

I'd be using a desktop though so no PCMCIA. I guess a 2g phone then with either USB or bluetooth?

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I would say USB because the bluetooth could start lossing your signal if its on the whole day. And at least the USB will power the phone, bluetooth takes power. (If you know what I mean)