Use of mobile for internet?

Campervan_Rover

I plan to travel in a campervan the UK. I need to use the internet and get/send email. I need to know the cheapest mobile package to use with a laptop. I will be online for about 20 mins/day average. I have seen the vodaphone data card but I only use apple mac computers (will buy a new lap top) which do not have the slot for data cards. I'm told I need a mobile with blue tooth and GPRS(?) so which do I buy and more importantly which network/package is best. Will be in remote parts of Scotland, Ireland etc so expect network coverage will be patchy. Any reated experiences will be much apreciated. I only have a pay-as-you-go mobile at the moment which is due for renewal.

ManAtHome

Haven't tried GPRS yet myself (but maybe next year), but a few clues.

You don't have to use bluetooth, but might be most convenient - you can get USB cables for most phones and some have infra-red (you can get IR dongles for your lappy).

Orange used to do a £1 a day GPRS - may be a bit expensive for consistent 1/2 hour a day though rather than 8 (to 24) hours on one day a week (would work for me, possibly no for you).

3 are close to rolling out a flat-rate web access - details a bit skimpy, but last I heard was £10-15 a month unlimited use (although obviously GPRS is self-throttling...).

Also have a look at WiFi - BT Openzone and The Cloud are allegedly the widest spread. I think someone (possibly yer Cloud), has WiFi gear inside fruit machines - growing market as new machines are rolled out to pubs.

Let us know how you get on - I'm planning something similar in the next year or so (although more likely to be Europe).

pomeroy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6155678.stm