OLD LAPTOP need access to internet

bully1234

:money:Hi need some advise please.

My 65 year old dad just been given a Sony Laptop which does not have wireless on it. He wants to use it to access the internet could he just use a dongle first (there is a USB connection) on it! Before he joins a contract with someone. Also which dongle do you recommend?

Thx

Amanda.

custardy

hold on.
you mean a 3G dongle or wifi?

Figment

Does he want to connect at home, or public wifi?

What is the model number and the version of Windows it's running?

bully1234

he wants to connect at home only. already with BT for phone calls only but doesnt have cable tv package and doesn't want it. so I suggested getting a dongle just plug it in as and when he needs the internet. Dont have the serial number on me right now!

Figment

If I'm reading that correctly, he only has phone from BT and not broadband? Therefore he would need a 3G dongle in order to connect via a mobile phone network.

erasion

Assuming the Laptop is Windows XP or later (XP/Vista/7) there should be no problem getting connected to wireless.

The options, as others have stated above, are to either (a) get a wireless card and a broadband line (Sky/BT/Post Office/PlusNet/etc) or (b) get a USB 3G dongle (o2/Vodaphone/3/etc). Both will usually have a minimum contract period.

My personal preference would be the first option as I find this type of connection to be more reliable and faster than the other option, and might well work out cheaper depending on area and useage.

Figment

3G dongles are available with and without contracts. The Pay As You Go versions are more expensive and tops ups usually expire after 30-60 days.

To decide on which to go for, you need to find out which mobile network has the best signal at your Dad's home.