Internet access for 4 days

Eliza_2

I'm going to be away and need internet access for just a few days. Staying at someone's house who doesn't use the internet. What's the best way of doing this? I need to use my laptop with the large screen so using just my phone wouldn't be adequate.

I have an old style iphone - I know the newer ones can be used as modems - but can't see how to connect mine - the phone signal won't be the best, but anything will do. Alternatively I have an old dongle - can I just get a payg phone sim and use that in it?

Not really sure how it all works, would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

boxst

If you already have a dongle, then a SIM is the easiest way to go. On Amazon or eBsy you can buy 1gb or 3gb preloaded Three Sims for £10 or so.

You may want to check that your dongle isn't locked to the original network that you bought it on though...

robmar0se

Cheapest solutiion: Most pubs, coffee houses, etc., do free wifi, not so convenient but probably less hassle in the end.

scottishblondie

Which iPhone model is it? I was able to use my 3GS as a modem by tethering it via USB and bluetooth.

http://www.macworld.com/article/1159258/bluetooth_tethering.html

prowla

I have found mobile broadband (a "3" doingle) to be painfully slow, to the point of being almost unusable.

Eliza_2

scottishblondie wrote: »

Which iPhone model is it? I was able to use my 3GS as a modem by tethering it via USB and bluetooth.

http://www.macworld.com/article/1159258/bluetooth_tethering.html

Thank you that sounds like a plan. However it seems my laptop hasn't got bluetooth.

Now I need an adapter of some sort.

Thanks again

dodgydl

Something to bear in mind if using your phone as a modem is what your data limit is on your contract. You may find you use a fair amount of data on your laptop if you receive large emails or any software on your machine auto updates (ie windows update).
Some users at my work use a BlackBerry as modem for their laptop and I know Vodafone are VERY expensive per MB if you go over your data limit.

prowla

That's a good point - turn off automatic software updates, or that could blow the entire data allowance.

vuvuzela

If you have a dongle that can accept a 3 mobile SIM, have a look on Amazon as there are regularly sellers doing eg a 3GB preloaded SIM for £11.15 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mobile-Broadband-Preloaded-Dongles-Unlocked/dp/B004O73WXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340121173&sr=8-1

TakeThis

Make and model of USB modem?