Mobile internet

Pythagorous

Hi,

I'm interested in getting internet access for my laptop whilst on the move. I have no idea about how this works having never used mobile internet, not even on my phone. Can anyone explain how it would work, what the internet browser quality will be like (normal internet?), download speeds, does coverage just need to be normal phone network coverage, likely costs (using approx 6-8 hours per week).

Thanks

Pythagorous

Any takers?

Donnie

http://threestore.three.co.uk/mixnmatchphone.aspx?phonecode=3GUSBMODDS&mixnmatch=0&id=1184&Broadband

http://www.tmobile-contracts.co.uk/tmobile-internet-modem.html?LID=a02_k3_tmobile_laptop_modem_g0061

Try the Internet Access forum?

colin2002

You could get yourslef a 3G card for your laptop, this basically allows you to have a wirless broadband connection using a mobile phone providers network.

I have one and the speed is about 2Mb which is fast enough for internet surfing. The one I have is charged per megabyte I pay £25 a month for 250MB. It is a vodaphone card and has fairly good coverage throughout the UK

Pythagorous

Thanks Colin. When you say fast enough - is it on par with broadband at all?

espresso

Pythagorous wrote: »

Thanks Colin. When you say fast enough - is it on par with broadband at all?

What is your definition of broadband? If you want mobile internet, you will never get the same speed that can be delivered at home! He said "I have one and the speed is about 2Mb which is fast enough for internet surfing".

PasturesNew

I have one of these as my only way to get online.

I use Web N Walk, £30/month. I tend to be online from 6pm to 2am every weekday night. And at weekends from 8am to 2am the following day, I sometimes fall asleep with it on too.

Not hit the bandwidth limit ever so far.

http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/shop/mobile-phones/internet/laptop/?ref=newhome_broadband

When the box arrives, there is a card that fits in your laptop slot. And a SIM card, SIM card fits inside the card by opening up the back and sliding it in.

Then there is an "aerial" to get the signal, which you press and it pops out the side. Just two pieces of plastic about 1/2" square. I mention this as I had no idea what I was doing. Firstly I wondered why they'd sent me a SIM card - thought the card was what I needed. Then when I realised it wasn't working and spoke to somebody found out I had to put the SIM card in the card.

But I didn't know how, so spent a day trying to connect by slipping the SIM in the aerial and popping the aerial away ... wellllll... they never said!!!

Had to take it down the shop to ask a man how it all went together.... but I'm sure that's only me as I've never seen most technology ever so no idea what to do

Donnie

Here's more info on Three's new service: http://three.co.uk/personal/products_services_/mobile_broadband_/index.omp

colin2002

As outlined by espresso its not going to be as fast as most peoples home connection. I use mine to check my emails and general web surfing, I also run a VPN across it to access files back in the office. For me it does the job

buglawton

We went on a trip to Eastern Europe and just using wifi, were able to connect in bars, hotels/hotel rooms, an airport, all free. Depending on your usage, so it might be worth considering hotspots for casual use. Mcdonalds for instance has just added wifi to every eatery, I gather.

Wee_Bargain_Hunter

Would it be ok for sending/receiving an occasional photo via e-mail? Also what about downloading occasional songs? I'm thinking of using it at home. The 3 service sounds good but I haven't had time to look into it properly yet. Thanks