Mobile internet through 3G data card

IM

My parents-in-law live on a narrow boat, and spend the summer months tootling up and down the country at 4 mph (insert envious comment about their lifestyle here...:rolleyes: )

Whilst they have a laptop, they are not currently connected to the internet.

I was looking at the 3G data card option for them and have a couple of questions.

1. How easy will is be to set up? Not being funny but they are not exactly up to speed on technology...
2. From what I see, the pricing model is the same as for mobiles. i.e. Pick an expensive tariff and get cheaper unit prices and a cheaper initial hardware fee. What I'm not sure about is what a megabyte equates to in terms of internet surfing. Any ideas what 1MB would get you in terms of minutes surfing?
3. The networks are pushing 3G, but I noticed GPRS (only) cards are also still around, and are much cheaper. Is the extra speed of 3G worth the extra money?
4. What will the coverage be like? As I said, they travel the canal system, and often have problems getting a mobile phone signal.

Many thanks in advance.

jo3uk

From what I have seen, although GPRS cards tend to be cheapear to purchase than their 3g counterparts, the cost of data on GPRS tariffs is normally more expensive than on 3g tariffs. Whilst 3g coverage is increasing all the time, it has tended to concentrate on highly populated areas (e.g. cities) as mobile phone companies quote their coverage percentages according to population and not area.

If you do go for the 3g option the card should also be capable of 'falling back' onto regular GPRS data service where 3g coverage is not available at no extra cost.

In terms of surfing speed GPRS is roughly equivalent to dialup and 3G is about 7 - 8 times faster in optimum conditions. If they are only going to use the internet for occasional e-mail GPRS would definately suffice, particularly if they are accessing the e-mail via POP3.

Hope that helps

IM

Thanks for that. I think I'll recommend they go for the 3G option.

Still not sure how to estimate how many MB/month they'll need though.

Techno_DoDo

http://www2.orange.co.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OUKPersonal&c=OUKService&t=Service&cid=1096023564555&tab=2


1MB is approximately equal to:

sending around 100 short emails each containing up to 100 words
or 160 wap pages
or downloading three Fireplayer tracks
or up to four video clips
or viewing 20 web pages
or downloading 10 games
or downloading one high quality music track


hope this helps