Broadband on the move?

I would like to use my laptop for internet access when I'm on the move, at
client's homes etc.

I'm told that Vodaphone offer a card that provides an internet connection
that sounds like what I need.

Are their alternative providers?

Higher speeds, lower cost etc

Does this work through my mobile phone (hope not, I'm not with Vodaphone and
don't want to spend on a new phone.)

Any guidance welcome,

Thanks

BTW apologies if this is a daft or regular question. I found this group just
to ask this question and did a quick Google but couldn't see anything
recent.

Most providers offer PC Card type devices for laptops, that connect to
the Internet via GPRS/3G.
In order to use one of them you would usually sign up for a 2nd mobile
phone contract (a contract not including any talk minutes but xx amount
of inclusive MegaBytes to up/download)

As an alternative you could use any mobile phone, that supports GARS for
the purpose. If you do this review your choice of connection plan so
that you get both inclusive minutes to talk and Megabytes to download
stuff off the net.

Example: My Motorola V600 communicates with HP iPaq palmtop wirelessly
via Bluetooth, so I can browse the Internet anywhere that my phone works.

I suggest you call your network provider to discuss your requirements
with them.

Kind Regards

Malte

Reg wrote:
> I would like to use my laptop for internet access when I'm on the move, at
> client's homes etc.
>
> I'm told that Vodaphone offer a card that provides an internet connection
> that sounds like what I need.
>
> Are their alternative providers?
>
> Higher speeds, lower cost etc
>
> Does this work through my mobile phone (hope not, I'm not with Vodaphone and
> don't want to spend on a new phone.)
>
> Any guidance welcome,
>
> Thanks
>
> BTW apologies if this is a daft or regular question. I found this group just
> to ask this question and did a quick Google but couldn't see anything
> recent.
>
>

"SUMMONER" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:dm9j6r$ts7$(E-Mail Removed)...
> Most providers offer PC Card type devices for laptops, that connect to the
> Internet via GPRS/3G.
> In order to use one of them you would usually sign up for a 2nd mobile
> phone contract (a contract not including any talk minutes but xx amount of
> inclusive MegaBytes to up/download)
>
> As an alternative you could use any mobile phone, that supports GARS for
> the purpose. If you do this review your choice of connection plan so that
> you get both inclusive minutes to talk and Megabytes to download stuff off
> the net.
>
> Example: My Motorola V600 communicates with HP iPaq palmtop wirelessly via
> Bluetooth, so I can browse the Internet anywhere that my phone works.
>
> I suggest you call your network provider to discuss your requirements with
> them.
>
> Kind Regards
>
> Malte
>
> Reg wrote:
>> I would like to use my laptop for internet access when I'm on the move,
>> at client's homes etc.
>>
>> I'm told that Vodaphone offer a card that provides an internet connection
>> that sounds like what I need.
>>
>> Are their alternative providers?
>>
>> Higher speeds, lower cost etc
>>
>> Does this work through my mobile phone (hope not, I'm not with Vodaphone
>> and don't want to spend on a new phone.)
>>
>> Any guidance welcome,
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> BTW apologies if this is a daft or regular question. I found this group
>> just to ask this question and did a quick Google but couldn't see
>> anything recent.

Many thanks

Reg wrote:
> I would like to use my laptop for internet access when I'm on the move, at
> client's homes etc.
>
> I'm told that Vodaphone offer a card that provides an internet connection
> that sounds like what I need.
>
> Are their alternative providers?
>
> Higher speeds, lower cost etc
>
> Does this work through my mobile phone (hope not, I'm not with Vodaphone and
> don't want to spend on a new phone.)
>
> Any guidance welcome,
>

I use the 3G/GPRS Vodafone PCMCIA card. Costs about £45/month for
"unlimited" use although I gather there is a guide of about 1Gb as
"normal" usage. It seems a lot but compared to the cost of internet
access in a hotel is soon pays for itself.

It works OK but I wouldn't say its great, especially when used while
moving. There are other alternatives by Orange etc but I don't know how
the compare. The Vodafone software is clunky and temperamental and I
have replaced it with GoRemote software from GlobalRoaming.com which not
only works much better but has WiFi sniffing and connection capability
as well. Beware using the Vodafone WiFi hotspot connection on their
software - it costs an arm and a leg to use on top of what you have paid
for 3G connect and is expensive compared to alternatives.

The system that I find best for travelling is to sign up for
GlobalRoaming.com which gives you a wide range of WiFi hotspots at $0.01
per minute and the GoRemote dialer to sniff them out and which handles
dial-up, wired and Vodafone connection with VPN if needed in a nice easy
to use package. In addition go to
http://www.ipass.com/misc/offlinefinder.html where you can download an
off-line hotspot finder with mapping that is based on the same hotspot
database and is useful for finding a hotspot near where you are.

--
Tony

"The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the
right."
- Lord Hailsham