Good (but low cost) internet viewer?

Ice Rich · 8 Apr 2011 at 10:30

Hi all,

Just looking to see what is around as i'm clueless in this area.

What would be a good item to get for someone who needs access to internet when outside (on-site or around towns) where wireless is not always available.

I prefer not to go down the phone route as I want to keep that separate.

Ideally looking for some kind of very small laptop with a keyboard (rather then onscreen).

What kind of cost are involved to access this kind of 'mobile internet' and which providers should I be looking at?

Many thanks,

rG-tom · 8 Apr 2011 at 10:39

Get a cheap netbook, ideally with a 3G card in, but otherwise just buy a dongle for pennies and add a giffgaff £10 a month simcard, job done, <£200 initial outlay

Robbo · 8 Apr 2011 at 11:58

I'd think a netbook with a 3G card is your only option here.

A 3G iPad would be ideal but its more expensive and doesn't have a keyboard.

Mobile providers with a monthly rolling contract for data? Three or Giffgaff (O2 network).

Deleted member 77746 · 8 Apr 2011 at 12:01

rG-tom said:
Get a cheap netbook, ideally with a 3G card in, but otherwise just buy a dongle for pennies and add a giffgaff £10 a month simcard, job done, <£200 initial outlay

This is the way to it.

Ice Rich · 8 Apr 2011 at 14:34

Sounds good, thanks guys.

So would that 3g card work like a PAYG sim? No contract involved?

Am I right in saying I will be able to use the internet wherever I am able to get a phone signal (low signal areas = slower speed?)

Thanks,

Wicksta · 8 Apr 2011 at 15:06

The '3G card' he was talking about is the hardware built into the netbook which gives you 3G/GSM capabilites, you need a netbook with this or an external USB dongle if it doesn't have it. You'll still need a SIM of some kind to put into the '3G card' or dongle and as mentioned GiffGaff is worth a look.

Check out the tariffs here:
http://giffgaff.com

Ice Rich · 8 Apr 2011 at 16:12

Ahh i see,

That giffgaff looks ideal too. Any ideal on the transfer speeds, as long as I can browse that will be great but just wondered if youtube vids would be out of the question?

Also, what kind of security would I need as I have never accessed a wifi network outside my work/home. Is security an issue with this?

Many thanks,

Wicksta · 8 Apr 2011 at 16:43

Youtube will work just fine assuming you have 3G coverage. Speeds will vary though depending on mobile coverage. GiffGaff use O2's network so check the coverage in your normal area.

There are no extra security concerns when using 3G.

Kitchster_uk · 11 Apr 2011 at 11:33

Dialogue flybook 2nd hand. Keyboard folds away if you don't needs it and they have a sim slot as standard. 200 quid or less depending on what you want or need

Zarf · 11 Apr 2011 at 15:09

If it's going to be used regularly, Get a refurb or second hand 10" netbook for about £120 and then pick up a 12month prepaid dongle from three for £82. 12GB should last most people a year as long as you're not streaming videos all the time.