Need Internet whilst on the move - but not contract?

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 10:00

Hi all,

For work I need internet whilst out of the office really but don't want to go the iphone and contract route.

What are my options guys, are there any PAYG type services. I presume I would need some kind of sim?

Totally new to this so ANY advice much appreciated,

Kind regards,

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 12:56

Many thanks for replies,

I never realized I could get mobile internet access for so cheap per month. Is there a catch?

I pay £20 for min speed virgin media at home.

I take it though all these PAYG options work by sim therefore I would be limited to a smartphone rather then small laptop?

Many thanks,

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 16:53

Kreeeee said:
You can get a £5 USB 3g modem to put the sim into, or use a MiFi to setup a wireless access point.

Wow, that sounds ideal. So I can swap between laptop and smart phone when needed? Would that USB modem need some kind of aerial?

What kind of smart phone / small PDA's would you recommend?

Kind regards,

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 18:22

Grrrrr said:
How much can you spend? Exactly what will you use it for?

.

Thanks for replies,

Have around £100 to spend with browsing being the most important.

Just seen the Android and I see they have 2 sims - do you think I use 1 for phone and the other for giffgaff?

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 18:56

Glaucus said:
Not on giffgaff, well you can but if caught you get banned, tethering and use on tablets etc is barred. Unless you opt for their data goodybags which are much more costly

So I cannot take the sim out and put it in the laptop, i need to keep it in the smartphone?

Do you think it is best keeping phone and internet sim separate?
That way if ever i move on from giffgaff i'll not be tied in with the number?

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 19:24

Glaucus said:
If you want tethering you would be better of looking at three/orange. I'm pretty sure they allow it. Think three is £15 a month. You would need to double check though.

Can you explain what exactly Tethering is please Glaucus? I can't quite get my head around it. Many thanks,

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 19:30

Glaucus said:
Tethering is when you use your phones Internet access on say a laptop or other equipment.

Thanks,
But if I keep the sim purely in the smartphone I will be ok, right?
And do you think keeping 2 sims (phone + internet) is the best way to go?

Kind regards,

Ice Rich · 12 Feb 2012 at 21:11

Guys, just looking around and the A5000 Google Android seems a good phone - what are the opinions on this. It is dual sim so hopefully i'll be able to do the above with it (giffgaff)?

Thanks,

Ice Rich · 13 Feb 2012 at 09:24

Grrrrr said:
You don't need a phone with 2 sims.

My advice (you should wait to hear other opinions too) would be to buy a phone like the Samsung Galaxy Ace. It's a decent little smartphone for the price. It's in lacking in some departments like screen resolution but good smartphones cost £250+.

You can access the internet on your phone while out and about, including email and the web.

For times when you need internet on your laptop you can use the Wifi Hotspot (tethering) feature on the phone. This feature turns your phone into a router, just like your router at home. With your laptop you can then connect to the wifi signal from your phone. This will give you internet access on your laptop via your phone. (Youtube guide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUmZeDQ7Bn8)

You only need 1 simcard for this and don't need to take it out of the phone. Tethering is not allowed by Giffgaff so it looks like one of the other suggestions will be your best bet. I've just had a look on the three.co.uk website and there is a pay as you go sim where £15 buys you unlimited data, 300mins and 3000texts.

Thanks guys,
But would you not say having 2 sims would allow me to keep phone seperate? And then if I did change internet package in future I could just change sim?
Can this be done with a dual sim phone or it that not the main purpose of having 2 slots?

Kind regards,