Laptop at sea.

[Aquagility]

In very simple terms, how do I get a connection to use a laptop out at sea? Will an ordinary mobile phone do it? How?

[camioneur]

If you can get a signal on your mobile then yes, there are loads of free internet connections out there that just dial an 0845 number. The first one I can think of is 0845 123 2000.
Will cost you though and I'm not sure how far out to sea the signals get but I use this method when mobile inland.

You will also need a method of connecting laptop to phone. Infra-red, bluetooth or cable will do it. If you happen to have a Nokia, their PC Suite comes complete with cable drivers to use the phone as a modem. There's also the option to connect through their own web connection, shows a "G" in the top left corner of the screen. The cost of this will depend on your air time supplier.

If you're talking way out at see, chances are I've just worn my finger out for nothing..never mind, good luck!

[camioneur]

For way out at "See" read Way out at Sea..sorry, senior moment

[Buenchico]

Mobile phone signals work on frequencies (and at power levels) which only carry the signal very short distances. Additionally, radio waves on these frequencies won't carry beyond the horizon. So,you can't use a mobile phone while at sea (unless, of course, you're very close to the coast).

The only way you could get an internet connection out at sea would be via a satellite link. Satellite phones are very expensive and normally require that a portable satellite dish is positioned on stable ground (which you obviously don't have on board a ship). So, even if you'd got the mega-bucks to buy a satellite phone, it still wouldn't help.

The only possible route would be a link via the ship's satellite communications system. This would be similar to the systems used by transatlantic sailors to send e-mails to their families. Such data links are very slow, with a simple e-mail of just a few lines often taking several minutes to send (so web-browsing is effectively ruled out).

Chris

[Aquagility]

Thanks to both of you. I shall be close to shore when needing to use laptop so mobile will be fine. All I need now is a grandchild to show me how to do it!
Thanks again, Aq.