"Mobile" Internet Access for EEE PC

[JustLizzie]

Hi, I'm not too clever on these things. I've just purchased an EEE PC notebook and I'm told unless there is a free wifi spot the only way I'll get internet access with it is to buy it "with a dongle". It's all double dutch to me - any idea on the cheapest providers and how I go about it?

[Ethel]

To get internet access wirelessly, you either need a wireless router (or combined router/modem) in your home connected to your broadband, or connect to a wifi hotspot that can be free in places like McDonald's, some libraries and cafes; or paid for via OpenZone or The Cloud

http://www.btopenzone.com/
http://www.thecloud.net/for-you

All of these options aren't truly mobile - you have to be within range of a wifi hotspot.

Or you can buy a dongle from Vodaphone; 3, TMobile, O2 or BT which gives much greater coverage on a contract or pay as you go option.

As the rates and offers change daily it is impossible to give advice re best prices without spending time researching it - which you can do just as well as me.

Be aware that not all areas of the UK have access to mobile internet because the coverage is not good; it can be slow and unsatisfactory and in places will not work at all.

Also, if you are contracted to a specified amount of useage, it can be horrendously expensive if you exceed your limit

[fo3nix]

As Ethel says, you need to buy a 3G dongle, from 3, Vodafone, someone like that (it uses the mobile phone networks).

the EEE PCs themselves come with wifi, which means that you can get online anywhere with wifi --- generally places like McDonalds and Starbucks, or from a wireless router in your own home (using your own broadband internet connection).

One issue to check: some of the EEE PCs come with Linux, not Windows (a different operating system). The dongles may not support Linux (at least, not commercially; they may well work with other software, but that'll be up to you to set up).