Mobile Broadband?

Hi

We don't have a computer at home but are looking to buy a laptop at the weekend. 

I don't know how broadband works but since it's a laptop we want we don't want internet access that's limited to just one stationery point in the house.  Preferring instead to use it in every room we want to and the garden also. 

I seem to recall seeing an advert somewhere for a mobile internet connection that would allow you to do that?  I've searched PC World sites and Dell but can't find anything?  Does anyone have any idea what i'm talking about?

Thanks

You want a wireless router, but I'm afraid that's as far as my technical knowledge goes! I have the same set-up that you're looking for, but my bf took care of it all. I'm sure someone will chime in here with advice for you. 

yep, you definitely want to get a wireless router.  Ideally you should get a laptop that has wireless built in (although you can get wireless receivers that attach to your computer), and the wireless protocol that the router and the computer uses should match up (but most use a standard thing anyway so that shouldn't be a problem.)

Hi there,

From you're post heading and content I'll cover both aspects -

1. 'Mobile Broadband' - When this term or phrase is used, it refers to being able to access the internet at broadband like speeds when out and about, i.e out of the house. Just like a mobile phone is used to make voice calls all over, mobile internet means you can access the internet all over (both theoretically!)

2. If you want to be able to have Internet at home and accessible from various rooms in the house, then the most common way is to use what's already been suggested a Wireless Modem/Router. You'll need to order a broadband service from an ISP that's enabled on your home telephone line, once done, you connect the router to it and a wireless signal is transmitted so that the laptop you buy this weekend can pick up the signal and you can check out the latest bargains online whilst sitting outside with yer shades on in the sunshine!

That's both aspects in a nutshell, there's quite alot of info over on www.thinkbroadband.com and have a look at pcpro.co.uk and computershopper.co.uk for reviews on various bits of kit. When wireless works nicely it's great, but it can be a pain in the jacksie if there's problems although mostly 'treatable'!

if you have any queries mention them here and I'll see what I can suggest.

Overall, you shouldn't have too much of an issue to get what you want - just some time spent shopping around to get the best deal to suit your pocket!

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Thanks All 

It's hard being a techno-phobe!

So we have BT and SKY at home, so i'm guessing we should start of with getting them to hook us up with Broadband and then take it from there...I prefer SKY as a supplier so i'll give them a phone tonight and then make sure I get a laptop with a wireless router on it or with it!

you can check out the latest bargains online whilst sitting outside with yer shades on in the sunshine!

That's the plan...with a glass of wine of course!  Thanks for the website too.

Just to clarify, the laptop doesn't have a router in it.

If you go with Sky Broadband they'll send you a Wireless router which will be a little white box about the size of a VHS tape.  This plugs into your phone line and it will need to be near a power socket too.

You'll then need a laptop that is wireless enabled.  Most have it built in but if not you can buy add-ons.  TBH if you are buying one new now you'll have to hunt for one that doesn't have wireless built in.

The only possible issue with Sky is their auto-setup disk requires you to connect to the router via a cable foe the first time so make sure the laptop has a wired connection too (but again this is standard.)

When I had my Sky broadband installed, I had a laptop with a wireless reciever, and I didn't even need the instillation disks.  I tried to set up with the cable initially, but midway through the process noticed the wireless signal had alreay been picked up.

Vicky

Hi

I got the laptop at the weekend and bought a wireless router too, then phoned Sky and they said they'd give me a wireless router f.o.c. so i'm one wireless router too many but will take it back. 

I'm hoping that the installation is as easy as you say Vicky, we turned down the offer of the technician (£50!!!) so fingers crossed.

Thanks for the input everyone.  I am still trying to find the thing that i'm looking for (I know it exists somewhere) but at least i'll be able to have the laptop with broadband access anywhere in the house as soon as Sky hooks us up.

Believe me, if I can do it, it must be easy!

Vicky

Hi

I got the laptop at the weekend and bought a wireless router too, then phoned Sky and they said they'd give me a wireless router f.o.c. so i'm one wireless router too many but will take it back. 

I'm hoping that the installation is as easy as you say Vicky, we turned down the offer of the technician (£50!!!) so fingers crossed.

Thanks for the input everyone.  I am still trying to find the thing that i'm looking for (I know it exists somewhere) but at least i'll be able to have the laptop with broadband access anywhere in the house as soon as Sky hooks us up.

Oh it's easy to pickup a signal and get wireless running but it will not be encrypted!  Use the disks that came with it to setup encryption if you are not able to do it yourself manually.  Just following directions.  Make sure your signal is encrypted or you will risk neighbors stealing your internet where by slowing you down and/or they can look at information on your computer.  Setting encryption won't take that much time at all.  I could do it manually in a few minutes.  The software will automate this for you but will take a bit longer.

The Sky package automatically encrypts.

Vicky