Laptop Internet Connection For Touring?

TheFrog · #1 05-06-2006, 10:22 AM

Friends of mine want to buy a laptop so that they can surf whilst touring in the UK and Europe in their caravan, and they've asked me to help (!)
How would they connect to the Internet? They currently have a Dell desktop machine which uses Wanadoo.fr as their ISP (they live in France).

As they wouldn't have a fixed phone line whilst touring, I assume they would need a wireless connection? Can anyone give me a pointer as to how this would need to be set up, and point out the pitfalls. I've never been down this road, so really haven't a clue.

Any help at all appreciated.

snowmonkey · #2 05-08-2006, 12:25 PM

There are few options out there for mobile users but some are more expensive then others....for instance they could use satellite phone for internet connectivity in conjunction with internal laptop modem.......Or they could mount a satellite disk on the Van and use the local satellite phone service.......

Take a look at the option below (Link), this seem to be reasonably priced.

http://www.tucows.com/preview/353645

Or but one of these modem cards that can be connected to Cell phone from Ositech, have a look:

http://www.ositech.com/Products/koc.htm
http://www.ositech.com/Products/koh.htm

Hope this helps.

Cheers

onespeedreed · #3 05-08-2006, 09:41 PM

I'm sure Europe must have open wireless networks here and there.

I think just about any laptop you can buy today will have wireless capability.

My laptop has been as far as way as Hawaii and I've never had trouble finding a connection in any city, town, or village.

TheFrog · #4 05-09-2006, 02:30 AM

Many thanks snowmonkey and onespeedreed. With regard to wireless capability, do you use your normal ISP. Apologies if this seems a daft question, but internet has always been quite a mystery to me (and them).

I'll spend some time looking at the sites mentioned and pass on the info.

Thanks again

onespeedreed · #5 05-09-2006, 07:50 AM

Well. If you are setting up a home wireless system, you would be using your isp.

If you are travelling, you are using someone elses internet connection. Many public places(especially hotels) and businesses supply a "hotspot" totally free of charge.

TheFrog · #6 05-09-2006, 09:01 AM

Thanks again onespeedreed - things are clearer now. Appreciate all the help I've been given.