Internet connection from boat, Help Wanted please

[cliffdale]

I dunno what to buy and I dunno how to do it!

I currently connect to broadband by wireless modem. The transmitter/ receiver connects to the telephone line and I have a little thingy that plugs into the laptop.
Its range is about 100 metres.

What do I have to buy to connect to internet away from home?

Is it expensive? easy to do?

Please help!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Cliff

 

[hlb]

Deb has a wotsit thingy that plugs into her laptop, which in theory at least works From anywhere. From vodaphone. But tell me about your wireless modem. please.

 

[danielbroad]

I use one of these which works well.

 

[cliffdale]

Its the best bit of kit I've bought for my computer for a long time. PC World and other similar places sell them. Prices range from about £60 to £120. They work like a landline mobile telephone and have a similar range.

You can network up to 4 computers from them, but costs about £40 more per extra computer.

Its just wonderful not being connected to a wall socket, says me sat on the loo! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cliff

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I have a Vodafone 3G/GPRS Mobile Connect Card in my laptop which so far has worked very well for me all over Europe including on the boat. 3G gives you near broadband speed but 3G is only available in major urban areas and airports at present. When 3G is not available, you get GPRS which is much slower but coverage is pretty good everywhere

 

[BrendanS]

If you already have the wifi modem whatsit attached to your laptop, that's all you need to connect to other wireless networks. Many wireless networks available in coffee shops and a few marinas and from a few good hearted people who make their internet connection availble by wifi, but you will have to sign up to each network, which takes a little bit of understanding of computers and networking.

If you want generic access, away from wifi networks, you need to connect to a mobile phone network, and what you choose depends on whether you want to connect purely in UK, or in other countries (exactly the same as choosing a mobile phone provider) and the access speed you want)

If you want to chat in detail about this (cos it would take ages to go through the options here)can pm you my phone number and call me

 

[npf1]

You can now also get higher powered wireless cards with external antenna that will give you a line of sight connection to an access point upto 8 miles away (or so it is claimed by the sellers). I've just ordered the kit and, if you want, will let you know if it's any good when I've had a play (Senao 200mW wireless card, laptop 5dB antenna, fixed mount 15dB antenna - the whole lot cost approx £70.

Other than that, I've been told that the Orange GPRS network is OK a good distance from the coast in most parts of the UK. But who wants to get on the net when out sailing, other than to get a weather update!?!

 

[npf1]

If you go the 3G route, one company is offering £75 per month for unlimited access if you buy one of their 3G wireless cards. Can't remember who though.

 

[Planty]

Orange system is very good, but can get a bit expensive if across the channel. I have it on £24 a month including 7mb download free, however, eg. Last year in Honfleur, (Le Havre) checking usual sites for weather info for return trip = £51.87 !!!! Every new page or refresh is classed as download so MB's don't last long. Paul

 

[jjc]

Latest card from Vodafone is wifi and 3G/GPRS not sure on cost but should allow connection just about anywhere.

John

 

[PhilF]

I pay £20 per month for 75meg. Disable pictures and a meg last for ages. Abroad £5 per meg- terrible cost