Broadband Dongles For Laptops

mangothemadmonk · NW Rally Co-ordinator

What dongles (if any) can I purchase that would give me access to internet home and abroad in France? All I want is to email and browse.

Any recommendations? Costs/prices etc

Many thanks.

Johnny F

bandaid

3, vodafone, t mobile, and virgin I know do USB type stuff for broadband, I use a Vodafone card shaped thing which fits into a Wireless thingy which costs me 25 squid a month.
There are some that are free to use,

if you google the subject its very, very well advertised.

Rapide561

Hi

All the leading mobile operators offer dongles.

However, use one in France and you will need deep pockets. I accidentally connected to the net in France via my T mobile and was charged £9.63 for a few moments browsing. Fortunately, I reaslised I was connected via the SIM card rather than WiFi before I went bankrupt.

R

whistlinggypsy

Johnny, i'm with Russell on that one, i used mine for 6 minutes in France cost me £14. Don't go there try and use free wifi, lots of places in France and many campsite now have it.

Bob

safariboy

We have found that Wi Fi access on campsites (and near tourist offices) is increasingly available. A USB Wi Fi stick would help as there is usually only one station on the camp site. It can be free but is usually much less expensive than the mobile phone solution.
it depends on how reliable you want your connection to be and how often you expect to go. I would like a mobile phone dongle that you only pay for what you use and not for 12-18 months at a very high rate but have not found one.

MandyandDave · Moderator

Forget the dongle Johnny,. get a PCMIA Card for around £40 and connect to the net via wifi, it's a lot cheaper and some sites in France even offer it for free!
I have a VF 7.2 BB dongle for use here at £15.00 pcm, charges for France are VERY expensive and would never consider it's use abroad Wink

Dave

safariboy

Have you tried a USB Wi Fi stick. They cost less than £40 and give the bonus that you can put them outside the van or higher up or try to make a reflector to pick up a more distant base station?

JockandRita

safariboy

If it is wireless enabled it should be OK. I used my Apple laptop last year with no problems.
You usually need a password (I was told last year that even if WI FI was free registration was a legal requirement in France)

mangothemadmonk · NW Rally Co-ordinator

Thanks for replies.... I now have a head ache Wink

So what is the best way then?

Johnny F