Mobile 3G Broadband

3G and Netbook PCs

Tip to Consider

Currently, the selection of networks with built-in 3G modems is not very large - probably due to the extra cost of the wireless devices making the complete systems look expensive, compared to their competitors.

It is well worth considering a "Notebook" rather than "Netbook" with a slightly larger screen and much better performance as well as BUILT-IN 3G (or WWAN as it is sometimes called.  Here is a link to Notebooks with built in 3G WWAN, all ready to accept a 3G sim for easy Internet and Email access wherever you are in the world:

3G Notebooks with built-in 3G Wireless adaptors - from just £349 inc VAT

 
It may be worth considering the alternatives such as either a 3G Dongle or a Mifi Mobile Wireless Access point which can be used with any Wi-Fi enabled device you own such as a laptop, netbook, iPod, iPad, Internet Tablet and so on as you will enable Internet Access on ALL your devices - rather than just one of them.

We have information on MiFi devices on this page as well as suitable 3G Data Sims on this page.  If you already have a netbook or laptop, this may be a more cost effective solution for you.

Finally, do remember you can use most Android based 3G Tablets (and some phones - check your provider) as a Wireless hot-spot as well.  You need at least Android 2.2 or higher. but option to share the connection is enabled by default and is quick and easy to use.

Netbook Features and Specification Overview

Netbook PCs are becoming extremely popular with many models to choose from.

When coupled with a 3G Mobile Broadband connection, they are a very portable and convenient way to access the Internet and to check your email when away from the office or home - even when waiting for a train or having a coffee.

Netbooks, however vary greatly in specification, performance and battery life, as well as cost.  The cheaper models have very little storage - offer poor performance and worst of all, very poor battery life.  Read on to see our recommended Netbooks and why we choose them over the many dozens of alternative models on the market today.

Netbook Specification Considerations:
Battery Life

Many netbook PCs fail to make it clear that their battery life may only be 1.5 - 2 hours in real use.  While this might be OK for occasional use, many users expect to be able to use a netbook for at least 4 hours a day and this is our benchmark for netbook battery life.  2 hours use away from mains power is just not enough.

Windows vs. Linux

A Netbook needs to be familiar, quick and easy to use.  While most users have a Microsoft based PC on their desk and at home, their Netbook needs to be a familiar as possible.  Most people do not want to learn Linux just to have a Netbook - and crucially, many 3G data cards are not fully compatible with the numerous Linux varients.

Screen Size

Netbook systems vary in screen size from about 9" to 12" diagonally - but the majority have 10" screens.  The keyboard size on systems with less than a 10" screen is compressed noticably on 9" systems.  This has a great impact on the ease of use and ease of typing more than the briefest of notes or emails.

Storage - Solid State (SSD) or Hard Disk

The original smaller 7" netbook systems had no physical space for a real hard disk and used solid-state (SSD) disk drives instead.  These were of limited capacity in many older low-end netbooks (between 2GB and 20GB) and severly restrict the applications and data that may be stored. Now, most netbooks have a 160GB or larger hard disk and these should be more than adequate for most users.

Built-in 3G

A few newer netbook PCs have a built-in 3G modem, removing the need to carry a 3G USB Dongle Modem.  This is usually an advantage - however do bear in mind that the 3G Dongle modems can be plugged into almost any PC, laptop or netbook to get internet access and this could be a benefit to some users.  The now popular 3G Mifi wireless access points also provide a much better solution in many cases.  See HERE for more information on 3G Mifi Wireless Access Points.