Wireless broadband - noob question

[daddy_4_eyes]

This is uber noob and I hope nobody takes the piss out of me.

I travel a bit for work, and was thinking of getting wireless internet for my laptop. Not only because it'll help with work, but because sometimes i find myself with an hour or two to burn between meetings and it beats returning to the office.

Problem is, I'm confused about what type of connection it is that I need. I went to broadbandguide.com.au and noticed there's 3 types of internet. There's wireless, mobile broadband and satellite.

Now i'm guessing I don't want satellite? But between wireless & broadband, which one is for the laptop?

Also, any plans anyone could recommend? I'm looking for 3-6gb dl limit, that's probably the only feature I'm concerned about. Any companies to steer clear of?

 

[seanoff]

mobile broadband, wireless is available but in Aus you usually have to pay unless u want to hunt about for unencrypted signals and there are limited commercial providers.

vodafone have 5gb for $40 over 24mnths with a free modem

optus 5gb for $50 + 199 for the modem

telstra - way too expensive - holy hell $90/mnth for 5GB

there may be others. have a peek @ broadband choice.

 

[Borgsta]

I was reading up on it about 4 months ago and a lot of articles had vodafone as the best value for money along with the quality provided.

 

[rolandproducts]

You'll find al lot more useful information here: Australian broadband news and information

There are also forums which might provide some some user's perspectives: Australian broadband discussion forums

At the end of the day, the biggest issue with mobile broadband is where you want to use it and what you are willing to pay (including excess usage).

'3' is cheap but only in major cities, otherwise you will need to switch on roaming which is expensive and slow.

Telstra is the most expensive provider, but you can get broadband speeds almost nation wide on NextG. I am also led to believe they are offering contracts that include no excess usage (you are shaped instead).

Go and ask the nerds at Whirlpool

 

[seanoff]

Telstra is the most expensive provider, but you can get broadband speeds almost nation wide on NextG. I am also led to believe they are offering contracts that include no excess usage (you are shaped instead).

at double the cost of the next nearest provider i'd be wanting a 19yo model as a part of my contract every month.

 

[akoulianos]

Take a look at Dodo, Optus and 3 Mobile. Some good plans available now in both prepaid form where you pay upfront and use the value and in post paid (like a plan). There are a few sites that let you compare also. www.gonewireless.com.au and www.broadbandguide.com.au

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Ended up getting the Virgin 5GB $39 plan on a 24 month contract.
Works a treat, and the drop outs are minimal.

Thanks for the help guys