The mooky guide to mobile broadband

by Katie Theisinger

Mobile broadband. What is it? Is it a good thing? Can you eat it? NO! But it does let you connect to the net on the move. The way things are going, it won't be long before fixed broadband connections become as obsolete as the home phone is heading to be, so better catch up with the future now...

Before you get mobile broadband you need a laptop

The first thing you need is a laptop. There's not much point getting a mobile broadband connection for your desktop and sitting at your desk, because fixed line connections are still faster. The key part of this is that it's mobile.

If you've already got a laptop, great - all you need is a USB dongle for the connection and you're away (more on that in a bit).

If you don't yet have a laptop, never fear, because there are some awesome mobile broadband PLUS free laptop deals out there. Yep, that's right - mobile broadband operators are so gagging your business that they'll actually give you a laptop.

Got a laptop? Visit a mobile broadband comparison site

A free laptop sounds good but it's better not to get too carried away. The first thing you absolutely have to do is go to a mobile broadband comparison site. Mobile Broadband Genie is a pretty decent one if you're UK-based because it's pulled together all the mobile broadband deals in the UK. Users from the US can start here, and Australian girls could check out The Broadband Guide.

Once you get to your mobile broadband comparison site you'll see that there's an overwhelming myriad of choices.

What to look for in a mobile broadband deal:

• Price
• Length of contract
• Speed
• Data allowance

1) Data allowance. Are you going to check your email now and then, or download movies every five minutes? Unless you're planning to go mad on the movie downloads, the basic 3GB per month cap is enough for most people. A lot of contracts do have some quite nasty penalties for overuse, though, so do keep that in mind.

2) Speed! Mobile broadband speed can be a bit of a contentious issue, so read the reviews for each provider to get an idea of whether people are actually getting what they were promised, speedwise.

3) Length of contract. Lastly, consider the length of contract. Long contracts often offer you a slightly better deal, but then you're not free to switch to a better deal if one comes along.

And if you're still thinking about that free laptop, don't worry, Mobile Broadband Genie  lists all the laptop deals out separately, which is why we like them.

One word of warning on that: don't get too caught up by the shiny to do the maths. You pay more for a mobile broadband deal to include a laptop, and if the contract is long enough, you can end up having paid the full list price for the laptop by the time your contract ends.

So when you've found the deal you think works for you, just click that button, and you'll be taken straight through to your chosen mobile broadband provider. Sign up, and shortly thereafter you'll be fully connected... on the move. And living in the future.

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