Find the right mobile internet device

Being online via a mobile internet connection is becoming the norm. In fact, with the explosion of mobile internet, people are expecting to get online pretty much 24/7.

Although most mobile internet connections use 3G mobile network technology, you can use a number of difference devices to actually access the internet. So, which is right for your business?

A mobile internet dongle and your laptop

A ‘dongle’ is a small piece of equipment, usually about the size of a USB memory stick. It plugs into one of the USB connections on your laptop and contains a SIM card, just like your mobile phone (see image).

With a mobile internet dongle, your laptop can connect to the internet over a mobile phone network.

You can buy a mobile internet dongle relatively cheaply – from about £20. Like business mobile phones, you can get them free if you sign up to a contract. The best package for you will be determined by several factors:

• Speed. How fast your mobile internet connection runs at.
• Download limits. Suppliers tend to restrict how much you can download each month.
• Coverage. Your dongle will only work where there’s mobile phone coverage.
• Price. You can pay-as-you-go, or sign up to a contract.

Typically, mobile internet access via a dongle on a contract will give you access to faster connection speeds, higher download limits (so you can use the connection more each month) and a better price – if you plan to use your mobile internet dongle regularly.

If you don’t plan to use your mobile internet dongle so often, a pay as you go service will almost certainly be lighter on your pocket. However, it may also see your mobile internet connection running at a slower speed.

Mobile internet dongles - great for travel

Purchasing a mobile internet dongle can give you a great advantage if you already travel with a laptop. In theory you can get connected wherever you are, and use the same websites and online services you’d use when in the office. That can be important when you’re trying to run a business.

Most providers offer laptop deals, which entitle you to a cheap or free laptop with your mobile internet dongle, if you sign up to a contract. Do your homework before signing up to one of these – in many cases, laptops are low specification so you're better off buying one separately.

The main drawbacks to using a mobile internet dongle are slow connections and coverage which can be patchy – even in cities. These factors vary depending on where you are, so always check coverage for the mobile phone network you’re planning to use. If you live in a strong signal area, you'll be fine. But if you don't trying to use a dongle could be a frustrating experience.

Mobile internet on your smart phone

The smart phone is a device that’s defining a generation. You can browse the web, send emails, blog, take pictures, use GPS navigation, shoot video, use social media services like Twitter and Facebook, play games and use apps - all while retaining the humble features of sending a text message and making a phone call.

Smart phones are perfect for getting around in unfamiliar places, accessing physical and virtual entertainment, and staying in touch. If you need to work on a business document, there is an app for that too - but have you tried writing a report on your iPhone?

When you use your smart phone to display a website, you’ll often (but not always) see a version of the site that’s optimised for smart phones. These work better on your phone’s smaller screen and use less of your data allowance than a full site

However, that small screen means that, although smart phones are incredible devices, what you can view and download is more limited when compared to a laptop with a mobile internet dongle.

Mobile internet on a tablet

A tablet computer is a small, light, ‘slate’-style computer – essentially, a touchscreen computer without a keyboard. Tablet technology is evolving quickly, with Apple’s iPad leading the way. The big advantage of using mobile internet on a tablet computer is that you get a bright, reasonably sized screen on a thin, light device.

Although some tablets are very easy to use, not all have the intuitive interface of an iPad. Similarly, some tablets allow you to download and install apps that are specifically designed for that device. Those that don’t tend to be harder to use.

Tablets connect to the internet either through a 3G connection (using a mobile phone network), or a Wi-Fi connection. 3G models have the same issues with speed and coverage as mobile internet dongles.

Again, you may be able to get a cheap or free tablet if you sign up to a contract with a mobile phone network. However, with the speed that tablet computers are evolving, be wary of such deals: the iPad released in two years’ time will probably have five times the capabilities of today’s model!

Joe Linford writes on behalf of Broadband Genie and Mobile Phone Genie, the independent comparison websites for broadband, mobile broadband and mobile phones

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