David Lock

I don't use trains much - hence the question.

Do some trains have the facility for customers to use laptops to connect to the Internet?

If not, why not?

If yes, why don't all trains have them?

Nimbus

The one I took from Peterborough to KX had it. Operated by National Express I think.

boxst

Some trains do, although I personally haven't been on any.

If you wander aimlessly around the country (or have a hugely restrictive firewall at work) one of the USB modems from T-Mobile are a good bet. Especially as it includes free access to wireless hotspots (great for the iPod Touch).

Steve

David Lock

OK, thanks. My daughter now commutes to London and sits in a boring, dirty train for 1 1/2 hours each way (see Guiness Book of Records under slow, filthy train category). All this for just £300 per month..........

But it would make a huge difference if she could spend this time surfing away and even doing some research work. I think more than you could get out of using a mobile. But I expect this will be a couple of light years away

boxst

She can plug the T-Mobile (or '3') USB modem into her laptop. You get 3GB a month for £15 and works almost everywhere (Although the speed varies).

Steve

David Lock

That's very helpful Steve. Ta muchley. And she is due to get a new phone very soon. d

boxst

I still think we are talking about different things. This is nothing to do with mobile phones. Have a look here: Broadband

Steve

shep ppp

Currently fitting all of virgins "pendolino" fleet all 52 trains will be done by Nov this year along with an upgraded GSM signal for mobiles

Odds on

I think the 3 version of the mobile internet can be had for £10 a month.

I also heard an advert that their doing pay as you go on it now as well. Can't vouch for the quality or reliability of it though, especially when on the move a high speeds.

I wonder what a train company will charge if they have decent access..

kingofturds

iTrader: (1)

3 network is good IF you live in a turbo network area, best to check on their website before taking the plunge. Last time I bought a train ticket I spent 2/3rds of the journey on a bus so maybe a mobile broadband dongle is the way to go.

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

You arent allowed to flush your cache when in the station.

Nigel H

Wifi is also available on trains on the London to Brighton route

Wi-Fi Information - Southern railway

Train based wifi requires kit on the train as well as trackside. It's coming to lots of routes now

boxst

I didn't know that. But it is still cheaper to do the £20/month from T-Mobile with the USB dongle for 3G and you get the WiFi for free.

In fact, I think I've just talked myself into going to subscribe later today! The only thing that has been putting me off is the 24 month contract.

Steve

David Lock

Thanks Steve, That's a very courteous way of telling me I have got completely the wrong end of the stick and clearly know sod all about mobiles, widgets etc. And you are quite right

But I NOW UNDERSTAND so many thanks. And for other replies

I now wonder if there is a cheap, lightweight laptop on the market which would work so that my daughter doesn't need to lug around a quite heavy and expensive laptop that might not want regular train use.

david

kingofturds

iTrader: (1)

Took the plunge this afternoon and bought a 3 dongle for 99 quid, despite the saleswoman saying I would have to put up with 3 g speeds till apri,l I have hsdpa broadband just done a speed test and got 1.3 mb, upload speed is a bit slow though at 100 kbs

Odds on

Take it back tommorrow then and get your money back. Then go along to Carphone Warehouse, they'll give you the dongle for free.

jjones

coverage and 3g/grpd speed fluctuates wildly, personally wouldn't bother having used the works t-mobile card recently. Caused more frustration than anything else.

kingofturds

iTrader: (1)

3 then

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

You can connect your laptop to your phone and use your phone to access the internet.

The advantage of this is that you just need to buy a data package for you phone as you are already paying a monthly rental.

The downside is the little extra hassle of connecting the laptop to your phone, and also the fact that the phone will be in use so unavailable for calls.

If you have a 3G capable phone then it may be worth just trying it out to see if its any good. If you like it and want to have the convenience of a mobile phone card inside a laptop then by all means upgrade.

boomer

...not on PAYG though!!!!

mb

Odds on

Ah! It was a contract I enquired about.

RRH

Virgin west Coast appear to have wireless internet onboard.

I have a three wireless dongle thing, and its great as long as the signal's good- alas its useless on the train Liverpool / London and drops out all the time. The signal is non-existent in the rural areas.

boxst

T-Mobile have an offer this week for £15 you get usb modem, 3gb/data a month + hotspot Wifi Access across the UK.

I signed up, so I'll let you know how I get on.

Steve

Nigel H

Heathrow Express has broadband

Nomad Digital - Wireless Roaming

One of the companies behind it

Nomad Digital - Wireless Roaming

And an article on the BBC

BBC NEWS | Business | Rail internet access picks up speed

Will be interesting to see if all of this landbased stuff gets overtaken by 3G

Account deleted by request

chop

OllyK

Try this - Amazon.co.uk: Asus 7"EEE PC 2G Surf 512MB 2G Black: Electronics & Photo

David Lock

Thanks Olly - and there is quite a useful customer review on that link