mobile broadband USB modem thingy

[Uglybloke]

I`ve been told about a USB modem or mobile broadband. Is this any good? If I`m connected to broadband via my phone line, can I do away with the line and just have a USB modem connected to my desktop? I realise I`ll not be able to make phone calls, but if it`s being offered free by some suppliers and about �10 a month will be be as good or better then the fixed phone line? My problem is :

I`m not very clever with computery things and

My desktop is three rooms away from the phone socket, and somebody always trips over the cable.

[Ethel]

If you have broadband at home, a dongle will never be as good. If you live a strong signal area, it should be better than dial up, however.
If you live in a bad signal area it will be rubbish.

Don't forget these dongles have capped downloads - it can get very expensive if you go over your limit.

However, if you are happy with the speed you achieve with a dongle, and the capped limits, you could get rid of your telephone line.

Some dongles allow you to use Skype and MSN, some block them, so check that out.

You can do something about your trailing cable at home - there are a few options to improve things.

[Uglybloke]

Thanks for your swift reply Ethel. Can I actually do away with the cable? How `dat? Will it cost me loads more?

[Ethel]

You could spend �20 to �30 on a wireless router and adapter for your desktop. The router would be sited near to the phone socket, so no trailing wires.

Alternatively, not having a phone line myself, I'm not absolutely positive but you should be able to buy the cable and socket to extend the cable to your desktop location, and pin the cable to the walls.

[ACtheTROLL]

you don't say if it's upstairs or downstairs (or any other victorian drama) if down .... b&q sell everything you need .... 20 mins under the floor and it's sorted.

finally(after 12 months) finished mine last sunday - sockets bedroom and lounge ... took about 40 mins including tea break (bungalow)

[Ethel]

*Edwardian, not Victorian*

[Uglybloke]

Thanks again Ethel,

I`ll do the first thing, get a router and adapter, I`ll raid my piggy bank tomorrow.

Thanks also AC, but I think Ethel`s idea sounds good, I have enough trouble climbing in to my coffin each daybreak without trying to feed a cable under the floor!