Connecting to a wireless network connection is a popular method for browsing the internet on your laptop without having to plug in any cables. But what if you want to surf the internet on the beach, or at a location where there is no wireless network connection available? The only solution would be to establish a connection to a wireless internet provider. You would do this by using wireless internet cards for laptops. Mobile phones connect to the internet by using technology such as 3G or HSDPA/UMTS.



As surfing the internet with mobile phones don't always provide us with the same user experience and ease of use that laptops (or personal computers) do, it has been made possible to establish a connection with a laptop computer when accompanied by the correct hardware. If you are a businessman, imagine how much easier your life would be if you were able to establish a fast broadband connection from any location - be it your car, your home or the workplace.

Cellular networks usually provide all major towns and cities and even some rural area's with internet coverage. If you have GPRS or 3G signal on your cellphone, you are most likely in a zone where internet is available to any device that can establish a connection to that signal. This means that you can purchase an adaptor card for your laptop, and then surf the internet at high speeds from any region within the networks coverage zone. In the past, technology such as GPRS was only suitable for small portable devices as it did not provide us with a fast enough connection to make it worthwhile for notebook computers. Since the introduction of 3G, however, it has become possible to establish a broadband connection at extremely high speeds, ranging anywhere from 384kbps to beyond 10mbps. This is good news if you are used to a fast cable connection at home.

Some service providers also make use of their own radio frequency technology. To use these providers you may need a receiving antenna, or a bulky USB modem. This makes 3G technology much more popular, as it is more streamlined and versatile. Modems based on this technology usually connect via PCMCIA slots or USB. They are usually not too bulky, making moving around with your laptop easy and hassle free. It is possible to dial up to the internet from any coverage area with your laptop, once you have a PCMCIA internet card. The device can be easily removed when you do not require wireless internet access. USB modems are usually a separate device, connecting via a cable, or a dongle which connects directly. This adds extra hassle when moving around, as you will then be moving two physical devices.

An ISP (internet service provider) provides bandwidth that you can purchase from them. When using technology such as 3G, your wireless provider will probably be your cellular network, although there are dozens of smaller companies providing the same service. When signing up for a wireless internet package, they will normally also inform you as to which hardware you will need to access their service. Wireless internet cards for laptops can be purchased online. You can also sign up with an ISP quickly and easily over the internet.