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Built-in broadband laptops explained

What are laptops with built-in broadband?

Laptops with built-in broadband are the latest development in mobile broadband technology. As the term implies, a in-built broadband laptop is a laptop with built-in access to a broadband internet connection. This allows you to access the internet from your laptop or notebook while you're on the go, without using any kind of external modem.

Put simply this means:

  • Wire-free internet access wherever there is a mobile phone signal
  • Internet connectivity direct from your laptop - no dongles or modems!
  • All-in-one portable high-speed broadband access

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Mobile broadband is itself a relatively new technology designed for laptop and notebook users. Mobile broadband laptop users connect a dongle or a MiFi unit to their laptops or notebooks in order to access a high speed internet connection using 3G technology wherever there is mobile phone coverage.

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How does built-in broadband work?

The built-in broadband laptop is at the cutting-edge of mobile broadband notebook and laptop technology. Built-in mobile broadband laptops have a 3G SIM card and software pre-installed to provide users with ready to go connectivity at great speeds.

Built-in mobile broadband laptops use

  • High Speed Mobile Broadband (HSDPA)
  • 3G
  • GPRS networks

This means that when you are using a laptop or notebook with in-built broadband you can rest assured that you are getting the fastest possible connection.

Are you always online if you have a laptop with built-in broadband?

You are not always online even if you have a laptop with built-in mobile broadband.

Almost all notebooks and laptops with in-built mobile broadband have one-click access to the internet.

Do built-in broadband laptops have a shorter battery life?

Because people using laptops and notebooks with in-built broadband are the broadband users most likely to want to work remotely, built-in broadband laptops have been optimised for mobile broadband access. This means that in-built mobile broadband laptops will generally have improved battery life.

Who will use built-in broadband?

In-built broadband is great for anyone who already uses mobile broadband, or is thinking of upgrading to mobile broadband, particularly if they are thinking of getting a new laptop.

Anyone who could benefit from using their laptop to access the internet on the go could benefit from built-in broadband from students to business people.

Built-in broadband is going to be a great development for netbook users. People who favour the light and compact laptops designed for use on the move will love the added bonus of having in-built mobile broadband.

Which providers offer laptops with built-in mobile broadband?

Broadband laptops are periodically available from a selection of broadband providers, including Vodafone, Virgin Media and Orange.

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All major laptop manufacturers also offer laptops with built-in HSDPA connectivity, or broadband enabled laptops. However, not all built-in broadband laptops on the market are currently available through a mobile broadband provider. This means that you may have to pay for your mobile broadband connection separately.

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