Looking for cheap way to access internet while travelling...

rodgers73

...that doesnt involve a smart phone. I've looked at netbooks but they're a bit too much, internet cafes are few and far between these days and my basic Nokia isn't great for internet access.

Ideally it would be something about the size of a paperback (or smaller) that doesn't involve a phone contract or PAYG dongle and uses wifi rather than 3G.

Does this exist or am I on a wild goose chase??

ricklilley

There are plenty of Wifi compatible devices that you could use. An iPad is obviously the popular (though expensive) option. But an iPod Touch would work too.

Or how about a Google Nexus tablet with a 7" screen, think they start at about £170.

briantrumpet

Google Nexus 7 - the £160 8gb version would be ample. (Get in there before Apple closes down the competition in their quest for higher profits.) One recently accompanied me across France - picked up wifi well, and packed nicely in my small seatpost-mounted bag. It's easy to use and feels robust.

(See answer above!)

esspeebee

The Nexus 7 is about the closest thing to that that I can think of. Not sure whether it fits your size requirements, being about 8"x5". Wi-Fi only, tablet form, and cheaper than most smartphone handsets these days.

However, it may be worth revisiting the Wi-Fi idea depending how much travelling you'll be doing -- my employer gives us laptops with built-in 3G cards because it's a lot cheaper than paying for hotel Wi-Fi. It's also considerably more convenient and versatile, as you don't have to go searching for public access points or signing up to dozens of different services for different places.

daviesee

If it is just for browsing, no need for speed, you won't have access to a wireless network and where you are going gets 3G then the Kindle with 3G & keyboard would do.
Once you have paid for the unit, the internet is free worldwide. But slow, and in black & white. Still cheap though.
Oh, and you can read books.

rodgers73

Hmm, good answers here. I like the look of the Nexus but also the free 3G access the Kindle offers. Shame you cant combine the two into one unit!

dw300

Download a wifi sniffer app to find unprotected networks, and take it for a walk.

briantrumpet

I'd wait for someone who's used both to give an opinion, if you can, though I'd reckon that the superb functionality of the Nexus for little extra $ (despite the lack of 3G) would win it (but I haven't used a Kindle). I certainly think that the Nexus will cause a dent in sales of the iSmugPad, if Apple don't get worldwide injunctions to protect their obscene profits ... sorry, I mean patents.

EDIT - see above post - the Nexus seems to be pretty good at sniffing out wifi, if you go for a wander.

baldwin471

briantrumpet wrote:

I'd wait for someone who's used both to give an opinion, if you can, though I'd reckon that the superb functionality of the Nexus for little extra $ (despite the lack of 3G) would win it (but I haven't used a Kindle). I certainly think that the Nexus will cause a dent in sales of the iSmugPad, if Apple don't get worldwide injunctions to protect their obscene profits ... sorry, I mean patents.

EDIT - see above post - the Nexus seems to be pretty good at sniffing out wifi, if you go for a wander.

I have the Nexus 7 and a kindle3g. Get the Nexus 7. Trust me it's great. For the price you can't get better.