Sim-enabled laptops
In the past, mobile broadband providers offered sim-enabled laptops designed to access the internet on the go.
But these offers have declined, as smartphones and tablets like Apple's iPad have become more popular. These days, few providers offer sim-enabled laptops.
What is built-in mobile broadband?
Laptops with built-in mobile broadband gives you a way to get online via 3G without needing extra equipment.
You get a mobile broadband sim card, as you would with any other mobile broadband contract, but instead of putting it into a mobile dongle or even a Mi-Fi modem, you insert it directly into your laptop.
All the software you need will be automatically installed on your computer and you'll be able to connect to the internet wherever you get mobile broadband coverage.
Click here for information on sim-only mobile broadband.
What if I don't have built-in mobile broadband?
If you have a laptop that you want to use on a mobile broadband connection but it isn't sim-enabled, you can still get online using a dongle or a mobile wireless modem, which allows you to connect multiple wireless-enabled devices at the same time - so you can go online with your laptop, check your emails on your iPod Touch and email pictures directly from your digital camera, all at the same time.
Most mobile network providers offer mobile broadband dongles, so we recommend comparing mobile broadband packages to see what options are available to you.
Which providers offer sim-enabled laptops?
Currently only Vodafone (www.Vodafone.co.uk) offers a laptop with built-in mobile broadband.
However, you could buy a laptop outright, and sign onto a sim-only mobile broadband deal. A number of providers, including Three ( www.Three.co.uk ) offer this type of package.
