Using broadband used to be all about sitting in front of a computer screen at home or in the office, but thanks to the power of mobile options, we’re now free to access it where we like. Mobile broadband has revolutionized the way we get our online access, and these days it has become easy and relatively cheap to check out the web and our email pretty much wherever we go in the UK.

When it comes to getting connected there are plenty of options open to you, from laptops and netbooks through to smartphones and tablet computers. All have pros and cons, depending on your needs, while pricewise they can all be had without breaking the bank. Much of that is down to the competitive nature of the marketplace and a plethora of great new deals being available.

And one of the easiest ways to find the best mobile broadband offers is to use the free services of a comparison website like Broadband Genie. This location will give you an overview of all of the best deals, plus news, reviews and all the other stuff that you need to know about mobile computing.

Find a deal

When you’re shopping around for a deal then the comparison site will help you to pick through the many different offers that are always available. Mobile broadband, for example, comes in two basic variants with pay-as-you-go being handy for people on a tight budget while contract deals mean that you’ll need to sign up with a mobile provider but they are often a little more flexible.

The benefit with PAYG is that you only pay for the time you are connected. Simply get yourself a laptop or netbook and then find a dongle deal, add credit and you’re ready to go. A dongle is the small plastic USB device that plugs into your machine and receives the mobile broadband signal. There are lots of these around, and they can be had in both PAYG or contract versions.

Similarly, it’s easy to find free laptop deals as well, which means that if you’re prepared to sign on the dotted line for two years or so the mobile broadband provider will give you a laptop that you can keep. These packages generally costs a little more on the monthly charge, so it does get factored in to the overall cost, but this is a good way to get mobile and have a new bit of kit too.

Other options

Another angle worth considering for mobile computing needs is the Apple iPad device. This is a tablet computer style option that allows all of the usual computing.

Tasks to be carried out, but inside a small and compact device. The iPad is quite expensive to buy, but if you spend around £100 more on the 3G versions you’ll be able to tap into the mobile broadband network as well as using the built-in Wi-Fi.

To get connected you’ll need to get yourself one of the devices plus shop around for a mini SIM card that gets inserted into the body of the unit. You can get these on PAYG or rolling contracts starting from one month onwards and, while the deals aren’t exactly plentiful, it is possible to bag a competitively priced card using the aforementioned comparison site.

As more providers start to carry these devices, along with other tablet computers it’s likely we’ll see better prices and more competitive deals. However, many people still think that the extra outlay for an Apple iPad is worth it because the user experience is that much better and you also get to carry out your mobile computing tasks on a great looking machine.

Handset heaven

The other alternative gadget to consider for your mobile computing requirements is the smartphone. Now that these incredibly powerful incarnations of the traditional mobile phone have evolved into amazing devices that can access the web and email with ease they are well worth considering. What’s more, there is also a lot of competition in this field too, so you’ll often be able to get a free smartphone in exchange for signing up for a contract deal.

If you prefer there are pay-as-you-go variations too, so that you only pay for the time you’re connected although you’ll probably need to buy the handset in the first place too. Nevertheless, there isn’t much that you can’t do on one of these devices. They generally have lots of connectivity, including 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and so on as well as virtual or real keyboards, touchscreens and all of the other computing toys you’ll ever need.

The Apple iPhone is hugely popular, but it has some stiff competition from the likes of HTC, Samsung and a trail of other handset manufacturers all with their own neat take on the smartphone concept. Use the comparison website to get a better overview and understanding of what handsets might well offer the best solution for your needs. With so many models, configurations and deals it can be a bit bewildering otherwise.

Things to watch

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any deal or offer that you like. Watch out for restrictions on data usage, which is the amount of stuff that you can download (and upload) using your mobile account. There can be penalties for overstepping these limits, but it will all be spelled out in the small print.

The same goes for overseas use, as ‘roaming’ charges can be very high. Check what rules and regulations are in place for your package and if you’re heading overseas, make use of internet cafes or free Wi-Fi outlets, rather than tapping to the mobile network. It could save you a small fortune and an awful lot of headaches.