Netbooks with 3G wireless connectivity - Please explain something to me

Factual Questions
1

I’m noticing a few netbooks on sale advertising wireless “3G connectivity”. The tech descriptions don’t really go into a lot of detail as to what this implies re connectivity.

3G is a cellular telephone data standard. Does this mean that to use the netbook with a wireless connection I would have to arrange to sign up with a cell carrier and have a number provided to the cell phone connection of the netbook (and the hefty monthly charges associated with a cellular data plan service) to get 3G connectivity?

2

Yes.

3

Well, just to clarify:

You will need a data plan with a cellular carrier if you want to use the 3G connection.

You will not need a data plan to connect to regular WiFi (802.11*) hotspots, though the hotspot provider may or may not charge for access.

4

Now the question is, who doesn’t charge and arm and a leg for this 3G for computers? :stuck_out_tongue:

5

Many phones/services have ‘back doors’ which let you achieve un-sanctioned 3G tethering. As far as I can tell as long as you don’t abuse it (bittorrent, streaming videos, etc.) the phone companies will ignore it…

Much cheaper than a real, sanctioned 3G data plan.