bt line? yes? no?

[mrjdallen]

do you need a bt line to access the internet on a laptop???

[mallard]

ithink you can use any,but iam not to shur

[suzster]

You can use any, you just need a USB or network port for broadband. Or a modem if you like!

....or are you asking if you can just buy a laptop and it will work on the net? If thats the question then the answer is no, it wont

Suz x.

[entwisi]

Unless it comes with a mobile 3G datacard in which case it can, or you can connect via cable to your mobile and use that. You'd need deep pockets though as it can be rather expensive( I believe T mobile do the best rates for data)

Then there is always the chance that your neighbours have an unbsecured wireless network and you could piggy back on that, illegal but I've seen it done.

[WillowTheWhisp]

Originally Posted by mrjdallen

do you need a bt line to access the internet on a laptop???

Are you asking if you need an ISP? That may sound like a daft question but my friend's son actually thought he didn't need one for a laptop.

Apart from the answer from Entwisi, the simple answer is yes you do need an ISP just the same as you need an ISP for a PC. If you already have an ISP with an existing PC are you planning using the laptop in the same house?

There is no difference as regards what you have as your ISP - we've not got a BT landline and we have PCs and laptops running from the same router.

[mrjdallen]

i have no bt-line in house. i understand that i will need one to access the internet but if i go with a different internet provider do they do their own (bt line) or do they all have a bt line. i will be using it on a Main PC with a modem

[Tin Monkey]

You need a fixed landline (BT or another provider) to access the internet from your home, whether via a laptop or a desktop machine.

As entwisi stated above, it is possible to connect via your mobile, but it is very expensive and you'd need extra hardware.

[entwisi]

as I understand it you have two main choices, cable (NTL TELEWEST) or a BT supplied line(This can be rented from BT themselves or some companies now sublet them from BT)

if you go cable they are automatically your ISP as they don't sublet to anyone else. if you go 'normal phone line' then you have a choice of ISP from the myriad thats available.

[mrjdallen]

thats great thanks i will check it out. is cable the provider or is it ntl

[entwisi]

Cable is fibre optic, its supplied by either NTL(or is it now Virgin branded?) or telewest depending on where you live. Effectively they supply your complete telecoms/internet requirements in one package.

[mrjdallen]

thanks again, i will have a search

[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by entwisi

(or is it now Virgin branded?)

Yep, it's all under the Virgin Media brand