Broadband with Free Laptops

Broadband is now the de facto standard in internet service, with the vast majority of internet users now using the internet at speeds higher than those offered down a phone line in various forms. One of the ways to receive broadband is mobile broadband, which has grown in popularity recently, partly due to an increase in speeds available and reductions in price.

However, another reason why mobile broadband has increased in prevalence is due to the increase in sales of laptop and notebook computers, which has meant that many network providers will now include a laptop for free with some packages. In the same way that mobile phones have completely changed communication habits, mobile broadband is set to cause a shift in internet usage, towards more constant, but more casual sessions. To get the most benefit out of mobile broadband, this should be combined with a laptop computer, although the service can be used with desktop computers, avoiding the need for a land line at any location.

Mobile broadband packages with free laptops are currently offered by most of the mobile broadband providers: Orange, O2, Vodafone, 3 and T Mobile, allowing you to choose from a range of different packages. Free laptops are also available from some fixed line broadband providers, but have been less popular than mobile broadband packages, as mobile broadband allows users to get the most use out of the laptop.

Free laptops are typically only available on the longest term contracts - currently 24 months. However, this makes it easy to work out the actual cost of the free laptop. Simply compare the total cost of the broadband plus laptop deal over the whole two years, with the cost of broadband alone, plus the same laptop. You are likely to find that, even though the broadband plus laptop package is more expensive each month than a broadband only package, the laptop included option works out cheaper overall than buying the two separately.

Added to that is the benefit that you don't have to pay the cost of the laptop all at once, its cost is effectively divided into the monthly broadband line rental, giving you a way of spreading the cost over two years, without any interest. Another benefit of taking broadband with a free laptop is that you can be assured that the laptop included is compatible with the service you are taking out. The package is likely to include a mobile broadband USB modem, if needed, or this may be provided internally.

Such laptops will also be Wi Fi enabled, meaning you can use the computer to connect to local wireless networks when travelling. For example, many train operators, hotels, airports and cafes now offer wireless broadband as service to customers, often for free. You may also wish to set up a wireless network at home, allowing you to connect several computers to the same internet connection, and allowing you the flexibility to move your computers around your home, without being tied down to the phone line point.

All providers offer the highest speeds available on their network, but you should pay attention to the monthly download limit offered on each package, as this is more limited on mobile broadband packages than it is on land line ones.