Modem advice

[JayzusB.Christ]

Not much of a techie type myself so I'll just ask you folks - I'm looking for something that plugs into my netbook and acts as a portable wi-fi hotspot, which can be used abroad too.  I teach by Skype these days and quite fancy the idea of being able to travel around and do it.  It needs to have a fairly fast download / upload speed to overcome any Skype communication problems.
However, I have absolutely no idea what to look for.  Global portable modem? Satellite modem?  Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Banners]

When you say "hotspot", I take it you're actually looking to get an internet connection to your laptop. A hotspot is usually defined as something which has a connection and which devices such as laptops and phones connect to, and you may have one already...

Do you have an internet-enabled smartphone? If so, that may be able to act as a hotspot which you can connect your laptop to via wifi or USB in a process known as tethering.

If your phone can't act as a hotspot you just need a USB mobile dongle to get online with. Here are some prices and more info. Check the data allowance is right for your needs. 1GB a month, for example, may not be enough for lots of Skype calls - so you may need an unlimited plan from 3.

If travelling abroad without access to decent wifi in hotels or cafés etc., consider getting a SIM from abroadband to help keeps costs under control as it will be likely cheaper than whatever deal you're on currently.

[JayzusB.Christ]

Thank you very much, Banners, you're a gent

[Jim_Campbell]

1GB a month, for example, may not be enough for lots of Skype calls - so you may need an unlimited plan from 3.

I have the £15/15Gb dongle from 3 for when I'm away from home, and in the event of the house broadband going down, and it's not far short of being a solid replacement for Virgin's cable service, TBH.

Cheers

Jim

[JayzusB.Christ]

Thanks, Jim, I'll look into it. Much appreciated