Should I bring my laptop??How much does it cost generally to use internet cafes in the UK???

Question

I am coming to the UK for 3-4 months this winter, and i am trying to decide if it would be best to bring my laptop and try and find an internet service to use over there or if it would be better to just go to the internet cafes.

I am afraid that if i bring my laptop, I will always be having the anxiety of it getting stolen and plus the hassle of having to carry it around all the time.

But I do plan to use the internet a lot in the evening so was wondering what would be the best advice to follow.

thanks for your answers!

Yes, could anyone else please explain what a "hot spot" is exactly?

I have a laptop that i use wirelessly off of a router in my home, but am totally new to all these wireless features.

What do i need to buy for my laptop to be able to use it over there without having to subscribe to internet service?

Also , where can you usually find "hot spots" in the UK??

Are there many hotspots in the UK???

Again, where at usually??

Answer 1

A hotspot has an Unsecured router that you can connect to with mostly no trouble.

Now a secured router, Thats a different story. A secured router requires a WPA Key (a password) to accsess.

Sorry I live in the stes and know nothing about the otspots in the UK.

Answer 2

In London you will find hotspots in department stores, some pubs and cafes. John Lewis is one of those stores and Cafe Nero one of the chains where you can login your laptop.

Also, many trains to the countryside will offer you seats in hotspots areas. If you are taking any train using Virgin Trains you will be well served. Some other companies use a card system, when you buy a card with a password, so this will conect you to the available network.

If your internet at home is wireless you don't need to worry as your laptop is already equiped with whatever necessary devices.

And enjoy your stay!

Answer 3

You will need to be careful with your laptop at all times, it does need protection against falling, being stolen and getting wet.
But a lot depends on how you travel.
If you stay in hotels or with friends or rent a room for the time you stay in England, it will not be that much of a hassle.
If you stay in hostels or shared dorms forget it.

All libraries have an internet computer, and while you pay for the use, you can often use it as a visitor, if no locals have claimed time.
And the bigger towns have internet cafes, (as I brought my laptop the last few times I do not remember the cost.)

Some hotels have free internet, (hot-spots) and in some places you can log on for a little if you bring your own laptop, but others charge a lot.
I have been able to log on through the wifi of the neighbours when staying with friends, but in an amazing amount of places there was no wifi, free or guarded, at all.

If you know which towns you are going to stay, you can ask the locals or the tourist information office about internet cafes.

Answer 4

expensive, bring your laptop and use hotspots they are free

Answer 5

What's a hotspot please?!