I need a mini laptop and a dongle I assume for on the road internet in my car so I can have 24/7 uninterupted access to 'ozbargain' among other things
what is the best/cheapest netbook I should get
what is the best/cheapest dongle I should get
what is the best/cheapest sim card I should get
Best = 4g (LTE) from Telstra. Not cheap.
there's no question
Telstra
get the myfi type devices
i found much better than dongles
+1 for Telstra, but there's no point paying extra for the 4G if you're in the country (or even in the suburbs of cities) as 4G coverage is microscopic!
Definitely get a WiFi version though.. It means you can plonk the modem in a spot that gets better coverage than you might otherwise get where you need to be using the laptop.
(Only problem is remembering the modem when you're done!)
how about sign up a new telstra mobile plan and get iphone or andriod.
most mobile phone plan comes with at least 2gb data.
Iphone has "personal hotspot" which reduces the need to carry the dongle.
An iPhone + data charges would be much more expensive than a netbook + dongle + data charges.
An Android phone or tablet from Kogan + Telstra SIM (3G/HSPA+/4G, all are acceptable) would be the sweet spot for value vs performance, I think. I currently use a text and data prepaid SIM on my GS2, and it works quite well for me; suits my needs to a 't'.
If you want to do actual work, then perhaps a Windows tablet or a netbook would be best (I'm quite sure some netbooks are available with 3G inbuilt, eliminating the need for a separate dongle (though I can't vouch for the quality).
As others said above, if you don't end up getting a phone for a hotspot, I would recommend the personal hotspot devices from Telstra - they are exceptionally useful, and will perform the hotspot function without the need for the new phone (though I would get the phone because, hey, it's a new phone :-).
Not that if you want a Windows tablet for doing useful things on you should make sure it is Windows 8 not Windows RT.
Also, devices with 3G inbuilt are unlikely to have LTE at the moment.
Thanks for all the input guys,
I decided to go with the
HP DM1 netbook
4g telstra Dongle
Telstra sim
hopefully this bit of kit should see to my on-road internet needs.
'best' network is almost always Telstra. Depending on where you are, optus network can be just as good and cheaper (most ISPs resel optus). If you are moving around a lot Vodafone probably isn't a good idea.
You can either get a USB modem, a wifi modem or just use your phone. Whatever you do make sure it supports UMTS 850 and LTE 1800 for telstra or UMTS 900/2100 and LTE 1800 for optus. You can save money by dropping LTE if you need to.
Netbooks come in all types and depends on want you want/need.