3G Internet Access for our Car Computer Systems
Just because our computers live in cars, it doesn't mean that they can't have access to the internet. We are authorised stockists for Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange and O2, which means that we can supply our car computers with a fully working internet connection on any of these networks. This will give your car computer complete access to the internet, just as if it were plugged into a land-based broadband connection.
The computer will include a modem that uses 3G mobile phone networks to provide high-speed internet access, and we can set you up with an account with Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange or O2. This will allow you to:
- Browse the web - access any website wherever you are. Particularly useful to a car computer are the many location-based web services such as Yell.com or Google Local, which let you quickly find services in your local area.
- Send and receive emails - keep in touch wherever you are. As well as being able to use any email client of your choice (like Outlook Express, Outlook or even just your email provider's webmail service) our computers can read any new emails out loud to you as you drive (see our Verbal Email Announcer page for more information).
- Instant messaging - use one of the many instant messaging services.
- Skype - with high-speed internet access you can use the Skype internet phone service, as well as other VoIP services. More information is available on our Skype page.
- Remote Desktop*- access your home or office computer just as if you were sitting at your desk. Remote Desktop allows you to use the car computer to log on to a remote computer (for example the computer in your office) and use it from wherever you are. You can use all the programs that are installed on the remote computer, access all your files (such as those stored in your My Documents folder), and even use network resources such as your office printer or shared storage. Remote desktop enables you to work without storing any confidential files locally on the car computer itself**, and the connection between the car computer and the remote computer is automatically encrypted.
If you have additional displays installed then other occupants of the vehicle can access the internet too.
The modems we supply use the very latest HSDPA (also known as 3.5G or Super 3G) mobile networks, providing download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps***, which is faster than some home broadband connections. 3.5G networks are available in most major cities in the UK, and along most major motorways, with coverage increasing all the time. Advanced receiver technology gives excellent reception, even on the edges of network coverage. If you move out of a 3G area you will seamlessly be connected to the GPRS network which, although slower, is available wherever there is a mobile phone network.
(All prices include VAT)
These prices are intended as a guide only. While we make every effort to ensure that these figures are accurate, we advise you to check each mobile operator's website for exact and up-to-date pricing details.
As a rough guide, 1 MB of usage would allow you to download approximately 20 web pages or 100 text-only emails.
Other ways to access the internet
We highly recommend using a dedicated modem (as described above) for internet access, as it is the fastest and most reliable method of connecting your car computer to the internet.
However, you can also use your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone to give your car computer internet access. Please note that unless your price plan has a separate data allowance, using your mobile phone to provide internet access could prove very expensive.
Alternatively, we can install an internet-enabled wireless network in your vehicle. This would not require a car computer, and is a low-cost way of allowing passengers to access the internet using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops or PDAs.
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*Remote Desktop can only be used if your home or office computer and network meet the requirements for Remote Desktop (please contact us for more information). If using an office computer your company's IT security policy must also allow remote desktop connections.
**If you do wish to store confidential files on your car computer you can encrypt the data so that only you have access to it - please see our Fingerprint page for more information.
***The hardware we supply will be capable of downloading at 7.2 Mbps. Not all networks currently offer a 7.2 Mbps service, but as speeds are increased in the future your car computer will be able to take advantage with no upgrade required.
