cheap Internet access-Europe for visitors

[Tuckervill]

He might be better off getting an I-phone or a Blackberry or some other kind of device that uses the cell phone system to access the internet. It would probably cost less than a new laptop, and he'd have internet wherever he goes (except when there's no cell signal, which is a problem in North America, too).

Maybe he can get a pay-as-you go plan so he doesn't have to sign a contract.

I don't even know if they have Iphones or Blackberrys in Europe.

Karen

[Triskeliongirl]

I don't recommend using a cell phone for email/internet in europe, since data access on cell phones in europe is usually quite expensive, unless you live there and have a plan w an annual contract.

I don't know about libraries, but when we travelled through europe recently we did fine internet cafes everywhere, and prices are highly variable. Some places don't charge at all, or charge very little, to get you in there although then you are expected to at least get a cup of coffee, etc. (look for free internet signs posted in the windows, and patronize those places).

[Biciclista]

+internet cafes. That's how I get by in Italy.

[papaver]

I don't even know if they have Iphones or Blackberrys in Europe.

Karen

LOL!

Sure there are internetcafés everywhere. Libraries do have internetacces (but mostly it's for members only - it depends on the city). Cellphone coverage in Belgium is 100%. Never experienced a phone that is out of reach.
Most mcdonald's have free internet access for customers, and there's a thing called hot spots where there's free wireless internet.

[shootingstar]

Jeez, he'll experience unique cuisine at MacDonald's.

Anymore ideas on an ongoing basis would be appreciated. It sounds like his laptop is dead...he's had it for about 5 years and it has been heavily used for every personal and business trip. What is the going price for a laptop there?

[papaver]

Jeez, he'll experience unique cuisine at MacDonald's.

Anymore ideas on an ongoing basis would be appreciated. It sounds like his laptop is dead...he's had it for about 5 years and it has been heavily used for every personal and business trip. What is the going price for a laptop there?

i'll look it up for you.

[papaver]

A packard bell at 299 euro (photohall, that's a shop you can find in every belgian city)

A Toshiba at 399 (vandenborre, again a shop he'll find in every city in Belgium)

[shootingstar]

thx Papaver! I've copied and pasted your message for an email to him.

I have this suspicion that he might also end up buying another memory card for his digital camera ...

[shootingstar]

Appreciate the suggestions so far. He'll be looking out for Internet cafes in the mean time.

[Grog]

I always use Internet cafes, too. Many hotels have free wireless now.

I would suggest being mindful when buying the laptop, if that's the way he goes. Sure he can just pick up a laptop at any big retailer, but it will have a French (or Belgian) Windows installed on it, and AZERTY keyboard. Not the end of the world, but certainly not practical to change.

It might be a better idea to buy a laptop from North America online and get it shipped there (express), in order to have a Canadian version of Windows, Canadian keyboard, etc. on it.