Mobile internet browsing

rts · Tue 20 Nov, 2007 12.34

With larger screen sizes, and faster connections, browsing the internet using a mobile phone when on a train, waiting for chums in a bar etc, is becoming more common. I was just wondering who else here does this, and what sites you visit?

Personally, mine are a predictable four. BBC News, TFL, Gmail, Facebook.

Sput · Tue 20 Nov, 2007 12.37

When I was without the old broadband for a week or two I used it non-stop. The gmail applet is very nice and handy but I generally found on my POS nokia 6280 it was awful. plus, it really hurt my thumbs.

Bail · Sat 24 Nov, 2007 23.59

I use the *real* internet alot whilst out and about on my Nokia N800, its basically a linux tablet but its tiny but has a high-res display so displays webpages natively. You can use wi-fi if its avaliable or normal mobile phone data stuffs. As for sites, mainly checking emails, reading news/rss feeds .

cdd · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 01.38

I browse my favorite websites on my PDA on my 40-minute bus ride every day

It's very useful! And almost broadband speed (it uses HSDPA).

Sput · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 09.05

cdd wrote:I browse my favorite websites on my PDA on my 40-minute bus ride every day It's very useful! And almost broadband speed (it uses HSDPA).

You're wrong, cdd. Broadband speed isn't fast, it's 14kB/sec, max. I know because I tested it myself on my Virgin Media connection.

rts · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 11.48

Currently writing this on my N95 using homes wi-fi, all cosy and tucked up in bed.

Debating whether to get a Mac Mini for cost reasons, or save up a few more hundred quid to get the freedom a laptop provides...

Off downstairs soon. The Observer awaits.

Sput · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 12.30

I'm quite tempted to get a iPod touch, mainly to use as a wifi tablet. It's awesomely convenient.

cwathen · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 17.34

I do quite a bit on my Samsung D900. It's built in browser is absolute shit, but I downloaded Opera Mini and find that to be pretty good - it's fast and pages render quite well onto the small screen. For some reason, the Gmail app won't work on this phone - the app loads but it can't connect, which has annoyed me as the web-based mobile Gmail is nowhere near as good.

Probably browse Wikipedia (through the mobile-designed Wapedia), TV Forum, this place, Gmail.

The 'killer feature' of mobile browsing has got to be the mobile National Rail enquiries - nothing like being able to see live status information on your train whilst sitting in pub!

I have been considering getting one of these things:

It's call a PocketSurfer 2 and is made by an outfit called Datawind. It's a mobile web access device which uses GPRS. You get 1200 minutes a month included in the cost or can take out an optional £5.99 / month subscription for unlimited use (don't understand why a GPRS device is being restricted by time rather than data transferred but oh well) Online applications and online storage also means it's an effective PDA (so long as you have a connection of course!)

The price seems reasonable enough (£180ish retail, but I can get it for about £140 through work), but I don't know which way to go - some reviews say it's the best thing since sliced bread, others reckon it's a bag of shit. Anyone actually used one?

cdd · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 17.53

Why does everyone use Gmail? it's awful...

Sput · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 18.03

cdd wrote:Why does everyone use Gmail? it's awful...

You mean aside from IMAP access, External POP accounts, mobile access, masses of storage and decent spam filtering?

You're wrong, cdd.

Lorns · Sun 25 Nov, 2007 18.16

cwathen wrote:
I have been considering getting one of these things:

I like the look of that! I think its going on my wishlist to Santa. Now that looks user friendly.