What Internet Options Are There to Power a Notebook?

• 3G/4G and Mi-Fi require that you are in range of a cellular tower. Arthur S. Aubry/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Notebook computers are able to receive Internet signals from all the same sources as do traditional computers. As of October 2010, most notebook computers come with a built-in Ethernet port allowing for connections to corporate or home networks. As of the same date, most notebook computers are also equipped with wireless Internet capability, though like most desktop computers, they no longer come with modems for dial up connections. However, there are three technologies available to provide Internet services to notebook computers while on the go, rather than at the office or at home.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

• Wi-Fi, which refers to wireless Internet connections running on the "IEEE 802.11" standard, is a common method of connecting to the Internet while on the go. The problem with Wi-Fi is that you need to be within range of a "hotspot," a place where a wireless router is made available for public use. A number of such hotspots exist in various restaurants, hotels, coffee houses, book stores and other businesses. However, some of them do not provide their service for free. A number of nationwide networks have been created offering Wi-Fi access in thousands of locations for a designated monthly fee.

3G/4G Internet Cards and Phones

• Some cellular phones allow for what is known as tethering, allowing you to connect your cell phone to the computer and use it like a modem. In addition, dedicated cards are available that plug into the PC Card slot, or into a USB slot, of a notebook computer and allow you to have an Internet connection through the cellular network. These cards use technology known as 3G or 4G. The advantage that these cards have over Wi-Fi is that you don't have to be near hotspots. Instead, you only need to be within range of a cellular tower, which gives you a range of several miles.

Mi-Fi

• Another technology, which is based on the 3G/4G Internet connections, is called Mi-Fi. You can create your own hotspot with Mi-Fi. You can carry around a small box which transmits a wireless Internet signal allowing you -- and others in Wi-Fi range of you -- to share the Wireless connection. The connection can be left open or password protected. An obvious advantage over an Internet card is that more than one device can receive an Internet signal through your connection.