While we would now be lost without our home broadband, many of us leave it all behind when we step out of the front door. But the truth is that broadband can be just as useful on the move, or even more so.

If you’re considering taking the plunge into mobile broadband, the first decision you need to make is whether to go for a smartphone or the full mobile broadband experience. Both certainly have their merits and some even go for a combination of the two.

Getting online with your mobile

Even a reasonably priced budget smartphone can give you a great mobile broadband experience. The key advantage is that you should be able to get some data allowance in your existing mobile phone contract, so you don’t have to get another deal on top.

Another plus side is convenience – a mobile slips right into your pocket and is perfectly capable of delivering your email, social networking needs and even a little web browsing. Then there are great office and sat nav applications that can really help for work, as well as the likes of iPlayer and YouTube, plus games and news services, to enhance things further.

These all tend to be pared down versions too, meaning they won’t look quite as flashy but they will use up less data – perfect for cost saving, while using up less battery and processing power on your smartphone.

Laptops and tablet PCs

While a smartphone can really enhance your internet lifestyle, there’s nothing quite like the full internet experience – even if you’re on the move. Whether you’re travelling by train, away on holiday or sat in a meeting or conference, it’s incredibly straight forward to get yourself online with mobile broadband – as long as you can get a good 3G or 4G signal.

You’ll have to sign up for a mobile broadband contract or prepay deal, but these can be as cheap and as occasional as you need. If you go for a contract you’ll get a better deal on your data plus maybe free or cheap hardware, but less flexibility. Whichever you choose, you’ll then get the full broadband experience you can get at home, although you need to be aware that data tends to be much costlier on mobile broadband – turn those Windows updates and large downloads off!

As for connecting, it couldn’t really be easier. Some laptops have mobile broadband build in – otherwise, it’s simply a case of plugging in a mobile broadband USB (or dongle), or connecting via a mobile Wi-Fi device (or MiFi). The dongles are simple plug and play devices, while mobile Wi-Fi units are a doddle to use if you have Wi-Fi at home.

Have it all, everywhere

Whichever route you choose, you’ll never need to miss out on what’s going on again (except for in those pesky not-spots!). You can keep up with friends, check on local events, find your way around new places – or when you want to relax, watch your favourite shows or listen to your favourite tunes, whether you brought them with you or not.

It’s particularly good for social networking – uploading those moments, on video or picture, as they happen; or just sharing your thoughts with friends or on a blog as you have them. Whichever kind of lifestyle you lead, mobile broadband will put you one step ahead of the game.

About Author: Chris writes for Broadbandgenie.co.uk, the online consumer portal where you can compare the internet providers UK options when purchasing broadband and mobile broadband services.