The 3G Dongle came (free) inclusive with the Virgin Media Broadband package (Cable + 3G mobile).

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/broadband/mobile.html

The Cradlepoint CRADLE-PHS300 Personal Hotspot wasn't too expensive - available for around $170 - available here at

http://www.amazon.com/Cradlepoint-CRADLE-PHS300-Personal-Hotspot-Black/dp/B001212ELY/ref=pd_sim_e_3

http://www.cradlepoint.com/products/phs300-personal-wifi-hotspot

The Cradlepoint Router has its own internal 1800mAhr Battery. If I need a much longer connectivity time, I can connect up the WiFi Router using its external power connector to a PowerGorilla and or SolarGorilla combo to recharge the internal battery (this basically gives indefinite connection time to the 3G network - as long as the sun shines)

The beauty of the cradlepoint router is that it allows internet access from any computer (desktop, laptop, notebook, netbook, WiFi PDA, WiFi PMP, WiFi media streamers etc) with an ethernet connection as well as having WiFi connectivity as it also allows single port ethernet connectivity and is extremely useful as a fixed line Broadband connection backup even when there is a local power outage.

A Draytel VOIP adapter can also be connected to ethernet port on the cradlepoint and a converted GPO 746 Rotary Dial phone attached to the Draytel adapter.

http://www.draytel.org/vigortalk_draytel.html



It certainly gets noticed when pulling the 746 out of a backpack on the bus/train and you can make and recieve VOIP calls. (beats an iPhone every time)