I've been trying to find info on internet access both in Germany, Austria and Italy. I'll be bringing my laptop along and would like to have internet access, even if it's paid, but hopefully a reasonable charge. I did find this site, which seems to have potential in finding WiFi hotspots. http://v4.jiwire.com/search-hotspot-locations.htm
Google Maps are also showing some promise. Any suggestions?

check out www.fon.com

In France almost every McDonalds had free wifi access.

Sometimes you can get a special price through your hotel...I am posting this from my own hotel in Chianti and am paying a total of Euro 10 for four days of unlimited access.

You can also simply open your laptop andd search for nearby unsecured networks and connect to one of those if you feel that isn't too risky.

In Germany, you can expect all major chain hotels to have Wifi, but usually more expensive than what Dukey pays.
Independent hotels often advertise free Wifi (in addition to lower rates, go figure).
McD and BK have free wifi, many cafes or pubs as well.
Besides that, public hotspots run by telcos are available as well, but also again at a rate I don't find attractive.
The easiest way is to find a McD or similar, get a coffee, and surf as long as you want.

Many cities have internet shops (typically also filled with telephone booths for cheap overseas phone calls). It depends a little on where you travel to (I don't imagine small towns have many offerings). They are cheap cheap cheap and reasonably convenient. It used to be the case that a department store, Kaufhof, also had internet access (this is going back some years), but at the time it was a whopping 12 marks per hour. I imagine that the novelty probably has worn off and they don't have internet cafes nowadays. You also have the option of buying an internet stick for wireless broadband (Tchibo, a coffee chain cum gift shop, sells them for about 40 Euros) and you can then send SMSs to your computer or use the SIM card in your mobile. Not incredibly cheap but you have the convenience of having access all the time. I'd only recommend this option if you are a bit tech savvy (I am not, my husband does passably).

Lavandula

Some tourist information offices and libraries also have free wifi.
Generally the more you pay for a hotel the more you pay for the internet connection. Never worked out why that is, but it seems to be the case.
McD is generally your best bet on the road. You don't have to buy anything - it normally works in the car park too. If not the coffee isn't too bad if you aren't into Big Macs.

Thanks everyone! As always your advice is of great value to me.
Dukey, I hope you're having a great time. We'll be there on the 7th of Sept.