UK: Does Broadband mean there's Internet?
 

We are renting a flat in London and the agent said there was "Broadband". That's internet access, correct?

Thanks!
Signed,
Technically challenged

Yes, DSL or cable or something better.

Thank you, logos999!

for giggles, read G.Orwells book"1984" the UKS got it down good.
just watch out where you tryst.BBISWYOU.

I think the accepted definition of "broadband" in the UK is any connection of 128kbs or more. Most will be either cable or ADSL running at 1mbs or more.

And it could either be wired or wireless. For wired you probably need your own network cable (straight through).
If they say they have broadband, then you don't normally have to pay online charges.

It may mean internet access, but it does not mean they supply a computer. My guess would be NO.

If you have your own computer, then that's fine. If you don't and are expecting one to be there, you should inquire with the agent.

Thanks for the information.

We are trying to decide if we should bring a laptop with us.

I also don't know if there is a fee for using the connection. I'll send an email to the agent, but I don't know if I'll get a response in time (she's on holiday in the Canary Islands).

Either that or it means they have an all girl orchestra.

Why on earth would you tote a heavy computer accross the Atlantic.

All over london there are little internet shops that will let you access the internet for £1 an hour - which will let you look at your emails etc.

Welcome to the 21st century. There are now about a thousand uses for a laptop (which is hardly "toting a heavy computer" across the Atlantic), besides "accessing your email". Some people use them for everything from downloading and viewing their photography as they go to writing their journals to paying their bills online while gone to accessing their bookmarked investments to making dinner reservations -- the list goes on and on.

As one who has relied on internet cafes in London -- it ain't all it's cracked up to be. The Easy Internet ones are poorly run now. I lost money in the machine and there is NO attendant there. Computers freeze up on you, and sometimes there are no working ones available. I've gone to a number of small internet cafes only to have them tell me "service is down right now", or "there should be a computer free in a few minutes -- 20 minutes later, still waiting. . . Give me my own laptop ANY DAY.

"Why on earth would you tote a heavy computer accross the Atlantic."

Why on earth would anyone HAVE a heavy laptop? Mine have always - since 1991 - weighed less than the books you have take on board to while away the journey. And far, far less than the duty free the yob element buys.

For once I'm totally with NeoPatrick. How can you possibly travel abroad without one? I really think that's something I've not once done since 1990.

pah! technoslaves! You probably have one of those crackberry things too.

The point of being on holibob is to be out of contact. You know - just you, the beach, the bar, the gallery etc. Everything else will wait.

You'll all get gout and heart attacks. Learn to relax!

BTW I'm with you on the duty free. If we want to reduce carbon emmisions we can start by stopping schlepping Johnnie Walker from continent to continent. And giant Toblerones too.

CW, you certainly misunderstand ME. I don't have a blackberry or raspberry or dingleberry or whatever those things are -- and now get ready -- I don't even own a cell phone. Taking a laptop these days really isn't about technology, and it isn't about relaxing. I don't use a computer for work -- so I don't equate it with work as you might do. For me a laptop IS relaxation.

As you can see, Neo relaxes a lot. :)

I can think of many things I would take on holibob - but a computer? No. What possible use can there be for a computer on holiday?

You're all mad - and you'll get gout and rockfords. Learn to relax.

dingleberry, lol... :-d

It's not really a big deal to take with us. Although I am concerned about leaving it in our flat.

We'll take a family vote tomorrow and then decide.

holibob... The English have such a way with words, lol. ;)

"What possible use can there be for a computer on holiday?"

Gee, I gave quite a few uses already. Maybe you need to get one and see if it can teach you to read?