doing without my computer

I think in Spain there is something called Mifi, where you can hire a wifi device which is delivered to your apartment; you then put it in an envelope and post it back when you leave.
The other problem in lots of rural France is that you can't get 3G either. At least most of the sites like Owners Direct and Holiday Lettings let you search with internet access in the criteria. I don't think Gites de France does (?) but at least you know you will have a pressure cooker.

Thanks Riverwalk. I'd heard of it but never bothered to find out what it was exactly...

Janerowena if you find yourself somewhere without wifi you can easily sign-up to BT Openzone - I've done this on a number of occasions. No contract just select the required number of days.

I'm not sure how it works with multiple users in one cottage but must be do-able! It's country and world-wide - you can check that they cover the area by putting in a postcode.

BT Openzone

About £25 for five days but I think it's free for BT wifi customers.

My younger DD go off to a holiday cottage in Yorkshire on Friday which has no mobile signal and no wifi. She has three kids, all ipad addicts, sooner her than me!

You have been lucky! We have looked at renting some really pretty ones - then checked reviews and found that there was no wifi. So went back and did a hasty check on the cottage info. Thank heavens. Now we are a lot more careful. We were seconds away from booking one up. As 19 yr-old DS is coming with us it would have been dreadful! We would have had to play board games... we do still play them when all the family is together but I would rather read if no wifi is available, just never allowed to. We used to rent National Trust cottages, which are stunning, but only recently have ONLY a few cottages had wifi installed. If you are somewhere remote and can't get phone signal either, you are stuffed as many properties do not have a land phone. In fact some can barely get TV reception.

In France it's even scarcer. The flats in Paris are generally fine, as you would expect, but once you get outside it's a different matter. In fact although I really wanted to rent a french cottage, generally the ones owned by Brits are better equipped. Small hotels and B&Bs usually have wifi though for their business.

JaneR I sort of take it as read that they all have WiFi these days. Or have I just been lucky?

I would get an iPad anneey if you haven't used a tablet before, they are so straightforward and I love the apps.

Lots of Apple retail stores around the country, and if you want to know more than the basics, they offer a variety of courses to help you get the most out of your iPad.

We were looking at cottages and saying 'No wifi! How do they hope to attract visitors?'

Yes, get an iPad. Idiot proof!

I've just arrived (after a 9-hour horrendous drive) at the cottage we've rented for the week in Northumberland. First thing after a cup of tea was to set up my WiFi connection.

How did we cope before? Not a clue

I've left my iPad at my darling daughter's and I'm totally lost

Buy an IPAD. Even idiots like me can get on with them . I thought the broadband was acting up today and I very nearly went into severe decline. Bee are getting toooooo dependent on instant communication. I get withdrawal symptoms if I can't connect. I'm very silly.

I am told by a certain young feller who reckons he knows absolutely everything (hmm) that the latest version of kindle fire is the bee's knees. He is trying to persuade me to buy a new one, even though this one works perfectly!

Right, that's it, I am going to buy a Tablet. I will have to wait for my Son, to help me. The decorating will be over by then.
I love the idea of taking it to bed.
Have to go now, the Decorator is coming at 9.

I have a tablet, but if I didn't I would feel very lost. My phone is too small. I do hope your decorator can set it up for you. Mind you, I get twice as much done when the internet goes off for any reason!

And once (please god DBH never reads this) when DBH promised to get something done and wouldn't stop watching cricket on his computer, I pulled the cable from the home hub until I heard him give up and leave his study...

We lose connection here quite often so I was able to get away with it, but oooh the guilt...

I'm currently laying in bed using my Kindle fire, which is my normal bedtime routine. During the day I use my phone. I bought a new laptop in May as our desktop had died. The laptop has been out of the cupboard 3-4 times.

Sorry, bit out of sorts.

Apologies to all concerned.

I left my iPad at darling daughter's house on Tuesday. I'm using I phone and feel lost

lets say I am 'newish' Phoenix.
I am tempted to buy a Tablet, but don't want to rush it.
Also I am a bit slow on the uptake, when it comes to technology.

Yes, indeed she has! You are in a confrontational mood this evening, phoenix!

Our pc has had to be dis-assembled for carpet fitting. I have been glad of my Kindle Fire.

Anneey has posted before Phoenix. Where've you been?

I say again, indeed!

Lucky enough I have the option to just move about the house with my lap-top or tablet if they where both out of action to-gether I would feel as though I was cut off from the world,how sad am I.lets hope your decorator can get you hooked up into your dining room and you stay connected.

indeed!

Very trying for you, anneey by the way, are you a new member? Can't recall you posting before, but that might just be me, can't keep up with the multitude of comings and goings lately!