Computers, Internet, and Electric

[Super Bock]

We are shortly due to move full time to Portugal and wondered if you could help with a few things.

1. We will need a computer and wondered - do we buy one in the UK and bring it over, or do we just buy in Portugal?
2. We want to have Hi Speed Internet connection. Who are the best suppliers? It is like Blueyonder where you have a separate line installed or does it just go through a normal phone line? At the moment we have no land line although the sockets are there for it.
3. With other electrical equipment that we have, we have been told we can cut the plug of and put a two pin Portuguese plug on it. Is the correct?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Cate and Simon

[CA & CM]

Hello there!

Some answers to your queries...

Computer
Can be bought reasonably here, as can all accessories. Portugal very up to date in technology terms, but your system software will be in Portuguese. Fine if you speak it, complicated if you don't!. Equipment bought in UK will work fine here, simply bring a good 3-pin extension with surge protection and fit a 2-pin plug on it when you get here so you don't have to change the original plugs. Damp can be a problem and moulded plugs are a great weapon against mouldy cables!

Broadband (ADSL)
Available from a number of suppliers. All similarly price and quality. Most require a landline (Sapo, from Portugal Telecom for example) but Vodafone have just introduced wireless broadband which works via a small USB modem. Seems very convenient and well priced. Phone line not required.

Other equipment
Yes, you can cut the pug off most things and change here. I would have to say that, unless your stuff was very expensive or you are very attached to it, its cheaper and easier to replace smaller items here than ship over. Another option is to use UK extension, as above.

Good luck... hope it works out for you. Let us know when it happens

[laserblazer]

Broadband (ADSL)
Available from a number of suppliers. All similarly price and quality. Most require a landline (Sapo, from Portugal Telecom for example) but Vodafone have just introduced wireless broadband which works via a small USB modem. Seems very convenient and well priced. Phone line not required.

You sure about that. This is probably a wireless router/modem and will need to plug into a phone line.

[SAM SPARKLE]

Broadband (ADSL)
Available from a number of suppliers. All similarly price and quality. Most require a landline (Sapo, from Portugal Telecom for example) but Vodafone have just introduced wireless broadband which works via a small USB modem. Seems very convenient and well priced. Phone line not required.

You sure about that. This is probably a wireless router/modem and will need to plug into a phone line.

You don't need a phone line, the USB modem works like a mobile phone would on the Vodaphone network.

[laserblazer]

How does it compare on cost against a landline adsl? Most people will already have a landline.

[CA & CM]

A little cheaper, depending on your service and provider, but when you consider that don't have to pay for landline on top of your ADSL, it becomes a very good deal. Here's the link to Vodafone Portugal info page:

http://www.vodafone.pt/main/Servicos+Ro ... ct_Box.htm

And if you need it in English, try this to see how it functions but ignore costs as they obviously apply to Ireland:

http://www.vodafone.ie/generic/3gbroadb ... nd_100107#

You can opt for telephone only package, internet only package or combined voice and internet. You will need their equipment unless your own is compatible. It looks good, but haven't had hands on yet, so cannot give informed opinion.

[Al Garb]

http://www.empresas.vodafone.pt/templat ... HINT=Guest

or just search their website for 3G