What device would help me have regular internet access?

[Solo2]

In the Dark Ages re. technical stuff and need an alternative to my PC to allow regular internet access when my connection for PC doesn't work (Virgin Media has given only sporadic access since last Sat.). Use emails and internet for my business so can't afford to be without access.

Which if any of the following allows regular imternet and email access whereever you are, even if your own broadband provider (we have wireless) is down? - a Blackberry, an iphone, a laptop, a netbook???...you can see, I have no idea about any of these things, so need some basic advice! Is there something else I haven't mentioned that I could use???

All those mentioned (laptop would need a Mobile Internet Dongle) can give net access.

All would use the mobile phone networks, so the amount of data used will need to be a lot less than you would at home to avoid high bills... however it will be fine for Mumsnetting, e-mail.

Consider where you would be using the device... does it need to be very mobile (so having an i-phone/blackberry/nokia E71 etc) or more in a fixed location?

Do you like having a big screen - so a laptop.
Do you need to use any specific applications to produce things to e-mail... such as sending large digital graphics files?

Thanks nannynick. I'd only need it for email and some limited internet access - like if I suffer withdrawal symtpoms from MN whilst my wireless broadband doesn't work! Mostly, I'd use it at home - as I work from home - although it'd also be useful for having in the car on schoolruns and also on UK holidays.

What's the price difference between all these devices and also how do I find out if where I live has good mobile phone network access - ie can I look this up on the internet?

I've only ever had a pay-as-you-go ancient 10 yr old mobile phone rarely used, as I'm so much based at home - so have no idea at all about these things - ie which are preferable to others and why etc. EG why would someone choose a Blackberry over an iPhone?

Would a laptop be longterm more useful so I could also work whilst on holiday (mostly wordprocessing stuff)- or would the limited need for that but potentially added expense make a more mobile device (eg iphone/ blackberry) a better option??

I don't know enough to be able to advise, though I expect cost over say 2 yrs is about the same between the various options. For example my nokia is £15 a month, plus £120 initial buy. It's a contract phone... so price varies depending on contract length, contract features etc.
There is a website which shows where mobile phone masts are located, can't remember the web address though. Not that it will help that much, as different networks perform better than others depending on geographic features - something to do with the frequencies used.
Probably better to ask locals what networks they are on, Such as find out what phone network works in the school playground.