Help with 3G data cards for laptop please - don't understand!?

Hi, I want to be able to access the Internet when out and about, so I'm looking for a 3G data card. Why do they all seem to be related to a phone network like Vodafone or Orange when they're for a laptop? Can you get different tariff ones like you can with mobile phone contracts?

What price should I expect to pay and can you recommend any (preferably online, as long as it's cheap) stores to get it from?

Any info would be useful please as I'm really confused!

Answers:
There is WIFI which is the 802.11 signal that reaches about as far as a cordless phone which you can pickup a signal in many places including coffee shops and nearly all metro areas. (free)
The connection type you are talking about uses cellphone towers and would require a service contract much like a cell phone ...say $70-150 a month i think. I heard Verison is the best in the US for 3g coverage.
They use the mobile networks because that's who provides the laptop internet while traveling.

I've used Vodafones and it's very fast! I think we pay £15 a month for it.
yep, as you've noticed, phone companies lock their data cards like their telephones.
I'd look for an unlocked card on ebay.

I can't comment on who's service is best, i have sprint and hate it.

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