Okay a bit of a noob question. I have seen those vodem and wifi sticks that you plug into your laptop and get wifi/access to the internetz. I plan to go camping a bit and also end up visiting older friends who dont really have any wifi around. So I often pack my laptop with me where I go and all, not a big user of smart phones. I really rely on my laptop to check my emails and most things. So in such cases, whats the method you use to get one of them sticks or what have you?

I read on the right phones (android) you can turn it into a modem and use that to connect your laptop with and go online, saves buying a vodem every once a while? and whats the deal with the small usb sticks that allow internet without any land lines? I was reading up a bit but got confused.

Also what are some prepaid options that are not overpriced? Do all of them expire by the end of the month? or is there something where I can buy lets say x GB of Data, and take my wifi data stick with my laptop bag everywhere and connect and be online? data that lasts till I use it, much like prepaid mobile.

Needing some detailed info please. :)