Hello,

I have just acquired a 3G USB stick and am wondering if there are any ways for a second laptop to connect to the internet via the first laptop's connection - and both remain connected simulataneously.

Laptop 1:
Macbook Air
Has both OSX and Windows XP (parallels), bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, 802.11n and usb.

Laptop 2:
Macbook
Has both OSX and Windows XP (parallels), 802.11n, ethernet, usb, bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Any ideas?

try replacing ethernet with bluetooth. it's really a trial by error exercise. good luck.

I have done this with my MBA and MBP and it was slow - fair warning.

Mac OS X 10.5 Help
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Sharing your Internet connection

If your computer is connected to the Internet, you can share its connection with other computers on your local network.

For example, if your computer is connected to the Internet using a DSL modem and has an AirPort Card installed, you can share the DSL connection with other AirPort-equipped computers.

On Windows computers, sharing your Internet connection is sometimes referred to as a �network bridge� or as �bridging your network.�
To set up Internet sharing:
Step 1

Choose Apple > System Preferences, and then click Sharing.
Step 2

Select Internet Sharing.
Step 3

Choose a network service from the �Share your connection from� pop-up menu, Ethernet for example.
Step 4

Select a networking service to share your Internet connection from the �To computers using� list, AirPort for example.

If you share your Internet connection using AirPort, click AirPort Options and give your network a name and password.

If your Internet connection and your local network use the same port (Ethernet, for example), investigate possible side effects before you turn on Internet sharing. In some cases (if you use a cable modem, for example) you might unintentionally affect the network settings of other ISP customers, and your ISP might terminate your service to prevent you from disrupting their network.
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If you will be using both laptops near a mains supply such as a home or office then there are devices that convert the USB Dongle in to a hotspot device so your laptops just connect to the wireless hotspot.

What country are you in and what network is the dongle on?

I don't know your budget, but I'd just buy a Cradlepoint PHS-300.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...m=4#ps-sellers

Does OSX let you set up an ad-hoc WiFi internet sharing connection? I'm pretty sure it can be done in XP. Shouldn't require any additional hardware.

Yes, it does. You can't use the built-in Wi-Fi for both this purpose and connecting to the Internet at the same time. It works like a charm, from personal experience if you have a wired (Ethernet in my case, but presumably also power line as suggested earlier, whatever) Internet connection. Ought to work if you connect to the Internet with a 3G stick too, though I haven't tried it.

I do this all the time.

Just plug the stick into the Macbook and then share your wifi and have the Air pick up the wifi signal.

Thats it.