for some reason my infra-red port doesn't recognise my mobile phone
Yes, well, having some idea of how these infra red thingies don't work, I actually spent the extra and bought the serial cable for my phone, which gives me reliable internet access on the laptop when I want it.
But not for checking flying weather; I do that before I leave home, and if I think it's going to have changed by the time I get to the airport I use the club's PC to check again.