After f*rting around with this stuff for a few years, I have come to the conclusion that independence is the only form of hassle-free (as far as anything in aviation can be hassle-free) existence, and I carry a lightweight laptop with internet (GPRS/3G), GSM fax, and file flight plans electronically (via homebriefing.com). And fax (GAR, PPR, etc) from it too, using Winfax. It also has wifi of course but despite the media hype there are very few places one can get that when it's really needed. And one can do route planning on it. On long trips I even chuck a little printer (Canon IP90) into the backpack, for printing off approach plates and enroute charts.
The lack of universal free wifi access at UK airfields is an absolute scandal. It undermines any effort by a modern-minded conscientious instructor to teach his students to get notams and proper weather data. Every airfield has a phone line, and the cost of getting wifi on that is around £20/month and that is for a premium-grade service. Appalling, IMHO. If the CAA wanted to do something constructive this is what they should mandate.
But hey, we won WW2 this way, beat the Germans thoroughly, so who is to question this.