You may want to try forking out around $US100 for a WiFi card for your laptop - chances are you can log on to an open wireless network for broadband internet access for free (although you may have to wander around the local cafe's a bit to find an open network!)
Become a War chalker (WAR stands for Wireless Access Revolution - and "War Chalkers" leave chalk marks on pavements and buildings to show others where businesses or private individuals have set up open wireless networks, allowing free broadband access to WiFi capable equipment)