1. Safari is the best browser (this is an opinion) and it is the fastest, and it is also the best for the not-so-tech savvy population.

2. Gmail (end of story, gmail=#1)

3. A laptop connect card, such as offered by att here:
http://www.wireless.att.com:80/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=AT%26T+USBConnect+Mercury&q_sku=sku2940237

are free to buy, however cost money to connect to the internet (obviously- unfortunately nothing is free in life)
you can connect at 3G speeds, att has the largest 3G reach in their network.