its not his browser guys, its its access to the internet. he has to VPN to his companys servers to gain access to the internet, thereby they control what sites can be visited on the computer.
Steve, do you get cell service up yonder? you could add a USB or pc/mcia air card to the laptop and have your own internet service connection?? you then would only have to vpn when you want to connect to your work email servers or company shared drives, etc.
another option is to get a cell with 'air' capabilites like a treo or blackberry, and you could plug the phone into the laptop and use it like a modem.