Is it possible to make a laptop think it has an internet connection?

[Rawr]

I usually go out with my friends once in a while with my laptop, and I need an internet connection to run Assassin's Creed II and Steam. Is there any way around this?

[Timothy Hawkins]

no you cannot trick the laptop into thinking this

[Connor B]

no, you need a wireless router connected to a computer for the laptop to sync to.

[WaMSie]

You probably need a functioning Internet connection. Most laptops and most mobile phones have Bluetooth these days, and you should be able to connect to the Internet by pairing the two and using whatever connection method is offered by your phone and cell service.

I suspect the connection is only used for lightweight verification, so the traffic, and hence connection cost, should be minimal (if not zero).