You might be able to set it so that you only have to do 2-factor once for a particular browser-computer combination, but if you or some malicious person tries to log in from a different computer or browser, you/him will need to have your phone.
Also, it looks like Google uses the SMS/Text messaging system.
Yes this wont work as I wont be able to get any sms/text.
2 factor authentication confused me at first but its fairly simple. The site gives you a code to scan with your phone when you set it up and your phone generates a new code using the sites code and the current time, they're only valid for a short time (I think its 60 seconds).
The phone doesn't need to be online to do this, google authenticator just keeps generating the codes endlessly while its running. The method used is quite simple and can be implemented by anyone, google authenticator is just a convenient app for it but there are plenty more ways to generate them. Keep a copy of the code the site provides and you can use it in other apps to generate the code you need, a google chrome plugin is probably the next most convenient but it should never be used on the same PC or even another on the same local network.
An old PC kept permanently offline is very useful with Bitcoin and is the next best thing to a smartphone for 2 factor auth but I guess it wouldn't be much use to you in your current situation.
If my phone does not have to be online then I should be able to use this. I have the Google Authenticator app on my phone. I was just nervous that once I turned it one that I would get locked out of my Acct. and lose my bitcoin.
