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12-01-2009, 09:30 AM
| | | | Question about laptops / internet - how to?
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Right now we have high speed internet for our desktop system, which is about to be replaced with a laptop. So right now, it just plugs into the computer.
So without changing anything with my internet service provider, I assume that I could just take a new laptop and plug in the same yellow cable that goes into the old PC right now and it will go online that way – right?
Should I contact my internet provider about getting a wireless internet service so that I can use it in any room of the house (ultimately that’s what I want to be able to do)?
OR – should I look into some other kind of internet service that would allow me to go online other places outside my house? I have no idea how any of that works or compares cost wise – but the idea of being able to take it with you and go online anywhere is very appealing.
Any recommendations? |
12-01-2009, 09:36 AM
|  | Online | | Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunapee, New Hampshire | | | Have the Geek Squad come out and set you up with a wireless router. I think you may get in over your head trying to set up your own wireless network at home.
-Mike |
12-01-2009, 09:36 AM
|  | Registered User
Endorsing Artist: see profile | | Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: toms_river.nj.us | | Quote:
Originally Posted by bass player 48  Any recommendations? | Yes a laptop will plug into the same plug as your tower...
I would get something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124284
That way you can use the laptop in any location in the house (and outside). |
12-01-2009, 09:44 AM
| | | Quote:
Originally Posted by MJ5150 Have the Geek Squad come out and set you up with a wireless router. I think you may get in over your head trying to set up your own wireless network at home.
-Mike | Oh, not trying to network. No tech people at my house, no use for that. No plans to fix the ailing PC. Just want to replace it with a laptop that does everything the old PC did.
All it has to do is: Go online so the kids can do research for homework, support the kids iPods, and digital cameras - that's about it.
With that said - I like the idea of going to a store instead of buying online from Dell in case I do need the support. Which store has the Geek Squad? |
12-01-2009, 09:49 AM
| | Registered User
Endorsing Artist: see profile | | Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: toms_river.nj.us | | Quote:
Originally Posted by bass player 48 Which store has the Geek Squad? | http://www.bestbuy.com/ |
12-01-2009, 09:52 AM
| | Online | | Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunapee, New Hampshire | | Quote:
Originally Posted by bass player 48 Oh, not trying to network. | You had asked about a wireless network in your house, so I gave the suggestion to contact the Geek Squad. It is simple to set up, but if you don't have any technical skills, it can be overwhelming for some people.
-Mike |
12-01-2009, 09:59 AM
| | | | Thanks twice now James... maybe I'll shop Best Buy instead of Dell so that I can get their support. |
12-01-2009, 10:01 AM
| | | Quote:
Originally Posted by MJ5150 You had asked about a wireless network in your house, so I gave the suggestion to contact the Geek Squad. It is simple to set up, but if you don't have any technical skills, it can be overwhelming for some people.
-Mike | Thanks Mike. I didn't realize I was asking about a wireless network... I thought network was for 2 or more computers, but now I'm seeing that I'd set up a wireless network for 1 laptop. I think I will probably follow your advice and get some help from The Geek Squad on this. Thank you both! |
12-01-2009, 10:12 AM
| | Registered User
Endorsing Artist: see profile | | Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: toms_river.nj.us | | | no problem... but all you need to do is tell the sales guy you want to use the laptop wireless. Tell him you will need a wireless router to connect to your modem (cable or DSL device from your provider).
The wireless router will connect where your current tower in connected.
Geek Squad is an option, but what you are looking to do is pretty common place and not as difficult as it seems. |
12-01-2009, 10:17 AM
| | Registered User
Endorsing Artist: see profile | | Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: toms_river.nj.us | | here is a router from Best Buy that will suit your need http://www.bestbuy.com/site/NETGEAR+...&skuId=5507043
Keep in mind it's not "go anywhere" it's only good within a certain radius from where you place the router (usually reaches throughout the house and yard unless you have a HUGE house). To truly go anywhere you need to contact your cell phone company for their solution. |
12-01-2009, 10:38 AM
| | | Thanks again James. I'm on Best Buy's site now, and I suspect I am going to buy from them... I'll check out your link and study up on routers before I go into the store.
NOW - I have to figure out what I need as far as specs go so I don't over-spend...
There are no gamer in the family - we don't run a lot of software. Mostly for two kids who surf the web, do home work, and use iPods... digital cameras to. That's really about all it needs to do - but room to grow is good to.
I'm thinking this would be plenty of computer for us: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+...&skuId=9548661
It seems to have better specs than the old desktop system it will replace, so unless windows 7 uses up a huge ammount of space just for the OS, I'm guessing based on specs that this will out peform what is replacing.
Is there anything else I need to look at (regarding specs / pricing)? |
12-01-2009, 10:42 AM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | | | A wireless network in the house would allow you to use the laptop pretty much anywhere on the premises - which is part of the reason for having a laptop.
I agree, given limited expertise it's best to have the Geek Squad set up the wireless network for you. It will require adding a wireless router. Make SURE that it is password-protected and that they both give you a written copy of the password AND program your laptop to connect. Ask them to show you how to connect to the wireless network so that you can do a bit of your own problem-solving if you lose the connection.
You can have a wireless network and still keep a wired connection for the laptop (which will be a faster connection) when you want to use it in the same location as the router. In other words, you can have both.
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Last edited by Pilgrim : 12-01-2009 at 10:44 AM.
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12-01-2009, 10:55 AM
| | Registered User
Endorsing Artist: see profile | | Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: toms_river.nj.us | | Quote:
Originally Posted by bass player 48 | That doesn't look too bad for the money... pretty good choice. |
12-01-2009, 12:18 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New City, NY | | | If you have a printer connected to the desktop, and you go the geek squad route, have them share the printer, so that you can print from the laptop without being hardwired to it. If the PC still works, there's no point in getting rid of it. Just leave it there, and use it as a second computer and print server.
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Originally Posted by fdeck Of course I plug my little amp into a power system known in the industry as THAT OUTLET OVER THERE. :D | |
12-01-2009, 12:23 PM
| | Online | | Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunapee, New Hampshire | | | If you want to access the internet anywhere you go with your laptop, you will need what is called a mobile broadband device. Provided of course there is network coverage where you are.
You can get one of those from cell phone providers like Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T. It is completely independent of the internet at your house.
-Mike | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | | 
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