Laptop Computer

[Janet]

We have been thinking of getting our son a laptop. What do I need to know to get one? I have a Dell desktop on DSL and want it to be able to be on-line also. Not sure what I need to look for. Never had two before and both on-line. We are looking to spend between $500- $700 or less if possible!!! ( he won't get anything else for the next two years....LOL)

[DianaB]

We have a Linksys, a wireless broadband router, that is hooked up to our computer then my daughter can get on with her laptop. I don't know how to set it up because my daughter and husband did it.

My husband talks about getting me another computer. He hates having everyone on his, because our farm books and the church financial records on here. It's not too pretty if anything goes wrong with this computer (it crashed on me awhile back).

That would be a really cool gift. Then you AND your husband could be on here!!! Oh, wait, guys aren't allowed!!!!

[Janet]

If my husband wants on the computer he'll have to buy himself one....LOL He's not too smart when it comes to computers at all and I don't let him on this one without supervision. I don't want him screwing it up. He did that twice so now he's not allowed...LOL We haven't got the router yet, I need to get one whether we get the laptop or not.


When it comes to the anit-virus software...do I need to buy one specifically for the laptop too or will the one that's on this computer work for both?

[Tink]

Janet, you can get a wireless router and card so your son wouldn't have to run wires to get online. That would be an ideal solution for a second computer. Good plan!

I use AVG FREE anti-virus that I downloaded online and it works fine. Many computers now come with their own programs, but many are just trials that you eventually have to buy. I've used AVG for several years with NO problem and no expense to me.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Tink

Janet, you can get a wireless router and card so your son wouldn't have to run wires to get online. That would be an ideal solution for a second computer. Good plan!

I use AVG FREE anti-virus that I downloaded online and it works fine. Many computers now come with their own programs, but many are just trials that you eventually have to buy. I've used AVG for several years with NO problem and no expense to me.

What "card?"

[Tink]

http://search.express.ebay.com/Compu...700QQ_udloZ500

The link above is to Ebay Express which has quite a few laptops in your pricerange. There are some that do come with WIFI... which is the wireless card I mentioned. I hope this helps! I can tell you upfront, I've had an Acer computer and it was GOOD. I see they're now making laptops and they're relatively inexpensive. My "computer guy" tells me to avoid Compag and HP computers because they're the ones he gets in most often to work on.