Lap Top and Wireless Network

jtm1631 · 11-16-2004

Does anybody have a laptop running off a wireless network?

I have two desktops at home on a wireless network with a cable modem. I was thinking of adding a laptop so I can sit my lazy but down in front of the TV and surf the internet.

Anybody have any suggestions for a good laptop? I'm looking to keep the cost of the laptop below $1,500. I want a decent screen, decent size drive and what else?

I'll be using the machine for surfing the internet, down loading music for my iPod and perhaps some cough binary cough newsgroups cough.

I don't play games on the PC (we use a PS2 and GameCube for that) and I don't do work at home.

Any suggestions for a decent laptop?

Mikey · 11-16-2004

This is what I have used for the last year and a half. If you search you can find it at a better price. It has been to Playa and beyond. Fallen off of a table out by the pool to the deck and did not miss a beat. I now have it in a travel case but I have nothing but great things to say about it. Was able to pick up Wifi signals in Playa and surf the net. I has a great wifi range and its fast. You can also add a second battery. The CD Rom slot is also a secondary battery slot. You can get 8 to 9 hours on both batteries depending on your settings.

http://www.pricemad.com/productdetai...productid=2474

**james** · 11-16-2004

any entry-level wireless-enabled notebook should handle surfing with aplomb.

I'd make sure the pointing device lives up to my expectations. I might look into a bluetooth equipped unit so I could add a wireless mouse easily. Those touchpads cramp my throughput.

I'm an advocate of backing up data, so I'd put cash into an external hard drive and make sure my files have a twin ready to step up when needed.

traci · 11-16-2004

I use linksys at home for my school lap-top(it came wire-less ready). So, I just take my lap-top home every nite and do just that. Sit my butt on the sofa and surf

Traci

Critter · 11-16-2004

I also use a linksys wireless router, just make sure you set the encryption and turn off the broadcast, you don't want all your neighbors out in your front yard. Change the default password as well

As james said any entry level laptop will do the job, just back up your data.

jtm1631 · 11-16-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by james

any entry-level wireless-enabled notebook should handle surfing with aplomb.

I'd make sure the pointing device lives up to my expectations. I might look into a bluetooth equipped unit so I could add a wireless mouse easily. Those touchpads cramp my throughput.

I'm an advocate of backing up data, so I'd put cash into an external hard drive and make sure my files have a twin ready to step up when needed.

Good point on the touchpad, I'll look at a bluetooth machine.

As far as backing data up I will have some choices there. I can either use the iPod to transfer data to one of the desktops or use the wireless network for the same purpose. Given that I won't really have any critical data on the machine (I'll still use the desktop for that), I won't have an urgency with a dead drive, just need to reload the backed up files one I'm up and running again.

Mikey · 11-16-2004

I have a Bluetooth card in the PCMI slot. It boast a range of 250 meters. Have a mini usb wireless mouse. Love the touchpad when you are on a plane or on the go. But use the mouse otherwise. Never use the pointer but its there is you need it. Have an 80 gig external drive to back up to. Learned that lesson the first time we went to Playa and did not back up my pics.

Mikey · 11-16-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by tntsmith

I use linksys at home for my school lap-top(it came wire-less ready). So, I just take my lap-top home every nite and do just that. Sit my butt on the sofa and surf

Traci

Join the club.

lovetheheat · 11-16-2004

I use an IBM T-series Thinkpad machine.. It came with built in wireless as well as bluetooth support.. Connects like a charm everywhere I have tried.. I run a Linksys wireless router at home for the laptop and a couple of other PCs.. Easier to get sucked into doing real work

, but at least I can do it from wherever I want..

Mark..

JimmyMN · 11-16-2004

I'm on here today via a wireless laptop (Sony) using the Linksys router (WRT54G), a Linksys range expander (WRE54G) and a D-Link pccard (DWL-G650)... all those models are currently being sold and would do the trick for your situation. Since Linksys is now part of Cisco Systems, I'd recommend equipment from them versus the others.

As for a laptop choice... smaller is always better!! For service, Bios upgrades, availability of parts, etc., Dell is my first choice. The Lattitude X300 model is the lightest/smallest and if you don't get all the add-on, you could conceivably come in at your price range. All of the Dell units come with a 3-year warranty.

I was at Fry's Electronics here in Houston a day ago and looked to see what other lightweight laptops were available. Sony, Fujitsu and Toshiba had several tiny models but the Fujitsu was the cheapest of the three, and in your price range. None of those manufacturers are very good about patching the hardware via BIOS upgrades, but Toshiba is slightly better at it.

You might consider a good used Dell laptop... try craigslist.org and go to the Chicago classified listings. Good chance you might find some winners in the $700 range.

JImmy

TAPPY · 11-16-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstar

Join the club.

Couch Surfers Unite !!!!!! :p

jtm1631 · 11-16-2004

Thanks for the info Jimmy. I think I will look further into the Sony. I am very anti-Dell right now so I am not even considering them. I will also look into the Toshiba's. You never know, maybe I will put off the purchase of the HD Tivo and put more dollars into the laptop. Then again, maybe not.

Mikey · 11-16-2004

This is a pretty cool device. It will be my last toy for a while when they finally come out. I may actually wait for the second gereration.

http://www.flipstart.com/

**tommy** · 11-16-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyMN

I'm on here today via a wireless laptop (Sony) using the Linksys router (WRT54G), a Linksys range expander (WRE54G) and a D-Link pccard (DWL-G650)... all those models are currently being sold and would do the trick for your situation. Since Linksys is now part of Cisco Systems, I'd recommend equipment from them versus the others.

As for a laptop choice... smaller is always better!! For service, Bios upgrades, availability of parts, etc., Dell is my first choice. The Lattitude X300 model is the lightest/smallest and if you don't get all the add-on, you could conceivably come in at your price range. All of the Dell units come with a 3-year warranty.

I was at Fry's Electronics here in Houston a day ago and looked to see what other lightweight laptops were available. Sony, Fujitsu and Toshiba had several tiny models but the Fujitsu was the cheapest of the three, and in your price range. None of those manufacturers are very good about patching the hardware via BIOS upgrades, but Toshiba is slightly better at it.

You might consider a good used Dell laptop... try craigslist.org and go to the Chicago classified listings. Good chance you might find some winners in the $700 range.

JImmy

Jimmy...I work across the street from Fry's....wish I knew you were here we could have had lunch!!!! Dont you just love that place!!!

SarahB · 11-16-2004

You really need to stop by the Apple Store on Michigan Ave. and talk to them about iBooks before you decide on another PC! It will work with your PCs on your wireless network fine, it comes with the wireless card already built in, and you can chose to have the bluetooth built in. Start at $999. The store is awesome and worth a visit if you haven't been there yet anyway!

11-16-2004	#1 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,420	Lap Top and Wireless Network Does anybody have a laptop running off a wireless network? I have two desktops at home on a wireless network with a cable modem. I was thinking of adding a laptop so I can sit my lazy but down in front of the TV and surf the internet. Anybody have any suggestions for a good laptop? I'm looking to keep the cost of the laptop below $1,500. I want a decent screen, decent size drive and what else? I'll be using the machine for surfing the internet, down loading music for my iPod and perhaps some cough binary cough newsgroups cough. I don't play games on the PC (we use a PS2 and GameCube for that) and I don't do work at home. Any suggestions for a decent laptop?

11-16-2004	#2 (permalink)
Mikey he likes it! Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 16,257	This is what I have used for the last year and a half. If you search you can find it at a better price. It has been to Playa and beyond. Fallen off of a table out by the pool to the deck and did not miss a beat. I now have it in a travel case but I have nothing but great things to say about it. Was able to pick up Wifi signals in Playa and surf the net. I has a great wifi range and its fast. You can also add a second battery. The CD Rom slot is also a secondary battery slot. You can get 8 to 9 hours on both batteries depending on your settings. http://www.pricemad.com/productdetai...productid=2474 Last edited by tstar; 11-16-2004 at 04:49 PM..

11-16-2004	#3 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Kullavik, Sweden Posts: 10,008	any entry-level wireless-enabled notebook should handle surfing with aplomb. I'd make sure the pointing device lives up to my expectations. I might look into a bluetooth equipped unit so I could add a wireless mouse easily. Those touchpads cramp my throughput. I'm an advocate of backing up data, so I'd put cash into an external hard drive and make sure my files have a twin ready to step up when needed. __________________ Get your own signature countdown image!

11-16-2004	#4 (permalink)
traci añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Spring Texas Posts: 2,449	I do :o) I use linksys at home for my school lap-top(it came wire-less ready). So, I just take my lap-top home every nite and do just that. Sit my butt on the sofa and surf Traci

11-16-2004	#10 (permalink)
JimmyMN party machine Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Minneapolis-St. Paul Posts: 2,604	I'm on here today via a wireless laptop (Sony) using the Linksys router (WRT54G), a Linksys range expander (WRE54G) and a D-Link pccard (DWL-G650)... all those models are currently being sold and would do the trick for your situation. Since Linksys is now part of Cisco Systems, I'd recommend equipment from them versus the others. As for a laptop choice... smaller is always better!! For service, Bios upgrades, availability of parts, etc., Dell is my first choice. The Lattitude X300 model is the lightest/smallest and if you don't get all the add-on, you could conceivably come in at your price range. All of the Dell units come with a 3-year warranty. I was at Fry's Electronics here in Houston a day ago and looked to see what other lightweight laptops were available. Sony, Fujitsu and Toshiba had several tiny models but the Fujitsu was the cheapest of the three, and in your price range. None of those manufacturers are very good about patching the hardware via BIOS upgrades, but Toshiba is slightly better at it. You might consider a good used Dell laptop... try craigslist.org and go to the Chicago classified listings. Good chance you might find some winners in the $700 range. JImmy Last edited by JimmyMN; 11-16-2004 at 05:47 PM..

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11-16-2004	#5 (permalink)
Critter añejo Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cerca de Washington DC Posts: 3,343	I also use a linksys wireless router, just make sure you set the encryption and turn off the broadcast, you don't want all your neighbors out in your front yard. Change the default password as well As james said any entry level laptop will do the job, just back up your data.

11-16-2004	#7 (permalink)
Mikey he likes it! Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 16,257	I have a Bluetooth card in the PCMI slot. It boast a range of 250 meters. Have a mini usb wireless mouse. Love the touchpad when you are on a plane or on the go. But use the mouse otherwise. Never use the pointer but its there is you need it. Have an 80 gig external drive to back up to. Learned that lesson the first time we went to Playa and did not back up my pics.

11-16-2004	#9 (permalink)
lovetheheat way into it Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Markham, Ontario Posts: 185	I use an IBM T-series Thinkpad machine.. It came with built in wireless as well as bluetooth support.. Connects like a charm everywhere I have tried.. I run a Linksys wireless router at home for the laptop and a couple of other PCs.. Easier to get sucked into doing real work , but at least I can do it from wherever I want.. Mark..

11-16-2004	#12 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,420	Thanks for the info Jimmy. I think I will look further into the Sony. I am very anti-Dell right now so I am not even considering them. I will also look into the Toshiba's. You never know, maybe I will put off the purchase of the HD Tivo and put more dollars into the laptop. Then again, maybe not.

11-16-2004	#13 (permalink)
Mikey he likes it! Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 16,257	This is a pretty cool device. It will be my last toy for a while when they finally come out. I may actually wait for the second gereration. http://www.flipstart.com/

11-16-2004	#15 (permalink)
SarahB añejo Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Playa...now Iowa Posts: 2,898	You really need to stop by the Apple Store on Michigan Ave. and talk to them about iBooks before you decide on another PC! It will work with your PCs on your wireless network fine, it comes with the wireless card already built in, and you can chose to have the bluetooth built in. Start at $999. The store is awesome and worth a visit if you haven't been there yet anyway!