What's the best laptop to get that's cable Internet ready---out of the box?

Question

I have ordered 2 Dell Inspirons. The first one wouldn't let me connect to the internet no matter how hard I tried. It was awful. I just have cable internet and it wouldn't work when I plugged it in. If there was a problem with that, the technicians I spoke with didn't know how to fix that. The technicians are morons for Dell. They finally sent me a second one, but it's the same damn thing---no internet connection and none of the technicians could figure it out. It was like being in a private hell for HOURS on end with morons constantly telling me to turn off and then on my laptop over and over again or interchange it with doing the same with my cable modem.

I officially hate Dell now. I want a computer that's Internet ready and isn't made for engineers to be able to finish putting it together where the manufacturers left off.

Any ideas? I paid 1350 for that damn thing and don't want to pay that much again. Grr....I just got done spending 3 hrs. with another idiot tech.

And yes...I'm getting my money back from those suckers. Of course the customer service is closed now! Have to wait until tomorrow to yell at them. And oh will it be so satisfying....

The main thing I will need my laptop for is doing GIS graphics applications for additional evening classes. And compaq is out of the question because those are even bigger pieces of s**t.

Obviously Garrett cannot read.

I'm NOT buying another Dell. Their technicians are idiots.

Don't be a moron and tell me it's something I'm doing wrong because I'm VERY computer proficient. The technicians can't even figure out the issue.

I will flag you if you're a jerk.

Wow. The answers just get dumber and dumber. After spending 1350k for a laptop, WHY would I spend money to call some dudes to figure out the problem? Dell has a warranty that comes with the product...but of course getting them to show up requires massive amounts of yelling which I've done and they're still not coming. Hence, the return of the items.

Alexius---

I've done those steps you stated by myself as WELL as with Dell on the phone. They have a ***** for the cmd prompt and constantly rebooting the computer for some reason.

I guess in India they teach that rebooting a computer is all it takes to be a proficient Dell technical person.

Answer 1

Congrats man for that description *** both thumbs up ***

this is precisely the way it works with that "OH SO GREAT" Dell customer service.

btw, you haven't an internet communication enabled just out of the box. you have to setup it first (in case you should have forgotten). go to
Start -> All programs -> Accessories -> Communication -> Internet Assistant and configure it (it's only a few steps and choose DHCP).

Answer 2

Hey Chris Farley's gettin a Dell dude !
Usually all laptops with built in ethernet will work as long as the latest NIC drivers are installed off the dell.com website. The cable modem is a seperate unit that is not integrated into the computer itself. You connect coax to the cable modem, then the ethernet cable from the modem to your laptop.

Sorry you had to deal with their techs. Dell outsources techs from countries like India. They can't speak proper English, making it impossible to communicate with them

I reccommend buying an ASUS laptop, much better support than Dell. Just don't fall on any coffee tables !

Answer 3

OK... Used to work for comcast internet tech support!!! maby I can help... what you first need to do is determine if your cable modem has block sync (is online) In order to tell thier should be a online, cable or link light on the modem and should be solid. If your modem does not have sync with the internet thier is nothing to be said as for the laptops.. if it does... I am asuming your using a router for the wireless on the laptops? try bypassing it. and running the Ethernet cord ( fat phone cord) from the back of the modem to the back of the comp. this goes aswell if you dont have a router! now in this case you should have the power cord on the modem unplugged and computer's off. turning the modem back on wait 35 seconds then turn comp on... with a new comp with win xp on it should auto determin tcp/ip settings should be good to go... if prob still persits you must be guided on how to prop setup your settings on comp. Wich in this case you contact your ISP not dell. and hopefully you get in touch with someone that knows what thier doing... good luck

Answer 4

Poor thing, i think maybe it's your internet connection causing the problems. Not sure, DON'T CALL DELL anymore! here, call these guys! they come to your house & fix it for you, of course it will cost though! but well worth it after all the stress you been through.

1-800-GEEK SQUAD (1-800-433-5778)


I think they are open 24 hours, they will personally come to your house & help fix whatever problem you got. Call them now, I hate to hear you stress over this. I hope this helps =)

Answer 5

sorry man. tech support generally sucks. is Garrett a Dell tech agent?! hah! anyways... IBMs are pretty solid, but their of the box spec are sometimes not that great - unless you are up to customizing. HPs + Toshibas are next. good luck. even thought i should say most laptops, like desktops, are broadband [DSL/cable] internet ready just out the box.

Answer 6

All my friends and I have said F**K YOU DELL! They have S**t service and s**t people who can't do a f**kin thing. I have a mac book and I have not had any problems with it. They also have great service. Anyway F**K DELL.

Answer 7

Absolutely Dell. Dell has the best qualities out there with support jsut in case also it is low priced and has great quality. Garenteed. Dell.com

Answer 8

Dell is sweet man.

Answer 9

All computers are "cable internet ready" today. you cant show me one that is not. its very rare that they ship defective laptops.i would say 90% its something your doing or not doing.