hello im new to laptops..
i just wanted to buy a laptop that i can get online with. nothing else.i already have desktop compter i have verizon dsl..but i found this laptop on sale at bestbuy for 399.99 its a toshiba satellite with intel celeron . processor 520..
it says it has 512mb..1.6ghz processor..80gb hard drive and windows vista home basic preloaded
im new to laptops and i just want to know if the computer will be fast..all i would install on it is norton antivirus ..i just want to know if the computer is okay ..i just want something i can get on the internet with thats it...
one more thing i called verizon they said i would need a new modem with routing... but .with my laptop would i need a wireless card too.....or can i just buy a wireless card and get online..
with this computer it said i can surf the web in wi-fi hotspots does that mean i can get right online
im sorry for all the questions i just never had a laptop before'
can anyone HELP????thanks
2007-08-22 06:36:28 · 7 answers · asked by LiveStrong 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Re: Your Laptop...
If all you're looking to do is surf the internet, that laptop will work, but I would be worried it may run a bit slow. Celeron processors are probably the most economy ones in Intel's lineup, and then loading that up with Vista, a resource-hogging OS, and Norton, an equal hog, it may run very slowly, especially on 512mb of RAM. So yes, it will run Vista, but don't expect anything spectacular other than Internet.
Verizon is correct, you will need a new router, a wireless router to be exact. Comapnies like Linksys and D-Link make wireless routers. Look for ones that support 802.11g. They are generally affordable...you just need a router that will broadcast the wireless signal your laptop can pick up.
You will be able to get online once you get a wireless router. Your wireless card is already "built in" to your laptop, so you'll be ready to go.
2007-08-22 06:43:05 · answer #1 · answered by Modulus 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may find you will use the laptop and not the desktop if you get a router. Therefore, get at the very least 1GB Dr ram. Go for Vista Home Premium, and student edition of office. Then get a router as it appears what you are looking at is wireless. Personally, I would call Toshiba and have them build one for you after you explain how you will use the laptop. Way better to over buy than under buy. Desk tops may be history as laptops are so convenient. Big short fall in what you are looking at is the RAM.
2007-08-22 07:03:17 · answer #2 · answered by William C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can add wireless after you buy it--some come with a wireless adapter you just plug into the usb port--very easy. However since it has Vista on it, you probably should get one with 1GB of ram. Vista needs a lot of ram and 512 isnt enough to be happy with Vista.
2007-08-22 07:02:21 · answer #3 · answered by Nemo the geek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be good enough to surf the net. It will have a wifi lan connection built in. I would recommend you download a program called AVG. it is free and less bloated than Norton.
Nice price for a basic LT from a top company.
2007-08-22 07:33:53 · answer #4 · answered by lueeluee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a wireless card and a wireless router for home, and the card will find any existing networks within range. Most home networks are protected with encryption, so you will need to be near a zone.
2007-08-22 06:43:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That computer will work great for what you need.
It will go online right away at wireless hotspots like starbucks and San Fransisco.
To share your DSL to go online at home you will need to buy a wireless router, $30 or so.
2007-08-22 06:42:58 · answer #6 · answered by Shwaa 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If they mentioned u can use wi-fi hot spots it has a built-in wireless card, i would ask verizon and consult them of ur current modem and get a newer wireless one. Due to your technical level i would highly recommend they send you a new modem w/ built in wireless so its only one device to deal w/ and they should also support it should you have any questions.
AFTE READING PREVIOUS POSTS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MINE! lol
2007-08-22 06:44:09 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋