Questions...

[Nami]

I'm not sure if this goes here, but it seemed like my best shot. So here I go.

For a while I've been considering getting internet, and if I get it, its going to be for my laptop! I really would like to take the internet anywhere with me, but a usual modem would be fine as long as I can connect. I'm tired of using my grandparents computer and frankly, so are they.

I have not yet purchased the laptop I desire, but when I do, I just want to be prepared! So any suggestions on the internet service I should choose?

I am fond of Verizon, they have been good to me in the past and I really like them. I'm not really in favor of Comcast, but please...I want some opinions on which is better, a modem or a wireless card.

Thanks! :3

[MomentOfInertia]

First Get a wi-fi card

Second, for mobile internet Verizon's 3g is pretty good but you really have to watch the bandwidth cap 5GB goes fast if you're doing any thing heavier than keeping up with the news.

so if you get that only watch videos on the wi-fi card.

I don't know much about cable/DSL or anything else like that but if you can get it I'd recommend it.

[Nami]

Ok, I'm still new at this whole thing, can you recommend any sort of brand for Wi-Fi cards?

[Shao Feng-Li]

Well, any laptop you get today is going to have a wifi card in it. Most ISPs provide you with a wireless modem when they hook you up.

[Mithrandir]

Well, any laptop you get today is going to have a wifi card in it. Most ISPs provide you with a wireless modem when they hook you up.

This is likely true. With the exception of some very obscure machines, virtually all modern laptops will have a wifi card in them. This does not mean you'll get internet access if you don't also sign up with an ISP, but it does let you connect in pubic wifi spots (coffee shops, etc).

For home wireless, if you're going to get cable anyway, then a cable-modem might be a solution. If you don't like going cable, you can do what I do and get DSL. There are other solutions, but they tend to be more expensive.

[Nami]

DSL is something I'm fond of... I had it for a while when I was younger and wasn't paying the bills XD

Ahh, but shouldn't the laptop say if it has a wifi built in?

[Shao Feng-Li]

I'm not sure. What are you looking to buy? If you're buying new, you can contact the manufacturer. You can't see it. Like with my laptop, there's a little panel on the underside and under it is a little card and the antennae run on the side of the screen, all under the plastic covers.

[Nami]

I'm looking at Toshiba Satellite, theres a specific model I want. ^^ Ooh, Ok. I'll have to do that.

[Mithrandir]

If you post the model, we can probably find out online somewhere. A google search for "toshiba [x] wifi" (where [x] is the model number) would probably work.

[Nami]

OH! Nevermind!

^^;; I feel sheepish! it does have a built in wifi, I just saw it on the details >>;; sorry. But that still leaves me wondering, is a modem good? Then I can hook up to it through the wifi card I have? Is that how it works?

[ChristianKitsune]

[quote="Nami (post: 1430390)"]OH! Nevermind!

^^]

All the computers in my house, (2 laptops and 1 desktop) are run on wireless, and none of them require the modem to be hooked up to them. It's actually just plugged into a wall where there is a phone jack.

I dunno if that answers your question...

But you CAN plug it into a modem, but you don't have to.

[Nami]

o.o Sweet, well that sounds about right.

But, I meant does the Wi-Fi card help hook up to the modem? o.o so all I need is the modem and I can log on it with my Wi-Fi card? or do I need some sort of adapter? o.o

[Shao Feng-Li]

If your modem is wireless, then your laptop should hookup just fine. The computer should have instructions and the ISP provider should be able to help you set it up. I know for my modem, I had to plug directly into it with a cable and activate the wifi and the cable company helped me along.

[Nami]

Ahh, Ok. That also comes with a way to protect your wireless modem so no one else can mooch off it right? My granddad told me that was something you could do. >.>; Alright, I'll look into that. Thanks ^_^

[Warrior4Christ]

There two different types of wireless:
- Wifi/802.11/wireless LAN is to talk to other computers and access point within a 30m or whatever radius. If your access point is a provides broadband somehow, then that's good and you can have multiple computer use the internet through that. (You need to worry about setting a network password here so other people around can't steal your precious internet).
- Wireless internet is usually through a card or USB dongle connected directly to a laptop, so it communicates with the phone tower 10km away or whatever. No one can use your internet quota but you, because it's connected directly to your laptop.

[Nami]

Ahh, that makes a lot of sense. Thank you Sam!

Everyone's been so great about my ignorance ^^; thank you everyone.

Now it comes down to what internet service I should use >>; I'm looking into Verizon, but... its $19.99 a month WITH a phone line, and i don't have Verizon phone, otherwise I believe its $29.99 a month ^^; I believe. Its a bit pricey, but I like Verizon the best, unless someone can tell me a different internet service that offers a good price and internet XD;;

[Kaligraphic]

I used to have AT&T DSL, and just got the super-basic local-only phone service with it. It cost me an extra $5 or so, but saved a lot more by giving me the "with phone service" price. It was pretty cheap in my area, but see what's available where you live.

[Nami]

Ok I will do.

Also, my sister has me questioning my choice. her BF just got a P5 apparently laptop, and she told me I should look into it... and I don't really need a that FAST of a computer >> I just want one that works fast, well and efficiently. Can anyone tell me is a p3 is bad or not? o.o