Questions on Laptops

[BatKid]

I might get a new laptop soon and I just wanted to know a few things about the laptop, before I buy it.

1. How long do the batteries last once you use the laptop, and how do you recharge the batteries?

2. Is the sound and picture really good for a laptop, and are there any differences between that and a regular computer?

3. How do you go on the internet with just the laptop? Is the feature already included to go on the web? If not, what do you have to buy?

Any answers to these questions will greatly be appreciated...

[Psycho Fox]

Originally posted by BatKid
I might get a new laptop soon and I just wanted to know a few things about the laptop, before I buy it.

1. How long do the batteries last once you use the laptop, and how do you recharge the batteries?You recharge them in a recharger. The battery life differs from laptop to laptop.


2. Is the sound and picture really good for a laptop, and are there any differences between that and a regular computer?It differs from laptop to laptop but there is no real differnce.


3. How do you go on the internet with just the laptop? Is the feature already included to go on the web? If not, what do you have to buy?
Mostly you just need a modem.

[BatKid]

When you say modem, is that modem already included with the laptop most of the time, or do I have to buy it separately?

I know nothing about laptops, so bare with me if you can. Alsom can anyone give me a link to a store that has these modems?

Also, if possible, can any of you people tell me any more info about foinf on the internet with this modem and how everything works? Thanks.

[Psycho Fox]

Originally posted by BatKid
When you say modem, is that modem already included with the laptop most of the time, or do I have to buy it separately?

I know nothing about laptops, so bare with me if you can. Alsom can anyone give me a link to a store that has these modems?

Also, if possible, can any of you people tell me any more info about foinf on the internet with this modem and how everything works? Thanks. The dealer that sells you your laptop should have it as well if it is not part of the laptop.

[Vigo Sprax]

1. Most batteries last about 3 hours, it varies though from laptop to laptop and also on other facters like what you're doing, 3D games and decoding DVDs are probably the most power hungry. Some laptops will allow you to add a second battery, usually by putting it in a swapable bay. You simply recharge it by plugging it into the wall.

2. With todays laptop 2D graphics have absolutely no difference with their desktop counterparts, plus if you use Windows XP you'll get the advantage of clear type technology which improves the text on the LCD screen over a normal CRT monitor. As far as 3D, its not as good as desktop but in the last couple years theres been more emphasis on improving it. Most laptops come with okay built in speakers, all sound cards are virtually the same these days. You could always hook up headphones or have external speakers at home.

3. Its just like any computer, you get online with a modem for dial up or ethernet for broadband. Almost ALL laptops come with modems built-in, I don't think I've seen one without one. Most notebooks come with an ethernet ports now. Either way, if your laptop lacks them you purchase a PCMCIA card which is really small and slides into the laptop.

[BatKid]

Ok, so if I already have the modem built in, I can go on the internet any time?

I want to be able to go the internet anywhere, in my car, at work, any place. Should I just go on IE and it will automatically go on?

If I stay at home, do I have to plug it into a dial-up connection, and then go to IE?

Any more answers will help me even more...

And remember, please keep the answers detailed because like I said, I have no idea about these kind of things.

[Sir Gatts]

Originally posted by BatKid
Ok, so if I already have the modem built in, I can go on the internet any time?

I want to be able to go the internet anywhere, in my car, at work, any place. Should I just go on IE and it will automatically go on?

If I stay at home, do I have to plug it into a dial-up connection, and then go to IE?

Any more answers will help me even more...

And remember, please keep the answers detailed because like I said, I have no idea about these kind of things.

You would need something like a Cellular Modem (a communication box that connects to a Cellular Phone). The modem could run you at around $200 U.S. ,which doesn't include the cost of the Cellular Phone and services.

Any direct hard-wired connection would only require a NIC PCMCIA card if you use DSL or Cable internet access. Or you use a 56K PCMCIA modem or external 56K serial/USB modem to access a dialup provider through the telephone line.

[Vigo Sprax]

I don't think they have cellular modems anymore, those were mainly used for analog networks and everything is digital now.

You can go two ways to wireless internet access, you can either purchase a PCMCIA card or you can get a cell phone with data capabilities.

The first option is a dedicated PCMCIA card that you'd just slide in, you would get service from a company like goamerica.com

Second, you can purchase a cell phone with data capabilities. This means it has a modem built in. Cell phones can either connect to the laptop wirelessly using IR (like TV remotes use) or through a serial cable. You can get this service from most carrieis now, like Sprint and Verizon.