Need to buy a new laptop computer... Help please ;-)

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[quote author="green_cactus" date=1235813299]Could also be a problem with the router - for me, the routers have been more on the flaky side. </blockquote>


True... and most people leave theirs to the default settings so you have 248 people in a 1 block radius all trying to use channel 6...



Edited for sanity
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1235813582]90 day return policy



2 years warranty</blockquote>
Go buy the minimum you think you'll need. Try it for five full days... but don't save any passwords or anything to it. If you hate it, you'll know why and what to look for when you return/exchange it.
 
[quote author="irvine_home_owner" date=1235813034][quote author="green_cactus" date=1235811709]so ... on a related note. Since I don't have a need to compensate for lack in other areas, I'm thinking of getting one of those netbooks that are popping up everywhere. Went to BB to check a few out and I could be happy with a couple of those models. I'm thinking ASUS EEEPC 1000HE? But I like the look of the MSI WIND as well ... Has anyone gotten one of these yet?</blockquote>
I've done some research on this:



My choices would either be the Samsung NC-10 (only available via mail order like Amazon) or the Acer.



The MSI Wind and EEEs are great feature-wise but with these small notebooks you have to look at how the keyboard is laid out and battery life.



Only the Sammy and Acer have dedicated PgUp/PgDn keys, the others are CTRL+[cursor]. If you think that's not a big deal, just remember the screen resolutions are max 1028x600. That's a lot of scrolling and you'll find yourself using those Pg keys.



The other thing is both the newer model Acers (160GB) and the Sammies have 6-cell batteries. That's about 6 hours of life on the Acer... the Sammy has one with a higher power capacity (Amazon Special Edition) that can theoretically stretch to 9 hours vs. the standard 6 the normal Sammies get.



The Sammie has more features than the Acer (like Bluetooth).



I was about to jump on the Sammie but after playing with my touchscreen HP a bit more... I think I'll stick with that for now. I may end up getting a netbook anyways (the Sony P Lifestyle also looks interesting)... because the portability is just too good.</blockquote>


I tried the keyboards at BB - some felt odd some not so much. Good point about the PGUP/PGDN ... although I'm putting a bluetooth mouse on that thing (with a scroll wheel). Hmmm .... back to thinking more about this. Definitely neeed bluetooth , though.
 
[quote author="Oscar" date=1235813534][quote author="green_cactus" date=1235813299]Could also be a problem with the router - for me, the routers have been more on the flaky side. </blockquote>


True... and most people leave theirs to the default settings so you have 248 in a 1 block radius people all trying to use channel 6...</blockquote>


... and un-secured or left with the default password.
 
You will all be very proud!





Yes, I did in fact pull the trigger and bought the new laptop... got the HP DV6-1053cl 16"



I am pretty happy with it... but am considering getting rid of the Vista and using my XP Professional on it instead. I understand that since I have a registered, working license for it on my desktop... I can pull the registration off, and load it onto the laptop. But, I have been warned that it can take HOURS to complete, since Vista tends to embed itself in everything!
 
Now for the next project:



Wireless Routers...



What best?

What's cheap?

Best place to buy?

How to keep safe (I've always steered away from wireless, since I've heard horror stories of networks being compromised)



Advise dear friends PLEASE! I wanna get it all set up in the next two days if possible!



I use the high speed cable from Cox....
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236250233]Linksys???



Wireless - G???

Wireless - N???</blockquote>


First of all, the Wireless N spec is not finalized yet. But there is hardware that conforms to the draft spec that is readily available. Wireless N is significantly faster than Wireless G and it has a longer broadcast range. (Wireless G has a net max bit rate of 54 mbps and a range of up to 100m. Wireless N has a net max bit rate of 300 mbps and a range of up to 300m)



Next, if you want to run XP instead of Vista, other than a little research finding the right drivers, the biggest problem you will probably run into is getting the XP install process to start. If you install XP, then you will wipe your Vista partition clean, so you don't have to worry about any clean up. However, the drivers to support a SATA hard drive aren't part of XP, and having checked, I see your machine does have a SATA drive. During the install process, XP does allow you to hit F6 to load disk drivers from a floppy, but I see your machine doesn't have a floppy drive. (And having just put XP on a Vista laptop without a floppy last night, I can assure you that it won't let you use a USB memory stick instead)



But there is another way around the problem. There is a package called <a href="http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/nLite.shtml">NLite</a> that will allow you to create a "slip stream" installation disk. (You can see instructions on the process <a href="http://news.softpedia.com/news/Install-Windows-XP-On-SATA-Without-a-Floppy-F6-47807.shtml">here</a> ). You'll have to do a little research to find the drivers that you need BEFORE YOU WIPEOUT Vista. (Assuming it's your only machine) so that you have a disk prepared. (When I installed XP on a Dell Inspiron 1525 last night, I couldn't use my ethernet card or wireless until I got XP drivers for them, so you don't want to paint yourself into a corner here)



It's really not difficult. But it's a good idea to know what you are headed into before hand.
 
Go with wireless-N if the only thing you have connecting it is your new laptop. Also, hold off on dumping Vista until you are sure you are keeping it. And be aware that not all the drivers that run your laptop's components may be available for XP.



When you get your laptop, make sure you change the default channel, set a new router password, set up MAC address filtering to prevent any MAC address but the laptop from getting onto your network.
 
[quote author="WINEX" date=1236251467][quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236250233]Linksys???



Wireless - G???

Wireless - N???</blockquote>


First of all, the Wireless N spec is not finalized yet. But there is hardware that conforms to the draft spec that is readily available. Wireless N is significantly faster than Wireless G and it has a longer broadcast range. (Wireless G has a net max bit rate of 54 mbps and a range of up to 100m. Wireless N has a net max bit rate of 300 mbps and a range of up to 300m)



Next, if you want to run XP instead of Vista, other than a little research finding the right drivers, the biggest problem you will probably run into is getting the XP install process to start. If you install XP, then you will wipe your Vista partition clean, so you don't have to worry about any clean up. However, the drivers to support a SATA hard drive aren't part of XP, and having checked, I see your machine does have a SATA drive. During the install process, XP does allow you to hit F6 to load disk drivers from a floppy, but I see your machine doesn't have a floppy drive. (And having just put XP on a Vista laptop without a floppy last night, I can assure you that it won't let you use a USB memory stick instead)



But there is another way around the problem. There is a package called <a href="http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/nLite.shtml">NLite</a> that will allow you to create a "slip stream" installation disk. (You can see instructions on the process <a href="http://news.softpedia.com/news/Install-Windows-XP-On-SATA-Without-a-Floppy-F6-47807.shtml">here</a> ). You'll have to do a little research to find the drivers that you need BEFORE YOU WIPEOUT Vista. (Assuming it's your only machine) so that you have a disk prepared. (When I installed XP on a Dell Inspiron 1525 last night, I couldn't use my ethernet card or wireless until I got XP drivers for them, so you don't want to paint yourself into a corner here)



It's really not difficult. But it's a good idea to know what you are headed into before hand.</blockquote>


She's having trouble with Wireless G or N and you want her to slipstream an install disk? Do you advise toddlers on the best ways to clean guns as well?
 
[quote author="Oscar" date=1236251957][quote author="WINEX" date=1236251467][quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236250233]Linksys???



Wireless - G???

Wireless - N???</blockquote>


First of all, the Wireless N spec is not finalized yet. But there is hardware that conforms to the draft spec that is readily available. Wireless N is significantly faster than Wireless G and it has a longer broadcast range. (Wireless G has a net max bit rate of 54 mbps and a range of up to 100m. Wireless N has a net max bit rate of 300 mbps and a range of up to 300m)



Next, if you want to run XP instead of Vista, other than a little research finding the right drivers, the biggest problem you will probably run into is getting the XP install process to start. If you install XP, then you will wipe your Vista partition clean, so you don't have to worry about any clean up. However, the drivers to support a SATA hard drive aren't part of XP, and having checked, I see your machine does have a SATA drive. During the install process, XP does allow you to hit F6 to load disk drivers from a floppy, but I see your machine doesn't have a floppy drive. (And having just put XP on a Vista laptop without a floppy last night, I can assure you that it won't let you use a USB memory stick instead)



But there is another way around the problem. There is a package called <a href="http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/nLite.shtml">NLite</a> that will allow you to create a "slip stream" installation disk. (You can see instructions on the process <a href="http://news.softpedia.com/news/Install-Windows-XP-On-SATA-Without-a-Floppy-F6-47807.shtml">here</a> ). You'll have to do a little research to find the drivers that you need BEFORE YOU WIPEOUT Vista. (Assuming it's your only machine) so that you have a disk prepared. (When I installed XP on a Dell Inspiron 1525 last night, I couldn't use my ethernet card or wireless until I got XP drivers for them, so you don't want to paint yourself into a corner here)



It's really not difficult. But it's a good idea to know what you are headed into before hand.</blockquote>


She's having trouble with Wireless G or N and you want her to slipstream an install disk? Do you advise toddlers on the best ways to clean guns as well?</blockquote>


For the record, I pointed out that there you don't simply pop an installation disk in the machine and install XP. I feel that with a link provided to the process, she is in a far better position to decide whether it is a stretch or not. But the important thing is that she knows there are technical difficulties to overcome before buying a copy of XP.



Now, what pray tell do you think is wrong with teaching kids to properly care for guns at a early age?
 
I do have a Linksys Wireless G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster 2.4GHz laying around here... can I just use that? Do I need to set up my desktop wireless too? Or can I run directly throught the router and just have the laptop on wireless? After all... the desktop is not going to be moving around the house, as is the laptop!
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236253077]By the way... you guys are hilarious!! Can't wait to see you argue your points at the IHB Block Party! ;-)</blockquote>


Unfortunately I won't be able to make it. I'm going to be on travel next week.



Besides, it would be impossible for Oscar to argue that a toddler should be able to walk around with a dirty gun.
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236253007]I do have a Linksys Wireless G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster 2.4GHz laying around here... can I just use that? Do I need to set up my desktop wireless too? Or can I run directly throught the router and just have the laptop on wireless? After all... the desktop is not going to be moving around the house, as is the laptop!</blockquote>


Sure, you can still use a Wireless G router. The wireless card in your laptop supports Wireless N, but it is backward compatible with Wireless G gear. You'll operate at "G" speeds, but that's fine for most people/uses.
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236253318]Winex - Have you ever been to an IHB event???



Oscar - How about you???</blockquote>


No I haven't. Weeknights tend to be difficult for me. I typically start work between 4:00 and 5:00 am, so I'm pretty much of a mushroom on weeknights.
 
[quote author="WINEX" date=1236253198][quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236253077]By the way... you guys are hilarious!! Can't wait to see you argue your points at the IHB Block Party! ;-)</blockquote>


Unfortunately I won't be able to make it. I'm going to be on travel next week.



Besides, it would be impossible for Oscar to argue that a toddler should be able to walk around with a dirty gun.</blockquote>


That's right - EVERY kid should have a gun. What's the matter with you, Oscar? :)



<img src="http://www.toysplash.com/images/products/101753B_l.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1236253318]Winex - Have you ever been to an IHB event???



Oscar - How about you???</blockquote>
Does watching graphrix do his banana dance for effenheimer count as an IHB event?



Using your old router should be fine, provided you follow the directions I gave you.



Winex, I never said I was against toddlers having clean handguns. I asked if you also participated in the inherently dangerous act of advising them on the subject since you proposed an equally dangerous solution to a well-intentioned computer novice. Rather than trying to reframe the argument, why not just answer the question?
 
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