Because I have just purchased a new laptop (notebook pc) I felt it a good reason to open a thread to let others in a similar position to me, know the great advantages and pleasure that can be obtained with one, either in addition to their pc or on its own.

My ability to get around on my feet and also to sit at my pc desk for more than short periods caused me to decide on acquiring a laptop which would allow me to spend more time in my recliner but still be able to enjoy my email, the net, writing letters etc.

My pc engineer (and friend) has selected me a very good machine and because it came with Vista Home Premium he has also loaded Windows XP Home so that I can link via VNC with my pc and use it anywhere in my home as if I were operating my desk pc. This has made a great difference to my everyday life.

I also keep the laptop on my beanbag tray so as to level out the pressure on my lap as well as keep the laptop running cool.

I hope this has interested some folk here who maybe would find life easier sitting comfortably back in their recliners or in bed and work their pc’s from there. If however the laptop is their only computer then the same applies except for the VNC link up to their pc.

Maybe this will put some ideas into the heads of those who are having the same problems as myself. I note Brian has an interest in buying one.



Tony

I can not even tell you all how much easier my life is since I got the laptop you all so generously helped me get. I've been getting around a little more and thought well, I can sit at my desk and use the regular computer. Then from sitting so much, my feet and legs have started swelling and the old irritation in the behind is worse again. So back to the laptop. And it is so awesome. So many new features that make things easier. We did have to put a second router in for our wireless, but they are not expensive and it did the trick. But I can recline on the couch or the bed or my recliner. Anywhere in the house. Wonderful!!!

I thought at first I'd use the laptop for special occasions, now I reach for it automatically. I did not know to use the beanie bag laptop holder. But it makes sense and it would make the laptop more secure on your lap too. I'm having my husband get me one tomorrow. I've seen them at Walmart and at Hastings Book Store.

I think if you can afford it, then you definitely need to think of purchasing a laptop. It has just made my life so much more comfortable. I've got new pictures. My Dad gave me a small plant when I was in the hospital. I had such a dim poorly lit room for the first week. I was in a coronary intensive care unit. The little thing put out the most beautiful blooms. It only blooms for one day. Then falls off. But it puts out buds and blooms continously for several months. It's a Hibiscus. The blooms are just incredible. My husband took the pictures with our camera and then uploaded it to my computer. Here it is: http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x...Len_5_6016.jpg

Enjoy all,
Billye

ask THE question while Kmeb's is in the 'shop' so to speak! Billye! Where are YOU? I believe you are a person who can 'testify' as to the advantages pro/con?
Me? I am daily counting my blessings that I can sit at my tabletop 'cloneed and cobbled' version of machine...Since Kmeb's 'puter issues, I am faithfully thanking the combo of wires, circuits, cables, etc. for coming on and working w/o hassle every time I turn it all ON!
My DH had one for work, but turned it in upon retirement...I could ask him, but he's far more interested in the internal actual PROGRAMs, than the machines themselves....Keeps saying...'The day you buy it, it's obsolete'...
Hope you are having fun, good use and absolutely NO quirks with your machine! - j

tracks and all that?
You really DO look so much more comfy in that Pic! And, silly question...have/can you keep the Hibiscus outdoors year-round where you live? My folks lived for a while in the US Virgin Islands, and of course folks had hedges of them that bloomed almost forever! The poinsettia hedges in the winter season were awesome! But I expect you mite be too North for them....
BTW Today I got a digital camera? Durned thing comes w/FIVE, count-em FIVE instruction booklets! It's gonna be interesting to see when DH & I figger this animal out and you all see pics of me, etc...in the future...also how far in the future. Please, no help yet! I can read the books...it's the AFTER stuff I mite have questions on...
Tony - sorry for almost hi-jacking this thread?
Now other laptop comments, PLEASE? - j

Tony: You said: "My pc engineer (and friend) has selected me a very good machine and because it came with Vista Home Premium he has also loaded Windows XP Home so that I can link via VNC with my pc and use it anywhere in my home as if I were operating my desk pc."

Now what the heck does "I can link via VNC with my pc" mean??

I know, I'm clueless....lol

Melody

No,
I wouldn't even consider trying to grow the Hibiscus outside in the winter here. Texas has extremes of temperature. We can be 80 degrees one day and then three days later have ice up to the knees then three days later have 100 degrees. Things have to be very hardy to grow here.

I am so delighted about your camera! Kmeb told me you were getting one. I for one would like to see a few more pics on the forum. Especially when the pics relate to the discussion. It makes things so much friendlier. And as for those little buttons. You did see the reading glasses on my nose in the pic with the laptop? No way could I see the buttons on it without them or my bi-focals. Anyway, Happy Birthday.

Back to the laptop discussion. Sorry Tony, we got off track a little here.

Billye

Thanks Tony for bringing up this subject i am interested in find out as much as i can about Laptops, my PC is in the bedroom and this has to be the coldest winter we have had for years in my part of OZ, or i am getting old

I see your pc mate dual booted your laptop, which i think is real handy especially if you having software problems you only have to go into the other OS and carry on what you were doing, i do that to all my pc's.

I want one. I just have to convence my husband that I really do need it. My legs ache so much sitting at my PC desk. And putting up the feet is so important.

Julie i hope your feeling better. And yes Tony have same question
as Mel. Since my old laptop it getting to be a pain,Bob went out
looking for a wireless today. Billye is yours very heavy,and was
it easy to use. That picture was beautifull by the way. Going in and
out of the hospital without a computer is well,lonely and will help
pass the time,and keep mind off all the nasty stuff.

And i have 2 more Grandchildren on the way,i thought they were
never going to have them and now 3 yesss. Any advice would be helpfull.
Thank you for bringing this up Tony and much luck with your's. Sue

Hi Mel

Yes my engineer “dual booted” my laptop as Brian said. This means he has loaded XP onto my laptop which came with Vista already loaded. I can select which one I want when I start up the laptop.

VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing and you can download it free or by payment from http://www.realvnc.com/what.html . It would be advisable to have some expert help in doing this but the result – for those who feel like Billye and me – is tremendous.


What it does is it allows you by the simple process of clicking on an icon on either your pc or your laptop, then type in a short number and take over the other machine as if it were your laptop. You do not have to go to your pc again until you shut it down. In my case it also allows my engineer friend to take over either my pc or my laptop – with of course my permission by typing in the number – and he can then carry out any repairs, get rid of viruses etc. by “remote control”. This means he does not have to come out to visit me, consequently saving on travelling costs. He has very many clients on this VNC scheme now. I would add that the security involved is of the highest order so I have no worries there.

I hope I have in my not very technical way explained what VNC is and how useful it is to the likes of me with a laptop in one room of my house which I can either use normally or as is most often the case, take over my pc in another room and use my laptop as my pc.

Billye – your Hibiscus is beautiful. It is just what is needed in a summer like we are having here and yes you will find the bean bag tray a blessing for evening out the pressure of your laptop. Hope you have no trouble finding one to fit. Take care.


Tony