If I should ever get a laptop
 

Hi All. Just want to clear up some points before I even think about getting a notebook or a laptop.

I now have the modem/router thing with all these ethernet ports. We have the computer and Alan's Caption call phone connected to this modem/router.

I have the Kindle Fire which gets Wi Fi. So obviously I have a wi fi network set up which appears on my kindle fire.

Now, let's say I get a hold of a laptop. Any kind, notebook, cheap laptop, any kind of laptop. It will probably come with Windows 7 and built in wi fi right?

And I bring it home, take it out of the box, and open the laptop.

Do I have to do ANYTHING to get a wi fi signal? Do I have to install any software, ANYTHING??

Or do I just plug in the laptop, (does it have to be charged or can I plug it into a wall outlet and use it like I do my PC)?

And when I open the cover and press the power button, I gather I have to set it up initially, register it, etc. etc. It will have lots of stuff preloaded, I know this. It will have to come with pre-loaded wi fi software right?

Will it immediately start scanning when click on the IE browser (or whatever browser it comes with?) I use Google Chrome. So if a new laptop I get only has IE, I gather I have to go online, go to Google Chrome, download it and VOILA, I will have my browser that I like right?

Now getting online. Here's what I want to make sure.

When I open the laptop and hit the IE icon, it will start doing it's thing and start scanning right? Will it THEN FIND MY WI FI NETWORK, and indicate that I am connected??

I go to a friend's house and she has a laptop but she has no router in the house, she gets a signal off of neighbors open networks. Lousy signals but sometimes she gets one. That's how SHE goes on the internet.

But because I DO have a wireless router in my home, it (at least I think so), work exactly like my Kindle Fire?

Thanks.

Once I know ahead what will happen, I can start to save for a laptop or notebook. I don't need anything fancy. Just something so I can do ebay in a quiet place.

What would be the least expensive laptop you all think would get me on the internet and that I could watch movies on youtube and hulu, and do my ebay?

Don't need gaming software or bells and whistles. Just a good dependable cheap laptop (or notebook) don't know the difference.

Thanks much
P.S. I am LOVING this Kindle Fire
Mel

If you have a wireless router in your house then you have a wireless network that is yours. It will have its own unique name and may or may not be password protected (Open or secure).

When you turn on the laptop for the first time you will be asked to create a name for the laptop and maybe a couple other basic questions.

When windows boots for the 1st time you will be prompted by the built in Wifi to choose from the list. Choose yours, enter the password if needed and thats pretty much it.

A laptop will default to connecting to wifi before the hard wired port.

$400 will buy you a good HP laptop at the big box stores all day long.

FYI - I just bought 6 of these for my classroom...they are a real good machine and the price is right. $349

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pav...&skuId=5043836

Thanks so much. I do indeed have a wi fi network which is password protected. I am going to check out the link you provided.

Melody

Okay. Here come my questions. This has 3 usb ports. This means i can add a mouse. Right ? And what does bluetooth enabled mesn? And this has a built in webcam so i dont nrrd to instsll any webcam software right? I can play videos right?

Now here is a really good question. Lets say i am doing ebay on the net but dont want to exit the browser. Can i then pick up my tablet check my emsil st the same time thst alan is on the pc? Essentially im asking if three people can be on internet at the same time getting good speed?

See i have to learn before i buy. Thanks much.

Mouse - yes. (also printer, phone charger, usb hub, any usb device)
Bluetooth is kinda like wifi, it connects devices like a smartphone to share pics and data.
External webcam needed - no.
Video - yes
Multiple people on wifi at same time - absolutely

To say i love you is putting it mildly. But one more question. What do you mesn that i can use one of the usb ports as a phone charger? How would i charge my cell phone? It has no usb port. It has this cable that plugs in the sidne of my phone (which is a Nokia phone) and the other end plugs into a wall outlet

Maybe only smart phones can do this?

Thanks melody

Mel, some small electronics will charge off the computer USB.

My Sansa MP3 player does this. It depends on what the small device IS. My digital camera will NOT. If the smart phone has a USB plug, then it might also.
Smart phones will sync with computers. That is also for downloading stuff into the computer...data or photos.

My old Nokia phone does not charge thru the computer USB.
Only with a car jack or electrical plug.

Ah i get it. Thanks so much for teaching me all this stuff. Just know that i pay it forward. Take care. Melody