Never had a lap top, always a desk top. It's kind of a luzury item for me. I will continue to use my PC for my primary computer, it's bigger. Just got the lap top so I can surf, Facebook, etc when I'm on the couch or take it over to my Moms and show her pics, etc. My son in law is in IT and really wanted me to get a Mac but my DH still thinks a computer is for recreational use only so I couldn't justify paying a lot of money for this. Any hints on best way to maximize my experience. I have a router. I just hope some one over at my Mom's apartment complex has a router that I can feed off of. But I can still show her pictures and anything els that's on my desktop. But she hears me talk about Faceboook a lot and how I am connecting to so many family members and she wants to be part of that. It is extremely difficult for her to come over to my house.

I've always had a laptop rather than a desk top. The thought of having to move to a table/desk to be on the poota is yuk. I love sitting around with the internet at my fingertips.
But I'm no computer whizz so can't help on the technical stuff. sorry

Congrats! If it doesnn't have a wireless card, you can buy a "USB wireless adapter" on eBay for around $15. Or you can get one from Best Buy for around 40. (Reason #16,583 that I refuse to shop at Best Buy). But you would need the wireless router.

Aside from that, not really sure how else to optimize it. But I can tell you thise little wooden tv trays are the persect height in my house for using the laptop in the living room. I don't think I have turned on my desktop in 3 months.

OH one other cool toy I have: it's an external hard drive. Also found on Ebay. Actually, I have 2. One is for computer backups and business files, the other is where I put all of my music, movies, and pictures. They both fit on the little table with my computer. I do this to keep the memory available on my hard drive.

Good for you, Doyd! I've never owned a PC, and wouldn't, for I am a Mac devotee and (sing with me now), I can do anything you can do better.

Have fun!

many laptops have a wireless switch. if its ON, it should see the wireless signal in your house. (you will need a wireless router to make it work)

Have your SIL come over, and give you the run down on how to make the best of it. There is nothing like a hands on demonstration. He will also be able to point out things that we cant see.

Congrats! nothing like a fun new toy!

What is a 'USB wireless adapter' and what does it do? I do have a router