Basics about buying a laptop

[Coldicote]

I'd like to have a laptop but haven't a clue where to start. What features should I look for? Can I upload onto a laptop the same programmes as on my PC - Windows XP for instance and Outlook Express? How do they communicate without being plugged into a telephone line? I know nothing about them and would welcome some basic introductory advice. Thanks.

[karenmac60]

As far as how they work and what software etc, they are just the same as a desktop really, you can install whatever software you would normally have on your desktop. You can get a wireless router so that you can connect to the internet, but you can still plug a cable in if you want - I've never been able to get my router to work and just have it on a long cable. Try using this guide to figure out what kind you need for your requirements.

http://www.pcworld.co..._to_buy_a_laptop.html

[VHG]

When buying a laptop you need to consider screen size, weight, battery life and product quality, as well as the usual things like cpu power, hard disk size etc.

Almost all laptops comes with Windows pre-installed (Windows 7 nowadays) so you would not need to install Windows XP.

And Microsoft have removed Outlook Express from Windows and replaced it with Windows Live (which is very similar).

But has been said, a laptop is very similar to a desktop, just smaller and all in one box.

[VHG]

>How do they communicate without being plugged into a telephone line?

A desktop communicates with the internet by plugging a cable into the modem in your house, and the modem connects to your telephone line.

A laptop CAN work the same way. You can plug the same cable from your laptop into the modem and get to the internet that way. So in that sense it works just like a desktop.

However a laptop can also connect wirelessly to the internet.

To do this you need to get a WIRELESS ROUTER (your ISP may supply one). Your router then plugs into your modem.

Once you have a router your laptop and router "talk" to each other over a wireless connection (a bit like a remote control on your TV, no wires).

This is caled a wi-fi connection and you can also use it in cafes, McDonalds and so on.

If you took your laptop to McDonalds you can use their wi fi to get to the internet without needing any wires (you use THEIR wireless router).

If you need any more help just ask.

[bibblebub]

you can also use mobile dongles that connect to the mobile phone network and thus don't require any physical connections

[Coldicote]

Thank you very much everyone. These replies have been most helpful and it wouldn't surprise me if other readers without laptops feel likewise. These modern technologies are always a bit daunting to start with.

[lardhelmet]

I must get a mobile dongle! I don't know what it is - I've just got to have one - it's such a great word bibble. Nice swan by the way.