Help! Laptop, Notebook, or Tower?

[momoffuzzyfaces]

That helps a lot. I've never even used a laptop so have nothing to compare too. I need a mouse too because of my arthritis in my hands. Plus I do love to play games on the net. A mouse is a must for that in my opinion.

What I was thinking was to get a laptop as soon as I can because my big computer still works. I could use my big computer to put my pictures on for now. I have an external hard drive attatched to it too that I put them on so all I would need do is unplug it and put it on a different tower later if I want too.

I got the router security info from my brother. He said his got hacked. He got a letter from his carrier saying that he had downloaded some copywrited movies and he would have his service ternimated if he did it again. He never downloaded any movies he says. Anyway, he had to somehow set his router up with a password to make it more secure.

My internet provider is my cable co. They would have to come add a router and hook it up for me.

What I would really like to do, is get a laptop for now and a new tower later. I have a new monitor and my keyboard and mouse are wireless so would not need new ones for a new tower.

I'm hoping to be able to get something in the fall when the back to school sales come out.

[redbird]

Just to add to this thread, no matter what I would buy, there is only Win. 8 on it. I would want 7, never Vista or 8. The only thing is everything you buy today has 8.

[Karen]

You definitely need to be able to try out any laptop before you buy it, because of your arthritis in particular. I would get to a Best Buy or somewhere with a lot of different models to try to see what is most comfortable for you!

[Freedom]

I got the router security info from my brother. He said his got hacked. He got a letter from his carrier saying that he had downloaded some copywrited movies and he would have his service ternimated if he did it again. He never downloaded any movies he says. Anyway, he had to somehow set his router up with a password to make it more secure.

Well, I'm sorry, but that is his own fault. I would NEVER run a router with no security key! Anyone in range can hook in to an open router. That is just basic router info IMO. But then, if he had the ISP set it up, THEY would have set it with security. So, as I said, have them do it, don't go buy a router yourself.

[pomtzu]

Well, I'm sorry, but that is his own fault. I would NEVER run a router with no security key! Anyone in range can hook in to an open router. That is just basic router info IMO. But then, if he had the ISP set it up, THEY would have set it with security. So, as I said, have them do it, don't go buy a router yourself.

My son set up the one here. I asked him if it could be hacked, and he said it has a password and encrypted, and as I mentioned earlier, there has never been a problem. A hacker might be able to get in, but it is highly unlikely they could decipher any of the info. I just take his word for it - he's the guru and I'm the techno-challenged!

[Randi]

I've never had a laptop and don't really want one, except perhaps a Mac. One thing you need to ask about, is whether the laptop gets hot, unless you want to keep it on your desk - I've heard people complain about almost burning themselves a few times.

A router is quite easy to set up. Don't you normally get one from your ISP? If you get a router, you can access WIFI and as far as I know, you can set it so no one else can get in. Most people in our building do that.

Like you, I would definitely go for one with a good keyboard and mouse, but do read reviews!

Good luck!

[Catty1]

A laptop will be able to have a mouse attached to it, just like a tower computer. Also, you can get laptops with larger screens these days.

Windows 8 is fine if you download the free Start Menu from the internet. Then it looks like Vista or Windows 7 and is less confusing.

[Freedom]

A laptop will be able to have a mouse attached to it, just like a tower computer. Also, you can get laptops with larger screens these days.

Windows 8 is fine if you download the free Start Menu from the internet. Then it looks like Vista or Windows 7 and is less confusing.

Yes, I bought a mouse for my laptop, just plugs in, very easy.

That is good to know re Win8, thanks!

[Jessika]

For mobility, I recommend a notebook or laptop.

If your primary use is browsing the internet with no gaming or the like, you may consider getting a notebook.

If you will be using the computer for more than just browsing the internet, like gaming, I strongly recommend getting a PC/tower.

If you want to be able to upgrade the computer at a later date, get a tower.

Honestly... it is all about your personal preference and what you will be doing with it.

[Freedom]

What I was thinking was to get a laptop as soon as I can because my big computer still works. I could use my big computer to put my pictures on for now. I have an external hard drive attatched to it too that I put them on so all I would need do is unplug it and put it on a different tower later if I want too.

This will be a problem. Once you open any file in the NEW computer OS (in this discussion Windows 8), most likely you will never be able to open it in the old system again. I'm not positive if this is true for photos; but it sure is for everything else! This is why I always make sure my laptop and tower are on the same OS.

I'm hoping to be able to get something in the fall when the back to school sales come out.

Excellent!