Expert: Bobbert - 12/8/2008

Question
Bobbert,
I am completely new at laptops.  I want to buy a start up.  Once I buy one do I also have to pay for the internet service and hookup?  One person said if you go to an internet coffee shop(such as starbucks) they already have the airwave connection?  So you don't have to purchase that seperately? As you can see I am very new at this, any information would be great.  And also can you recommend how much to spend on a basic setup, and what brands are good?  Also, how much to spend for a good carrier for internet service?  thank you so much, in advance.

Answer
Well, you'll need home internet service if you'd like to use the internet at home, and for wireless you'd need some form of access point, such as a wireless router (I would suggest Netgear or Linksys). Generally, prices can range from $25-$50/month, depending on what kind of bandwidth you'd like to purchase, where you're located in the world, and other variables.

As far as using free WiFi at locations such as Starbucks or McDonalds, this service is generally available, however (at least personally) I would not rely on this as my sole ISP (Internet Service Provider), namely for reasons of privacy and security. Not to mention the inconvience of needing to leave my home just to use the internet (ah, but in the 1990's the ability to get the internet anywhere was a priveledge, how times change!).

What kind of things would you like to do with your new computer? Video games? Photo editing? Video editing? Listening to music? Web browsing? etc.

Quite honestly, I would suggest an Apple, unless you've got some specific needs that require Windows. I suggest this for a few reasons, first of all, Apple provides in-store technical support and training (sometimes for a fee), secondly OS X is generally considered quite intuitive and easy to use.

If you've got any more questions, feel free to ask.

-bob