Buying a computer system/Laptops & Modems

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Expert: - 2/24/2008


Question
Dell Inspiron in the tech specs says:  "Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem"
Just what do they mean by that?  I want the network card, but currently must use dial up.  I am concerned that this may not be a dial up modem, but an internal cable modem.
Thanks!

Answer
Internal cable modems are all but impossible to find on the open market, especially in a laptop installation, so don't worry about that feature. Dell is telling you that the system has both a 100 Mbit/s ethernet adapter (which you can use to connect to any LAN/WAN connection you have available, such as a closed home network, or a cable modem, etc). It also features a dial-up modem for connections over a telephone line, this is a very common pairing of connections for a laptop, so you should be fine to use dial-up and LAN/WAN features when/if you ever need to.

-bob

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Bobbert

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I have nearly two decades of experience in IT, computer repair, and related fields and will attempt to provide the most solid, brand-agnostic advice when it comes time to purchase a new computer, or upgrade an existing machine. I can answer anything from the seemingly basic to the downright complicated - and will do my best to provide this information in a clear and concise manner.

Experience

I have been an enthusiast of PC's for many years, and can answer questions about the purchase/use of a new computer or the purchase, installation, and use of upgrades for existing computers. There probably isn't a whole lot related to the home computer that I haven't seen over the years.

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15+ years of experience

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