Expert: Karl Zick - 7/10/2009

Question
Hi Karl,

I'm thinking of buying a laptop but I'll be the first to admit I am a computer dummy!  My main concern is if I'll be able to use the laptop.  We live in a very rural area, wireless is not available and satellite is too expensive.  Our old computer is a dinosaur and we can't even connect anymore with the dial up.  I had a couple of people tell me I would need to buy an external modem in order to get online; Dell support person told me I just needed a USB connector in order to get online.   HELP!  I don't want to spend the money for a laptop if I'm not able to access the internet.

Thanks for your help.
Laurie

Answer
Hi Laurie,

If you use Google and search for a `usb dial-up modem' it will take you to lots of places that sell them.  Amazon has what looks like a pretty good one for $25 and it should get you on-line with a laptop.

If you are shopping for a laptop, DO NOT buy one with a Celeron processor in it.  Brand wise, my favorites are Toshiba Satellites and Lenovo (IBM) notebooks and I have seen them on special at Newegg.com for as low as $370 - new, free shipping, and no sales tax.