Need Laptop buying Advice PLEASE!!

[kwagner_51]

Hi y'all,

I need to buy a laptop for my daughter. She is working in Florida at Walt Disney World on an internship. She needs the laptop to do her internet classes and to download and send pictures from her digital camera. She doesn't play games other than solitaire. She does IM through yahoo! and MSN.

Before I ship it to her, I want to make sure it is internet safe. I will install the following on it before shipment:

AVG Free
Kerio Firewall
Spybot S & D
Adaware
HijackThis
MSN Word

The one I am considering is available through Walmart.

Acer Laptop PC
Intel Celeron M 420 Processor
512 MG Shared Memory
60 GB HD
Reads DVD and Writes CDs
15" LCD Display
Comes preintalled with Vista
Price: $498

Is there anyway to clear out all the "other crap" like AOL internet free trial etc?

How does it connect to the internet? Is it wireless? Do I need to buy a ethernet cord?


Thanks!!

[mjc]

Got a model number?

It is probably wireless...most newer laptops are.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Is there a link you can lead us to? I'm not able to tell you if WIFI is built in and if she has it available where she is.

Don't know if she'll need dial-up, LAN connection by CAT-5 cable (ethernet), her own account or one provided, etc

[kwagner_51]

Below is the link. I hope it works.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5513682

In case it doesn't here are the specs:

This laptop is loaded! The Acer AS3690 offers numerous features designed for efficient computing and premium multimedia enjoyment.


Key Features & Benefits:

Mobile Intel Celeron M 420 processor

At 1.46GHz

512MB DDR2 SDRAM memory; upgradable to 2GB

Allows to you run multiple applications without a decrease in performance

Spacious 60GB hard drive

Store everything you need, including photos, music and more

CD-RW/DVD-ROM multimedia drive

Listen to your favorite CDs or watch your favorite DVDs on this easy-to-use drive

Bright 15" XGA color TFT LCD

Featuring Intel GMA 950 graphics

Additional Features:

Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic, 5-in-1-card reader and 802.11b-g wireless for lightning-fast Internet

Specifications



Model No.: AS3690-2900


Shipping Weight (in pounds): 8.6

Product in Inches (L x W x H): 15.59 x 5.47 x 13.1

Assembled in Country of Origin: USA and/or Imported

Origin of Components: USA and/or Imported

Wal-Mart No.: 000575232


Thanks!!

[Erik]

Well it looks like it has built in wireless, wired, and a modem. SO how she will connect to the internet really depends on what is available wherever she is staying.

I would say that 512Mb of RAM is on the low side, and it might cause some problems. Espcially if it is coming with Vista installed, which I would personally recommend against for a while. Initially there will likely be a lack of good support for this new OS. I would rather go with XP installed and a coupon for a later upgrade.

As far as removing everything extra, well it is tricky. You can use add/remove programs. Really the best way to get it squeaky clean though is just use an regualr install CD and do a clean install.

[mjc]

Yes, it does have wireless...

[kwagner_51]

This is what Disney is saying but its a little confusing to me. It says she needs a cord and then says most use wireless.

**All apartments have high-speed Internet access.

Computer Requirements:

Anti-virus software that runs constantly and automatically updates its virus definitions.
Ethernet card
CAT5 cable
A firewall program or router that serves as a firewall
The DSL modem has four ports and is located in the living room, so many Cast Members also bring a wireless router.**

What is a wireless router? Where the DSL modem is set up makes it difficult to get to the kitchen. I want her to be able to take the laptop into her bedroom. I didn't measure the distance from the port to her room but I do know that her bedroom is the closest to the DSL Modem.


Thanks!!

[Erik]

Sounds like they are providing DSL service for the aprtment. Is this a shared space, or is it only her?

Anyway they supply a DSL modem which has four ethernet ports on it. This means up to four computers can be connected to it via CAT 5 patch cables. They are recommending (or suggesting) that if you bring your own wireless router to connect to this you have wireless. You could simply connect the router right next to the supplied modem and have wireless for the whole apartment.

The CAT 5 cable would be to connect directly to the modem or connect the router to the modem. They don't supply any wireless, so that is up to you if you want to buy the equipment or just the cable.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

At this point you may want to contact your daughter to find if anyone (room mates) in her apartment has brought in a wireless router already and if there's still available sockets on the modem. If wireless, you're all set as more than 4 would be supported.

[kwagner_51]

She is sharing the DSL connection with 7 other girls. It's a 4 bedroom apt with a common Kitchen and living room. 2 Girls in each bedroom.

There is only room for 2 girls at the desk where the modem sits. If they are sitting there then no one can get into the kitchen.

I like the idea of making the apt wireless. That way they can move the pc's from the DSL and into their bedrooms or into the living room.

What do I need to buy to make the apt wireless? Also, how hard is it to program the router?

Thanks!!

[CoachB22]

Karen,

I would get a router regardless. The router will act as a physical firewall and help make surfing safer. You should be able to find a nice router with wireless capability for around $40.00. One router should be able to provide access to everyone. The DSL provider may have some recommended routers for you to consider.

It is pretty easy these days to set up a router and set up wireless access. Be sure you use security encryption to restrict access to the router/DSL.

As far as the laptop, the only thing I see as a minus is that the processor is not a Pentium M. Battery life may be an issue.
Good Luck!!

[classicsoftware]

Vista and 512MB of RAM. Not a good fix. Include the price of a RAM upgrade as 1 GB is the REAL minimum.... You don't get the cool new interface......

What is your price range????