My laptop computer questions

TilliamWe

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Ok, take it easy on me, I am not real knowledgeable about technical terms. So here goes.<br />I want a "new" laptop computer to replace my Dell Inspiron 4000 with the loose USP port. That's not why I want to replace it. QC's port replicator solved that problem. It's FULL! Turns out I will be attaching many photos to my files in a program called Power Claim. This eats up huge amounts. My current HD is 9 gigs? That sound right? Anyway, 100 gigs has been recommended. Also was suggested I could just replace my 9 gig with 100 gig in this machine. Only thing, don't have disks for all the programs. Besides, I think I just want another machine anyway. I use this computer in the office and in the car. So my questions are:<br />1) Does the Dell Inspiron 8000 have the bigger HD I need? This allows me to use my current port replicator.<br />2) If not, who's laptop has that kind of memory?<br />3) Any concerns with downloading Power Claim, Mitchell estimating, Microsoft Streets and Trips to a new machine?<br />4) Wireless internet would be great, what do I need in the machine already? Or do I add that later (cause right now I use NetZero dial up)?<br /><br />I am sure I'll have more questions, but those will be more than enough to confuse me! Now talk in slow, small, non computer terms so I can understand. :D
 

Limited-Time

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Re: My laptop computer questions

Memory wise 100 Gig in a lap top IS available. As for downloading the programs you listed, if you mean transfer them from the 4000 to the new 8000 that should be doable with out to much problem. Wireless capabilities should be standard in that caliber machine.<br />But to back up a bit, Dell offers "Base" machines in various models, i.e. Inspiron 4000, or Inspiron 8000. From the base unit you cad up-grade or customize the machine to your requirements. Which mdl you begin with is based on how the machine will be used. A call to their order line or a visit to their web site should go a long way. Good luck and happy hunting.
 

tommays

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Re: My laptop computer questions

99% of anything you want to install on the NEW machine will require the install disks or and install program if you can download it.<br /><br /><br />All the data files should be pretty easy to move to the new machine.<br /><br /><br />tommays
 

Bob_VT

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Re: My laptop computer questions

Do you use it on Battery or plugged in?? If you always plug it in you might consider a few economical things.<br /><br />A wireless card is available for 99% of laptops.<br /><br />What about a 2nd drive - an external HD that you use for work?<br /><br />OR Have you looked at Dell's refurbished systems and laptops? You can sort by your requirements.
 

TilliamWe

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Re: My laptop computer questions

Bob, funny you mention the battery. It's junk in the machine I use now, so I am always using AC (have an inverter in the car), but I can't take it direct from the car to office, cause it turns off. Is the wireless card directly tied to this point you were making? The 4000 I have now has a Belkin 54g card in the side of it now, but I never seem to have any signal. What's that mean?<br />2nd Harddrive is a definate possibility. If for no other reason than for data backup. And that's what it would be. The laptop will have to have all the capabilities in the car that it does in the office. Ok, I can live without internet in the car, but it sure would be nice!<br />So Limited Time, you are basically saying that I could have any machine "built" to what I want? I know it sounds silly, but the port replicators are wonderful, that way I am not plugging in multiple accessories in both the office and the car. Basically, I have two offices, in my house and my car. Am I limiting (pun intended) myself by wanti9ng to stay with a machine that I can still use these replicators? Or should I get new replicators that work with a new machine?<br />Thanks so far guys! I knew you'd all have more ideas than I. Keep em coming!
 

Bob_VT

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Re: My laptop computer questions

That belkin 54g card will only receive wifi wireless signals if you are within 100 ft or less. <br /><br />I guess if you are dependant on this machine for work it just might be cheaper to purchase a newer one.
 

BoatBuoy

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Re: My laptop computer questions

Originally posted by Bob_VT:<br />That belkin 54g card will only receive wifi wireless signals if you are within 100 ft or less. <br />
Much less if it's shooting through block, concrete, ductwork, sheetrock, etc.
 

vipzach

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Re: My laptop computer questions

Check with sprint wireless, they have a card that you can put in the side of your laptop, like the belkin, and have internet access almost anywhere!
 

TilliamWe

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Re: My laptop computer questions

Bob & BoatBuoy, 100ft or less eh? No wonder! At 70mph, I cover that pretty quick! ;) Plus my office is in my concrete block wall basement!<br /><br />vipzach, Sprint is a possibility, I use them for my cell phone. There are major coverage gaps in <br />IL, but that's with every cell company. I'll check that out.<br /><br />
I guess if you are dependant on this machine for work it just might be cheaper to purchase a newer one.
And your reasoning for that is? Cheaper or easier? I'm a pretty cheap guy, but I also don't want to work too hard at getting the next machine "up and running"! :)
 

tomatolord

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Re: My laptop computer questions

both sprint/nextel and verizon have true wireless internet - where you connect over the cell phone towers - 3G is what is called.<br /><br />So you have internet even though you are driving 70mph<br /><br />Some machines have a special card, others your have to get a card for the slot. <br /><br />You do have check the cost becuase they charge air time for connections<br /><br />Tomatolord
 

TilliamWe

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Re: My laptop computer questions

I guess over all, wireless internet is the least important thing, really. Shoot, my house isn't wired for cable, much less high speed, so what do I need wireless for? <br />Bob, you mentioned Dell's refurbished laptops... is that done by/through them? I can't say I saw it on their website, but I might not have looked real hard. ;) <br /><br />
You do have check the cost becuase they charge air time for connections
Gee why doesn't that surprise me! :rolleyes:
 
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