Advice on Purchasing New Desktop Computer

[WDWorld2003]

We purchased a new laptop and wanted to go wireless. However, our old '98 Gateway does not have a wireless card (which I didn't realize until later). We already have high speed internet. After spending hours trying to figure out the router to no avail I've come to the conclusion I have three options:

Purchase a new desktop with wireless card in it. Don't want to spend much but want it to be reliable and able to do basics. Any recommendations - Dell, HP, etc? Our notebook is HP.

Have the Geek Squad come out and hook us up to wireless by putting in a new card into our old 98 Gateway.

Purchase an inexpensive notebook and have both notebooks configured wireless and forget the desktop.

Thanks for any advice

 

[Dan Murphy]

How about a wireless router? Your DT does not need to be wireless. If getting a new PC, Dell, always a good choice.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Purchase a new desktop with wireless card in it. Don't want to spend much but want it to be reliable and able to do basics. Any recommendations - Dell, HP, etc? Our notebook is HP.

Purchase an inexpensive notebook and have both notebooks configured wireless and forget the desktop.

Thanks for any advice

How cheap/inexpensive we talking here? Plenty of PC manufacturers out there with better prices/quality than Dell/HP/Compaq.

 

[DebbieB]

I have both a Dell desktop and laptop, love them! Never had a problem. I got a basic laptop for a little over $1,000, mainly for travel. I have a router on my desktop connected to DSL, so I can use my wireless laptop anywhere in the house. I'd rather use my desktop for everyday use, it's more comfortable than the laptop.

I used to have an HP laptop, it was terrible.

 

[WDWorld2003]

Thanks all....

Dan - We tried a wireless router but it will not work as we don't have an Ethernet card in our computer and I'm not sure I want to tackle that and the installers at the store just want you to buy a new computer... not real interested in 98 Gateways!


Debbie - I hope you're wrong about the laptop as we purchased an HP.... It just seemed to have so much more for the money... time will tell. I think if we replace the desktop we may go with a Dell......


Chad - we don't want to really spend anything if we can get this wireless thing to work but I'm running out of patience and time.... If we do buy one we don't want to spend more than $800.00 to $1,000........ any recommendations?


Anyway, still crossing my fingers that the wireless will somehow work.... at least for a few months until we get our trip to Disney paid off!

 

[Dan Murphy]

If you have high speed, don't you have an ethernet card? Get the router, plud the cable into the router, cable out to PC, wireless to laptop.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Chad - we don't want to really spend anything if we can get this wireless thing to work but I'm running out of patience and time.... If we do buy one we don't want to spend more than $800.00 to $1,000........ any recommendations?

Yes if you have get a new one, buy from http://www.cyberpowersystem.com or http://www.monarchcomputer.com

The place has EXCELLENT prices for people who want a custom system, but don't want to put it together themselves. You get to pick out all the goodies for the inside. If you decide to go this way, just say so and I will help you set up an excellent system for your needs.

 

[dash]

What operating system are you running? I was having difficulty networking an old desktop and then after doing some research, I came to the conclusion that Windows 98 is not compatible with a lot of networking devices. On the contrary, Windows 98 SE is. Windows ME and XP are also more network friendly. Maybe you could look into upgrading your OS. Hope this helps and good luck. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[WDWorld2003]

No, I don't have Ethernet and neither does the modem (I checked with Time Warner).... my modem from Time Warner is hooked up through the USB port.... I've talked with Linksys on the router and they say I need a card in my computer or possibly I may use a USB adapter... still working on this but it's so frustrating. Thanks for your help!

 

[WillCAD]

Argh! Those crappy USB cable modems. They're a lifesaver for folks whose computer have no network capability, but then you're stuck when you want to add a second computer to the high-speed internet connection.

Call Time Warner and ask if they can replace your cable modem with one that plus into Ethernet. If they will, then you can use a router, which will allow you to connect both computers to the internet.

You can either get a wired ethernet card or a wireless card for your old PC. These cards are called expansion cards; you will have to turn a few screws to install one in the old Gateway, but it's not rocket surgery. They all come with pretty clear instructions. Or you can pay some high school kid from the Geek Squad to do it for you if you're not comfortable with working on the internals of your old PC.