Another Lap Top Computer Question

[Jodi1980]

There doesn't seem to be a place to plug in a mouse - was that something my daughter would have had to order with the computer?

 

[Pop Daddy]

the little thing in the middle, you use your finger

 

[oogieboogie]

The little pad below the keyboard are acts like a mouse. If she's using it on the bed, it would be kinda awkward to plug a mouse.

However if she wants to still use a mouse, you'll need to provide a mouse. It does not come with the computer. If you're buying a mouse, choose an optical mouse with a scroll wheel. You'll/she'll love it. No mouse balls to clean.

Next, on the laptop you should see a smallish round plug. That's where she'll plug a mouse in. It'll probably say PS2 or have a picture of a mouse/keyboard.

Can you tell us what brand and model it is? It'll be easier to explain if we knew.

 

[Pooh's Pal]

Originally posted by Jodi1980
There doesn't seem to be a place to plug in a mouse - was that something my daughter would have had to order with the computer?

I've been looking at laptops for my DD to take to college all this week on the internet...Dells, Mac's etc. I was really confused with this also, until my 17 Year Old told me it was right on the laptop! DUH!!

So Jodi, you're not alone! I still don't know what to buy? I have no clue about what she needs or what she wants...nor does she! I need a lap top buying lesson....Does Dan Murphy give them??

What type did you end up buying? I remember your post awhile ago...did you get the Dell, with what you wanted in it?


debbi

 

[Jodi1980]

Dell Inspiron 5150.

I have a mouse but there is no where to plug it in.

 

[oogieboogie]

Originally posted by Pooh's Pal
I've been looking at laptops for my DD to take to college all this week on the internet...Dells, Mac's etc. I was really confused with this also, until my 17 Year Old told me it was right on the laptop! DUH!!

Debbi,

1. first thing I'd do is assess the budget. How much do you have budgeted for this thing?

2. Since she'll use it in college, and most colleges have networks, look for a laptop that has a network card built-in. These are the ones with 802.11b or 802.11g network ready. Otherwise, be prepared to buy a network card (PCMCIA) which will cost you $30-$75 depending on sale and rebates.

3. Since she'll do a lot of essays/schoolwork, try finding one that has Microsoft Office already preloaded or else you'll be shelling out more money for those if she has to get it (even with student discount)

4. Look for the most memory (512mb is good), biggest hard-drive (30-60gb is good) possible. If you could, get one with a DVD/CD-RW drive combo, eliminates the need for a DVD player and she can burn CDs with it. The newer models usually 2.5GHZ and above. That's good.

5. Look into the battery power. If she's mostly going to use it in class, in the university center, etc... get one with the longest battery life.

6. As far as brands, my personal preferences (from top to bottom):
Toshiba
Micron
Dell
Compaq
Sony

Good luck! Happy hunting!

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

First of all, is the mouse that you're trying to plug in a USB mouse or a PS/2 mouse. (Usb's have a flat silver plug on the end, PS/2's are kinda round.).

Here's what the back of the 5150 appears to look like: (According to the Dell website)

There's something that looks like a grill in the middle. If it's a USB mouse, it plugs in directly to the right of the grill (in either of the 2 USB ports)... if it's PS/2 it appears to plug in on the port directly to the left.

 

[oogieboogie]

Originally posted by Jodi1980
Dell Inspiron 5150.

I have a mouse but there is no where to plug it in.

OK, I'm looking at the Inspiron 5150 picture. This one doesn't have a PS2 port, so you'll need to buy a mouse with a USB plug or buy a PS2 to USB adapter.

 

[oogieboogie]

Originally posted by #1 Disney Fan
if it's PS/2 it appears to plug in on the port directly to the left.

Nope, that's the s-video port.

If you don't have a PS2 to USB adapter plug, just go here http://www.newegg.com/app/searchPro...=Go&description=usb+mouse&Range=1&Order=price
and get a new mouse (They're only $5.50 + shipping). Newegg is very reliable and I've used them many times.

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Originally posted by oogieboogie
Nope, that's the s-video port.

Whoops, my mistake... I looked too quickly. As for the solution then, oogieboogie already summed that up nicely too.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

i have a dell inspiron 5100 that i got for college...i love it!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Looks like you are in good hands here, Jodi, great help.

My laptop is a Dell Latitude, VERY pleased. Your daughter will love it. I also suggest a wireless optical mouse, a bit more, but so easy and useful with a laptop. All my mice are wireless, as is my keyboard.

 

[Pooh's Pal]

Thanks oogieboogie....You answered some questions for me.....if I need any more, I'll PM you!!

Hope Jodi figures out the mouse thing!

 

[Jodi1980]

There's such thing as a wireless mouse!?? What will they come out with next?!!

 

[Pooh's Pal]

Originally posted by Jodi1980
There's such thing as a wireless mouse!?? What will they come out with next?!!

I too was surprised by this....when we set up a PC in DD's room last fall. This is what she purchased. Infact we got it at our local Best Buy pretty cheap too, I think it was a combo..mouse & keyboard.
Heres a link to the brand (Logitech: Wireless ) that we bought for her PC, not sure if they go with lap tops or not...I'm sure they do, we'll have to find out, cause now she tells me that's what she wants for her laptop! Like you....Still a little confused!

 

[oogieboogie]

If you're thinking of getting a wireless mouse, one thing to consider: the mouse needs batteries to be able to receive and send instructions to the PC.

The hookup are usually like this: Mouse - Infrared transmitter - PC.

The infrared transmitter goes into the PC where the mouse would've been plugged into. Nowadays it's the USB port.
Now, as with any battery, it will die down. The portable wireless mice made for laptops are small enough and some come with a battery recharger built into either the mouse or the transmitter.

These are more expensive than the regular mouse with cable so you need to be sure that you really need a wireless mouse or even a mouse itself.

I've had a laptop for many many years now and I've never used an external mouse. I have one just for DH to use when we're travelling. I find that having an external mouse is just cumbersome when you already have a touchpad right on the laptop.