okay, really dumb questions about laptops

[MelindaKiah]

We're considering getting a laptop. I don't know much about them. I know I'd LOVE to be able to use it to go online while we're at Universal Studios, but have NO clue how it works. Do we plug in and dial, is there a wireless network around that we can access with a network card....??? sorry for being clueless, but I wanted to ask about this and knew someone would be able to explain to a very un-technically inclined me.

Thanks.

 

[ByTheSea]

depends on where you stay. Some hotels have internet access, more often lately it's wireless and you need a wireless card. Sometimes you just plug in. Not all hotels offer this. You can always check if your ISP has a local dial up number in Orlando and dial in.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Most laptops today come with (or an inexpensive option) wireless built in. Also, you would have a telephone line jack and a highspeed jack in the laptop.

If a hotel has no highspeed available, you would use dialup. If highspeed was available, it might be with a cable, use the jack, or wireless, just turn the laptop on and when you go to your browser, it will find the signal. Might be a minimal setup to do on the laptop, most often explained on a card in the room. Some hotels have highspeed, wireless or cable, free, some charge. It is getting to be pretty commonplace today.

 

[oogieboogie]

If the hotel has high-speed internet, wired or wireless, then you would connect thru the hotel's network. If you go dial-up, you'll need your own internet provider.

If you have broadband now at home, see if your provider has local access numbers that you can use in Orlando. Otherwise, you can sign up for free access thru netzero/juno, or sign up for cheap dial-up access, like peoplepc - ones that don't require you to sign a contract. You could probably get by with just a trial membership that's free.

We always take my laptop when we're travelling. It's nice to be able to dump pics from our digi camera every day and I need it to stay connected to work.

 

[Micca]

I'm clueless about laptops too. Thanks for the info