What laptop to purchase for older couple?

[bearcreek]

I was recently got asked what would be a good laptop to purchase. I know nothing about laptops, so here I am. They want a reliable, cheap laptop and possibly a way to use wireless dial-up. They wont be doing much on the computer other than light internet surfing and card games, so they dont need a monster pc. Any suggestions?

[glc]

Anything from Dell, Lenovo, or Asus.

Please define "wireless dialup".

[David M]

Although a bit more expensive, I would also consider an Apple laptop, "Macbook", for it's ease of use.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...UBrandTerms-US

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by bearcreek I was recently got asked what would be a good laptop to purchase. I know nothing about laptops, so here I am. They want a reliable, cheap laptop and possibly a way to use wireless dial-up. They wont be doing much on the computer other than light internet surfing and card games, so they dont need a monster pc. Any suggestions?

I order from here fir that exact type of customer.

IBM Products and services - Used laptops — certified by IBM - United States

The T60 is a nice laptop 284.00

[bearcreek]

The only internet that is available to them is dial-up due to their location. I was hoping there was a good devise that would send a wireless signal using dial-up so they wouldn't have to plug the laptop into a phone jack everytime they want to surf the internet. I have read that there is such a device but they were all old articles(2005).

Is there any specific laptop that anyone would suggest? I am not sure if they want a used one, I will have to check on that. Thanks for all of your help.

Thanks for the link, have you ever ordered from there? Are the blemishes on the screen?

[glc]

PROVANTAGE: Zoom 4300-00-68 AF 4300AF Bluetooth Wireless Technology Modem

[bearcreek]

Thanks.

[Nuclear Krusader]

If I'm understanding correctly, you plug the phone line to this modem and then it communicates with the computer via Bluetooth, right? On the web page it says "Host interface: serial".

What if the laptop has no Bluetooth? Is it impossible to surf the Internet on dial-up with it then? BTW, the laptop has no onboard modem.

[glc]

It connects to the laptop via Bluetooth. If the laptop does not have internal Bluetooth, all you need is a USB Bluetooth adapter - less than $20. When you install the Bluetooth adapter, it will emulate a COM port. Example:

Newegg.com - ASUS USB-BT21 USB 2.0 Mini Bluetooth Dongle

[David M]

Is this better than using a wireless modem that talks to a wireless transceiver in the PCMCIA port? Are there no longer wireless modems with telephone jacks?

[glc]

That's exactly what that one I linked is. I never remember seeing any other kind of wireless dialup modem. The only PCMCIA modems I ever saw had a RJ-11 jack, and the only PCMCIA wireless devices I ever saw were 802.11b/g.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Are there no more USB modems anymore?

[glc]

Sure there are, but they aren't wireless.

[Nuclear Krusader]

I guess it should be OK. This is for an Eee that was sold to-day, customer is out in the country where broadband isn't available and she was disappointed that the netbook didn't have a modem.

Is there any USB modem in particular that you recommend or would anyone pretty much do?

TIA

[glc]

These days, anything will work.

Newegg.ca - Rosewill RNX-56USB Conexant Hardware Based 56Kbps USB (Plug & Play) V.92 PCI Date/Fax/TAM modem- Windows7 Ready

[bearcreek]

Your link goes to Newegg home page. Here is the link: Newegg.ca - Rosewill RNX-56USB Conexant Hardware Based 56Kbps USB (Plug & Play) V.92 PCI Date/Fax/TAM modem- Windows7 Ready

[lacyted]

I would suggest Dell also. They are hard to beat.