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Miscellaneous Debris => Tech Corner => Topic started by: SlowModem on December 06, 2011, 11:07:21 PM

Title: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: SlowModem on December 06, 2011, 11:07:21 PM: I have decided that it would be a good Christmas present to get my parents a laptop. They have an old desktop that doesn't work very well. And they really don't do too much on a computer anyway. Just check email and maybe look up a recipe or lyrics to a song.

I know there are great minds with vast amounts of experience and knowledge that reside here on this forum. So my question is this: Does anybody make a laptop anymore that comes with a modem? I can't seem to find one. I went to the Dell and HP sites, and their "Customize Your Laptop" option doesn't mention a modem any more. :(

Am I SOL?

Thanks!
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: Bushman on December 06, 2011, 11:23:17 PM: TOshiba still makes the Satellite series with internal modems. I have a LS450 and it is an excellent machine.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: xykotik on December 06, 2011, 11:39:14 PM: Is a USB-modem (https://www.google.com/search?q=usb+modem&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1#q=usb+modem&hl=en&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&tbs=cat:343,pdtr0:727909%7C727962,pdtr1:727903%7C733877&tbm=shop&ei=6OzeTt7TCrTWiALOg6TBCA&ved=0CIECEMEJKAE&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=7443b012bfaf5fea&biw=1248&bih=836) out of the question? If not, that would open your choices up to infinity.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/public/5bgRsvPCX_MUxlhAU70G3drH6Tee-HXDTSLPFjXq5a_LilautqLAL5VKq_XMb2PwHb6Yb6ibRz6jcufm76A6k28bZRjLLroril200vgCyjw2ToCgAeRvUsSmovE=s150-c)
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: Bushman on December 06, 2011, 11:43:54 PM: I've had a ton of issues with USB modems. Caveat emptor. You really need to find one based on a chipset (like Conexant) that your BIOS supports. Internal modem is way better.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: WeatherHost on December 07, 2011, 03:14:55 AM: Are you willing to go "Off Lease" or Refurb?

This one has XP and a docking station also:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=200597&CatId=4947

Or a Dell with XP:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6089230&CatId=4947

Here's a new HP with Win 7:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6664012&CatId=4938

I'm sure they probably have a few more. Newegg might have some too.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: SlowModem on December 07, 2011, 04:01:14 AM: Quote from: WeatherHost on December 07, 2011, 03:14:55 AM
Are you willing to go "Off Lease" or Refurb?

I like the Dell XP. Is Tigerdirect a trusted retailer? I've never dealt with them.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: DanS on December 07, 2011, 04:39:31 AM: Another option is http://www.google.com/products?q=Dell+notebook+with+internal+modem&hl=en paired with a Dell you get without a modem.?.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: WeatherHost on December 07, 2011, 07:26:34 AM: Quote from: Slow Modem on December 07, 2011, 04:01:14 AM
Is Tigerdirect a trusted retailer?

They are for me. I've used them several times for small and big ticket items. The PC I'm typing on now came from them.

And, Yes, I've bought refurb/off lease computers from them also. There may have been a cosmetic blemish somewhere, but no functional problems. They're wiped to just the OS for the most part with little, if any, bloatware.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: mackbig on December 07, 2011, 07:40:50 AM: 2nd reco for tigerdirect. Have multiple purchases online and in store (lucky enough that the Canadian HQ is 10 minutes from my house).

Was a little leary at first, because with Tiger in the name, I was thinking China. And since Markham has a strong Chinese demographic... Turns out they are actually a holding/brand of CompUSA

Andrew
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: Bushman on December 07, 2011, 09:13:44 AM: I've used Tigerdirect.ca a lot as well. Decent. I would goo for a NIB box myself since there is really not that much price diff at the lower end IME.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: SlowModem on December 12, 2011, 07:04:40 PM: I ordered the D620 the other day. It came today. Since I have to work so much, my wife is going to get it set up and do the updates and stuff so it'll be ready for Christmas. It even came with an XP disc, which is unusual these days. I'll keep you posted as to how it works. :)

Thanks for all the suggestions/help folks! Y'all really are a good bunch! =D>
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: George Richardson on December 12, 2011, 08:33:44 PM: Always happy to spend your money! :twisted:
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: Bushman on December 12, 2011, 09:44:13 PM: Quote from: George Richardson on December 12, 2011, 08:33:44 PM
Always happy to spend your money! :twisted:
That is exactly what my wife says.
Title: Re: searching for a laptop that will work in my area
Post by: timleo on December 20, 2011, 12:02:08 PM: Quote from: Slow Modem on December 07, 2011, 04:01:14 AM

Is Tigerdirect a trusted retailer? I've never dealt with them.

I've had some trouble with a house brand computer from TigerDirect, but if you stick with the big name products you will do well.