Hi, need a bit of advice as I dont know what I am doing!! Thinking of buying a cheapish laptop £399ish dixons job.... maybe a toshiba or Fujitsi (was not after advice on them but feel free).

I want to know 2 things, this laptop would really be for my kids to muck about on with their petz games etc, fed up with them clogging up my Dell etc.

I might also use it now and again.... now the questions...

1) If I want to transfer documents from laptop to desktop is there an easier way than copying to disc etc.... is there a lead?
2) I dont really want the laptop for internet.... however a back up would be great if the Dell desktop were to go down. I dont mind keeping the laptop as dial up as it would only be a back up, however if I am subscribed to AOL on the desktop.... do I need to subscribe again with the laptop. Or can I just load AOL onto the laptop and fire it up.... whilst it is also installed on the desktop?

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated, and if there is anything else to look out for on these laptops??

Many thanks

have you got broadband?

it may be easier using a router connected to the modem then transfering files wil be easier, you'll both be able to use the net at the same time.

if using ethernet I don't think you'll need AOL software (I'm not sure as I don't use them)

what modem have you got?
will the laptop be wireless?

Hi thanks for the advice.... I do have broadband on this PC, it is through AOL, the laptops I am looking at just say 5 something dial up modem or something. I really dont want to go wireless, and the laptop will only occasionally be used for internet.... hence me being willing to run it through a phone line as and when wanted.

Sorry what is ethernet

I could use one of them usb things to transfer files?

Thanks

most laptops will have a LAN socket that you just plug an Ethernet cable into.
If you want to use it on the internet you need to make sure it's all up to date with antivirus and windows updates

how is broadband connected to the PC?

if you want to use dial up you'll need another account

Hi, oh so its a LAN socket I need to look for.... then get an Ethernet cable to transfer files is that correct?

Or one of them little fob things you put in the usb would be just as good??

I will look into getting a second account then.

Thanks

if you get a router you'll not need a second account.

what modem are you using at the moment, has it got an Ethernet socket or does it connect to your PC with USB?

Think my modem is a BT VOYAGER 100 and yes it conects to my PC via USB

Thanks

it may be easier getting a modem/router like this one here
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-DG83...&s=electronics

you can then connect the laptop whenever you want to and still only need 1 broadband account

Looks complicated.... what about my existing modem??

Is AOL ok with people swapping modems... is it down to them?

Thanks

your existing modem you'll not need the router/modem connects to the phone line the same.

I can't see why you can't swap modems you'll still be using AOL as your ISP.

I've had no dealings with AOL, I think you'd need to talk to someone who's using AOL

You could ask in A Question to the community http://www.d-a-l.com/help/forumdisplay.php?f=38 I'm sure a few members maybe use AOL so could put you straight on that one