Wireless Internet Lap tops

[Jome20]

I honestly don't know anything about Lap tops. So if I sound like a complete noob in this topic, it's because I am. At least as far as Lap Tops go. I know a decent amount about Desktop computers and I've even built a couple. But I have a lot to learn about Lap Tops. So I'll begin by asking some questions.

First off all, how does the wireless internet work with lap tops? I know how part of it does. I know that if you're at home with your lap top and have a wireless router, that you can go online without having to be plugged in to anything. But then again ... who buys a lap top to use at your home?

With that being said. How do you use your wireless internet access in places that you'd REALLY want to? Like at work on a lunch break? Or at school in between classes? Or is something like that even possible?

If it's not. Then I doubt I'd invest any more time in notebooks. Being able to surf the web while I'm not at home is the only thing I'm really interested in.

I build my own computers. But I wouldn't have a clue how to build my own notebook. Is it just as easy to build a lap top as it is a desktop? Do most people build their own notebooks like they do with their desktops? Or do most people just buy notebooks? ("most people" = here at Sharky / Computer Enthusiasts)

If they buy them.... which would be the best company to go with? Dell? Compaq? HP? Toshiba? (especially regarding the wireless internet notebooks, like Pentium - M / Centrino).

Thanks for the answers and info!

[SkyDog]

Originally posted by Jome20
But then again ... who buys a lap top to use at your home?

You'd be surprised how many people use laptops at home. I'm using one right now.

Originally posted by Jome20
With that being said. How do you use your wireless internet access in places that you'd REALLY want to? Like at work on a lunch break? Or at school in between classes? Or is something like that even possible?

You can use it anywhere there's an open access point. Your work might have available access points, or your school, or pretty much any Starbucks, or airport terminals... The list of places is pretty long and getting longer.

Originally posted by Jome20
I build my own computers. But I wouldn't have a clue how to build my own notebook. Is it just as easy to build a lap top as it is a desktop? Do most people build their own notebooks like they do with their desktops? Or do most people just buy notebooks? ("most people" = here at Sharky / Computer Enthusiasts)

You generally don't build laptops, as the components are generally proprietary -- mostly because of the design hurdles involved in cramming all the components into a box as small and light as possible, while still having sufficient cooling. There are a few barebone kits out there, where you can buy a mostly-built laptop and then add your own hard drive, CPU, and RAM, but it's still not like building your own system from scratch.

Originally posted by Jome20
If they buy them.... which would be the best company to go with? Dell? Compaq? HP? Toshiba? (especially regarding the wireless internet notebooks, like Pentium - M / Centrino).

Most reputable manufacturers have some pretty decent models. Instead of narrowing your choice to a specific company, I'd recommend you start by figuring out what system specs you're looking for and/or how much money you have to spend. Then start looking for models from various companies that might fit the bill. Dell usually has some good systems for the price and Toshiba has some good models, but I've really liked some of the IBM ThinkPad models.

As for "wireless internet notebooks, like Pentium - M / Centrino"... Any notebook nowadays is capable of getting onto the Internet via wireless. "Centrino" is just a marketing name made up by Intel meaning that particular laptop has a Pentium M CPU, Intel chipset, and Intel wireless network adapter. I'd recommend you look for a laptop with the Pentium M CPU (not Pentium 4-M) because it's the best combination of good performance and low power consumption. You don't necessarily need it to be a "Centrino" notebook, though.