Congrats Betsy. I'm still using the pc. I haven't figured out why I'd need a laptop.
Good Luck with the learning curve.

So, do tell - what did you get? Is it Vista? I want a new computer but I don't want Vista and I know nothing about Apple. Also, my old computer is working fine for me now.

I forgot to tell you about it. Yep, it's Vista Home Premium. It's a HP Pavilion dv920us. Love it! 17" widescreen. Incredible clarity. 160 GB HD, 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM, built in web cam.

I payed a little bit more for the 17" but since it's a replacement for my old pc I knew I wanted the full size keyboard.

~Betsy

My daughter is a computer technician for her school district. A friend in Florida recently asked me whether she should get a PC or a desk top. I asked my daughter and this was her reply:

Laptops cost more to buy, to repair and are more prone to breakage. If you are going to use the mobility features then it is a good idea. Remember though that it is very hard to get someone to repair a laptop whereas your neighborhood teenager can probably fix your desktop. I don't like Vista at all as attested by the computers I have bought and removed it from. It just depends what kind of user you are. If you are a basic user, Vista will probably be just fine. If you have old peripherals that you want to continue to use it might be a problem.

Congrats! I bought a new one in October before vacation. I don't use it much around here, but it's nice when I do. I know so many despise Vista, but I really love it! :-)

I bought one in December and have used it twice. It's sitting in it's carrying bag in the closet!

The price of laptops has fallen in the past year, as has the hardware reliability.
The only "desktops" that I have are now used solely as servers. I've been using a laptop as my primary PC for the past 5 years.

Last Spring, I purchased a new laptop with Vista Home Premium and I don't agree that it is only for beginners. far from it. It's a far, far better OS than XP,or it's predecessors.
Like anything new, it does take a little time to learn...but it's worth it.

I think you'll learn to like using a laptop. With a wireless router, it's so handy to take it anywhere in the house, out on the deck or patio...or even out to Panera or Starbucks for coffee :)

OOps...I meant to say, the hardware has risen in reliability.

I don't know anything about laptops, but I KNOW I'd love something that I could take anywhere!
Have fun with your new toy Betsy!

I got a new HP laptop 1 1/2 years ago, it's a 17 inch desktop replacement, too. Works great as I can bring it down to FL and use it here, and I can edit my pictures on it, too. Then when we go home, I network it with my desktop and move the new pictures over to the desktop. Works great for me!
JoanMN/FL

Congrats Betsy! I have my HP 17" laptop for over 3 yrs. now and still loving it! I've since deserted my desktop. I too got a 17" for the reason of the comfort of using a full keyboard size. I have long fingers and pretty large hands. The screen is easy on the eyes too.

Now that you have set up your wireless, here's something that you can do with a laptop but not with a desktop. When it's nice outside, I bring a cup of coffee, or tea along with my laptop out to the patio table. I play some flamenco music from the DVD while hearing birds chirping at a distance, feeling the wind blow gently over my face, and all the while googling away =o) Is that a wonderful life or what?!

I never ever thought I would like a laptop, but I have had a "work" laptop for about 8 months now, and LOVE THE FREEDOM! Works on battery power, you can take it anywhere, traveling, show family your pictures or files, even download pictures while on holidays.

Good for you on your purchase! YOU will so enjoy it!

There is free internet at all safeway "starbucks" here in Canada, and if we are on the road most Librarys offer free internet or a minimal charge ($1 or $2 for their password)
And most hotels have had free wireless internet which is also nice!

ENJOY!

Rosie

Congrats on your purchase!! It's wonderful the freedom and accessiblity they offer...

Thanks everyone. Yep, I'm loving the freedom already. I can sit out by the pool and visit with my online friends or curl up in the living room and do my banking, shopping, etc. We have two desktops but I think this laptop will quickly become my new best friend.

So far I'm loving Vista. I don't see any issues with it. And like Monica said, reliability has greatly improved and the price was very good.

~Betsy