Not crazy at all, wired connections will work on the laptop, a USB Printer will also work .

Wow,thanks zep! I thought for sure it would be something complicated or not possible and all you Pros would snicker at me. Really appreciate your fast reply.

Most laptops have 2 Network adapters, 1 for wireless, and one for
Ethernet, once you plug the blue Ethernet cable (Most of the time it's blue) into the laptop in
should start using the wired connection. The Laptop should have a USB port for a USB connected printer.

Yep,I have the blue cable. Sounds like now I just need to find me a laptop with windows 10. Again thanks zep.

Can't imagine why anyone would think a laptop is preferable to a desktop for any function that does not require mobility. Apples work great for home use. Windows 7 is excellent. Win 8 is a joke, 8.1 a bit less of a joke. Window 10, wait a year and might be worth looking at. Microsoft will screw over the consumer every time. Turn around and you will be sucked in to their SAAS nonsense.

FYI, I'm Business Computer Consultant, install a dozen new business computers a month.

I like my desktop, it's hard for me to type on a laptop.

I'm going to disagree with zep. More and more laptops DON'T come with ethernet ports - when there's space for just one large port, it's more often HDML these days. A wired connection can be added via a USB-ethernet dongle.

katy, you don't want wireless but want to clean up clutter? These two contradict. If you have a wifi broadcasting router, you've already crossed over to the dark side vis-a-vis security whether you use it or not.

If "clean up clutter" is the goal, either a laptop or an all-in-one might help you. Good luck.

(PS - using a laptop from an ergonomic standpoint is like anything else for most people, it's the change that's hard, not what you're changing to. If you're used to a desktop with a full keyboard, switching to a laptop will at first seem hard (smaller footprint) but most people adjust to it. Moving in the other direction is similarly awkward at first too)

I've never used a laptop but have wondered if the keyboard would be hard to get use to. I have used a desktop since 1998 and I'm sure it would take some getting use to the laptop.

Maybe an all in one desktop is what I need. :)

LOL Snidely I think you were posting while I was writing reply to Emma. Sounds like both our minds were on the all in one desktop idea. Really appreciate all the replies from everyone.Maybe the clutter isn't as bad as I thought? ;)

If you're really anti-cluttering, look for a all-in-one with both wireless keyboard and mouse. Otherwise, you still have the connecting wires on your desk

Why do you want to avoid having a wireless network connection? Is your home in a building or an area where there are too many wireless signals and thus others have connection problems?

Snidely,how do the keyboard and mouse work if they are wireless and I don't have wireless? Another crazy question that probably has an easy answer. :)

I don't have anything that I need wireless for and I don't like the idea of others trying to hack into me. I'm just a senior citizen and don't want computer problems that I can't figure out like routers/security etc. I probably would mess it up anyway. Dh doesn't use a computer so it's only me and I like having a computer in one spot. I wouldn't leave the house with a laptop either so wireless isn't really needed.

Just live in a single family home and with my cable connection it's really fast.

If I was a younger person I might have gadgets that I would want wireless but even the idea of getting Windows 10 is freaking me out. One step at a time I guess.

Thanks for the suggestions because the wireless keyboard/mouse would really be nice.

I am not Snidely but I can answer the question. The keyboard and mouse are wireless but in a difference sense. if you buy a wireless mouse the receiver will be small maybe 1/2 inch that plugs into a usb port, no wires. A desktop computer needs a receiver for the keyboard but the laptop doesn't.

emma is right. "Wireless" is a general term, not a specific term.

The systems a cordless keyboard and mouse use have nothing to do with a wireless network connection. "Cordless" devices usually use the Bluetooth radio frequency system or something similar. If it comes with your new PC, there's nothing to do but add batteries. No setup, it will just work. Or, you can buy these separately for not too much money and the connection is very easy.

Remember these are separate from and unrelated to the network connection. That can be wireless ("Wifi") or with a cord as you're doing now ("Ethernet"). And the cord doesn't need to be blue, they come in all colors of the rainbow. What matters is the number of wires inside and the connections on each end.

You can use Wifi safely with a PC or tablet if that turns out to be more convenient in your home. There's no need to be overly cautious. It's perfectly safe when set up with password. Have a younger family member or neighbor or friend do it for you if that's easiest.

Good luck. There are many helpful people here, come back with any questions.

Well Emma and Snidely,it's nice of you both to take the time to explain what obviously most people probably already knew(I feel like it's 1998 all over again and looking at my first desktop and going HUH???? You explain things very well Snidely and sounds like Emma is an old pro too. Good because I WILL come back and holler at you guys for help once I can find a Windows 10 all in one that's got what I think I need and want.. LOL Thanks again and now you can rest for the rest of the night. :)

Thank you Katy. When I bought my first laptop I had a desktop. I went wifi so I could use my laptop at home without a cable. I bought a medium price router, got home hooked it up following the instructions, it was easy I did have to call the company because it warned me it was not secure. They were nice and it was a quick fix. I am very glad I have wifi, because I now have 2 Ipads that can use it.

I have a question. If you have a laptop but hate the laptop keyboard and small screen, can you buy a separate monitor, buy a wireless keyboard and use the laptop like a desktop....does that make sense? I have a Win 8 laptop bought a year ago and have to replace a XP desktop. I just want another desktop. Can I use the laptop as a desktop?

Jane

Yes. If your laptop has enough free USB slots, you could also buy a USB keyboard and mouse instead of wireless. No difference in function, just two different ways to make a connection.

Snidely, I'm not a conspiracy nut, but it's a fact that Google Earth, while traveling roads taking pics, was also "pinning" wifi sites along the roads that could be detected. They weren't breaking into those wifis, but their locations are being documented....

Katy, I checked out an all in one a few days ago. When my desk top stops working, I may try that.. I love trying new things, but don't like the keyboard on a laptop for everyday usage, especially my Acer laptop.

Emma,my new thing to try since this post is my new wireless keyboard/mouse. Can I say I LOVE IT!!!!! It's the little things in life like this that I wish I done years ago.

Yes,I've decided I will get an all in one too since it doesn't seem like a desk hog. I heard that Windows 10 has had to have some updates for problems that people have reported so I hope to wait until more kinks are worked out. Hopefully,this 10 yr. old Vista can hang in there for awhile more. :)

Katy, I am lucky to have a spare bedroom so I can spread out. This how I declutter my desk. The silk plant is to hide the cords.

Very nice emma! Both of my spare bedrooms have beds etc in them but on the bigger one I have my computer desk. There's also a 22" tv on it plus monitor,printer and STUFF. You have the ideal setup for sure. Lucky girl. :)

Thank you Katy, I have souvenir pictures all over the walls and caps from the places I have been. AND lots of books in bookcases.

Katy,

Sure hope you enjoy that new Wireless Keyboard/Mouse. What Brand did you buy? I've always liked the Logitech Line the best. I started with the original Logitech 3 Button Wireless Mouse (still have it). My first Wireless Keyboard (not sure of the brand name) was Infrared and it was horrible, had to have it pointing towards the receiver at all times. I have the MX5500 Combo hooked up to my Desktop Computer right now, best Logitech has ever made (it's Bluetooth and has a great range)(very pricey, think it cost me around $170)! Once you've tried Wireless Keyboard/Mouse Combos you'll never go back!

BTW, Windows 10 Updates are nothing to worry about. They've been coming for many, many years and will continue to come. I've had a couple minor problems, but really nothing to get excited about. I have Windows 10 on 5 Laptops, 1 Desktop and 1 Tablet, all running great! It's good that Microsoft is staying on top of any problems! When there are just so many different varieties of computers out there with so many different components, you really just have to wonder how they don't have more problems then they do? You've really got to give them credit!

Since you're going to Buy a New All-In-One Desktop, I'd just go ahead and get it with Windows 10 Preinstalled! I'm sure there won't be any problems with a New Computer w/Windows 10. Most of the problems are with Older Computers that are being Upgraded to Windows 10 and the older software that's already installed.

Mine is a Logitech too and I got the keyboard combo all for only $38.95! Loved that it was Plug-n-Play. So simple.

I had a Bar at the top of my screen showing my Logitech Keyboard/Mouse Combo for $629. It was for Amazon so I clicked on it, couldn't believe someone was trying to sell it for $629. When I went there sure enough, one selling it for $629 and another trying to get (Wait for it, wait for it) $799! The Used and Refurbished were going for $177-$180 (maybe more).

I'm glad you got a Logitech, sure you won't be disappointed! In a year or two try going with a more High End Combo. They usually have the more comfortable Mice and better features on the Keyboard and Mouse.

My favorite Wireless Mouse I've had so far is the Logitech Anywhere Mouse. It has the Smooth Scrolling and also Can Be Used On Almost Any Surface (Glass, Mirrors, Blue Jeans, Arm of a Chair, etc...)! With Smooth Scrolling you can spin the Scroll Wheel and go from the top of a page to the bottom in seconds, not three lines at a time. You can set it to Scroll 1-3 Lines at a time, but once you're use to the smooth Scrolling you'll never want to go back!

Katy, glad you got the wireless keyboard. We have been using wireless keyboards since our first computer.

Emma, love your setup. How do you hide all the cables? My little guestroom has so many plugs and cables.

Back to the laptop/monitor question. Maybe Snidely can pipe back in. Do you sit the separate monitor on top of the laptop? Since they have to be wired together, I assume they need to be close. Can the laptop be closed yet run the monitor and keyboard?

Jane

Jane, if you look closely you can see two cords coming from the monitor. They are hidden when you enter the door. There is a stool on the floor on the right hand side of the computer with a surge protector on it. I plug my cords in there. I put some silk flowers in front of that. There is another table behind the one the PC is on with the speakers, modem and router. There is a lower shelf that holds another surge protector for the other cords.

I spent a lot of time on the computer, but not so much anymore. Resting my forearms on the desk cause irritation, so I fold a memory foam floor mat to rest my arms on. When I need to type I just move it to the side and put my keyboard there. I type simple things without moving things, but to type letters it's easy with the keyboard closer.

Katy, I buy Logitech when I can.

Logitech little usb plug - think has a range of around 25 feet.. the one usb plug does both keyboard and mouse. Matter of fact maybe several mice and keyboard at same time can simply be wirelessly paired to that one usb adapter. My logitech and the microsoft wireless mice both run on a 2.4mhz wireless radio, but its different non interfering to Wi-Fi connections.

I had a Microsoft wireless laptop mouse.. two battery thing,, always was swapping batteries. Little Logitech one battery laptop mouse now lasts 3 months running full time - advertised to last up to 18 months if you switch it off when not using it.

Pay attention to expected battery life when shopping wireless mice & keyboards. Batteries are a nuisance to me because they need replaced or recharged at the wrong moments - but less of a nuisance than an everyday one a cord causes.

All in one computers can become expensive to repair - but I guess so can laptops.

Long Long time ago I used a little gadget to record power usage on everything I could find to plug into it... to make use of my $15 investment in that toy. Laptop 24 hr days for a month non sleeping... $2.50 month in power. Desktop same 24 hr days for a month non sleeping, and almost non used.. just a light duty home server keeping track of network cams was $10.50 month on my power bill. Refrigerator was only $6.50 I was surprised at the desktop using more power than the refrig.

There are always the Rechargeable Mice, I have a couple of those. One of them is part of my Combo, the MX5500. It will usually last around 3 days without putting it on the charger! My Mouse I use for the Laptop is the Logitech Anywhere MX Mouse. This mouse uses 2 AA Batteries. There is always a good sized Pop-Up that tells you your Batteries are Critically Low! Replace the batteries then and there is no problem. If you wait like I do you still get another 2-3 days of use out of those batteries (more depending upon your usage). BTW, No I don't have the Logitech Set-Point Software installed!

I can't remember the last time I had to change batteries in my Logitech mouse.

I'm on the computer a lot (mainly my Laptops. I think I change mine about once every 3 months. My Desktop Computer has Rechargeable Batteries so that's no problem).

My wife has a Much Cheaper Logitech Mouse for her Laptop (her choice). She had a VX Revolution (Smooth Scrolling), she decided she wanted a Pink Mouse. Logitech doesn't make a really High Quality Mouse in Colors other than Gray/Black (not saying my wife's mouse isn't a good mouse). She changes here battery once every 6-8 months.