Looking for a cheap way to surf the internet

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Looking for a cheap way to surf the internet

monstacat

11 posts

Geek

#29719 16-Jan-2009 13:28

Hi,

I would like to be able to surf the internet when I am away from my desktop computer, for example, when I am on my deck outside enjoying a quiet beer and sunny weather and, naturally, I thought of a laptop.

The new ones are far too pricey for me!

Maybe someone has an idea of what I could use (I don't want to use a mobile phone as the screen is too small for my eyesight). The only stipulation is I would need to have wireless internet access capability.

Hope you can help?

OmniouS

423 posts

Ultimate Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#190001 16-Jan-2009 14:05

What sort of price range are you looking at? I'd suggest looking at getting a netbook (mini laptop - see link below) or a cheap second hand laptop off trademe. It's very cheap to add wireless connectivity to a laptop if it doesnt come with it.

Edit: Cant directly link to the netbooks page because then the individual product links don't work.
www.dse.co.nz
Browse to Computers -> Netbooks & Notebooks -> Netbooks

Voyager referral link - Get $50 credit

monstacat

11 posts

Geek

#190147 17-Jan-2009 11:20

Hi,

I'm looking to pay around $300.00 odd but could stretch it to $500.00 for a good buy.

Thanks

chriswiggins

413 posts

Ultimate Geek

#190192 17-Jan-2009 16:19

Try having a look on Trademe for a good second hand laptop. There are normally many laptops that are ex-corporate that still stack up well to todays needs etc.

HP, IBM, Acer and Toshiba are all good brands

Good luck and enjoy your beer when your searching is over!

monstacat

11 posts

Geek

#190726 20-Jan-2009 09:59

Well, I'm still watching TradeMe for a mini laptop however they still seem to be a bit pricey.

It may have to wait beause, bugger me, the handle on the shower just broke off!

It went round and round and round etc, so got plumber in to fix, bill $347.00 later!

Just can't get ahead without something stuffing the plans up, eh!

monstacat

11 posts

Geek

#193376 2-Feb-2009 12:06

I have an opportunity to buy a Psion Netbook Pro for $199.00

http://www.nzlaptops.co.nz/product/1543/

Do any of you know about this product, would it suit my purpose, would it work or is it just crap?

Thank's

Murray

gehenna

8495 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

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#193380 2-Feb-2009 12:18

There's no internal WiFi in that netbook, so you'd have to purchase an additional network adapter - given the form factor that in itself could be pricey.

If I were you I'd shell out the $350-$375ish for an Asus EEE PC 701 on Trade me, or they are often on special DSE. I see they're still up in the $490 mark retail, but I do see them a lot cheaper than that around town occasionally.

monstacat

11 posts

Geek

#193386 2-Feb-2009 12:32

Thank's gehenna,

I'll keep an eye out for one of those Asus

Cheers,

Murray

Equinox IT

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digitaldream

62 posts

Master Geek

#193542 2-Feb-2009 22:47

Keep an eye on www.graysonline.co.nz

They sell ex-lease laptops at that price.

Most do not include a wireless adapter, you can either buy a mini-pci chip, or the easy option: a usb wifi stick (~$50).

monstacat

11 posts

Geek

#193593 3-Feb-2009 07:30

Thank's digitaldream,

I'll keep an eye on graysonline

Cheers,

Murray