We are looking into getting our first home computer , most likely a lap top. I know, we are just a few years behind the curve but since we have waited for so long, prices should be coming down. What we have done in the past is either done our computer needs at work or went to the local library.

This is what we have:
1. a desire for home computer
2. a house
3. a cell phone
4. rabbit ears on our 19" TV
5. a boat

This is what we don't have:
1. a computer
2. cable TV, direct TV or any other type of TV service
3. phone with a land line
4. a big boat

What do I need to get basic internet service to my house? We don't want to get land line however it would be nice to get rid of those ugly rabbit ears.

without cable or phone service it's gonna be awefully hard to connect to the internet, if that's what you're looking to do. of course, if one of your neighbors sets up their wireless router without a password, you could potentially tab into that for free, but no telling when they may catch on or change their setup. call your local phone / cable company to discuss options with them as connection types / plans diff by region and in some cases, even by area. you know that in 2009 you won't be able to get those analog channels over the rabbit ears any longer unless you get a digital converter box for the tv. better yet, get rid of the rabbit ears and go cable. you can then use the rabbit ears as swords to act out the fight scenes in your favorite movies. be warned though, there's a domino affect to technology. today it's a laptop that requires cable. tomorrow it will a replacement of the tv to see high definition. then a high def cable box for its dvr capabilities. then an upconverting dvd player to see dvd's in almost blue ray quality. thena fancy all-in-one remote because you're fed up with the 6 remotes you need to change channels, etc. maybe going to the library isn't so bad after all.

I would suggest you rethink the laptop unless you have a specific need for one. The miniaturized components of laptop computers, combined with the inefficient heat dispersion of most laptops results in significantly higher component failure rates and less reliability.

A good tower CPU with an LCD screen will be your most cost effective purchase, configured to be appropriate for the way you expect to use it most.

You should plan to get cable. The bundled cost of internet and television service is a pretty good value, and your TV will function normally after analog broadcasts are discontinued.

I don't know if I can totally agree with the laptop failure rate being higher than desktops. For both types, technology advances means they are usually obsolete after three years anyway.

Both types now typically well exceed the commercial 0DegC to 70DegC operating temperature range.

I threw out my desktops several years ago, and am on my second laptop. The first one, that I have had 5 years ago, I gave to my son, and he is still using it.

Yes, a desktop will be somewhat cheaper, but many laptops are now in the sub $1,000 price range, and provide reliable service.

I don't think I'll ever go back to a desktop again.

Either your local phone company or your local cable outfit can run a phone line or cable to your house and just provide internet connectivity (without dial tone or cable tv). Will they be willing to do so is the question. I have a cable modem with no phone or cable tv at my summer cottage - no problem from the cable company, but they do keep trying to push packages on me.

If you've never had a computer, then you're going to need one that's easy to use. I suggest a Mac.

If you want a PC and you don't need the latest and greatest, I would look at TigerDirect.com and look at an off-lease IBM machine. They are dirt cheap and work good.

Then you need internet. Yeah you either need cable TV or a phone line. The cheapest high speed internet is ATT DSL service - they have one service for $10 per month.

You could get a cell card and have cell service, but it's expensive and not as fast.

I have phone lines already in the house. When we moved a year ago, we decided to go with only a cell phone and not a land line.

The last computer I owned was a 386. I have a nice computer at work that I use every day.

Al --

I can't disagree with your experience, but that has not been my experience.

Sure, the Dell Inspiron 8000 I bought years ago still works, but only after a new motherboard, a new DVD drive, a new hard drive and a new screen.

My business partner bought a high end HP two years ago that also still works, but he has replaced the screen, the hard drive, the RAM memory and the wireless electronics.

Sure, the laptops keep on working, but you have to keep replacing parts. Meanwhile, the desktops/towers lumber along year after year on their original equipment.

If a guy wasn't chincy configuring his computer intially, the "Three Year Obsolescence Cycle" doesn't necessarily apply. Becomes more like 5-7 years, most of that due to software.