I am wanting to get a laptop but I am leary of getting one before I fully understand how to actually get Internet on my laptop.

I am ABSOLUTELY clueless about laptops so if anything I say is wrong or dumb please don't criticize

Ok, so, I've been reading stuff about a router. Is a router necessary if I'm buying a laptop? What exactly does a router do? From what I have read it seems like I plug the router into my computer and this will allow me to access the Internet on my laptop while I'm at home...am I right so far?

Also, I'm in college and every month or so I go visit my mom at her house, but she doesn't have a computer or any kind of internet connection. I was told that because of this there was no way for me to access the Internet on my laptop while I am at her house...but this seems weird to me..I thought the main purpose of laptops was to be able to access the Internet where its not available, maybe I'm wrong though...but it'd be nice if someone could answer whether that's true or not

Those are my main questions for now...thanks for any help!

Ok, so, I've been reading stuff about a router. Is a router necessary if I'm buying a laptop? What exactly does a router do? From what I have read it seems like I plug the router into my computer and this will allow me to access the Internet on my laptop while I'm at home...am I right so far?

A router (aslo called 'hub') is a little box, with which you can connect several computers, so they can interact with eachothers, including sharing an internet connection.

Depending on your curcumstances, you might need a router. If there are several computers present all the time, you'd need a hub. If only YOU need to use the connection, you don't need a hub.

Also, I'm in college and every month or so I go visit my mom at her house, but she doesn't have a computer or any kind of internet connection. I was told that because of this there was no way for me to access the Internet on my laptop while I am at her house...but this seems weird to me..I thought the main purpose of laptops was to be able to access the Internet where its not available, maybe I'm wrong though...but it'd be nice if someone could answer whether that's true or not
Laptops are more intended for being transportable, than for allways staying online. There are, however, ways of being connected to an internet connection all the time -- via satelite, for example -- but that's often very expensive.

First off, you need to determine what you're gonna use the laptop for. If it's for typing papers, basic internet access, etc., get a basic laptop with a built-in wireless connection (if you want to use wireless). Get the matching wireless router; a sales-person at your local Best Buy (or other electronics store) can assist you in finding one to suit your needs. Second, ignore what the above post says about a router being the same as a hub. Routers know what computers are connected and automatically sends the data to the correct computer. Hubs just make a copy and send to each connected computer, then the computer determines whether or not the data is intended for it. On the basis of having internet access away from your router's range, you could possibly purchase a card from Verizon, Sprint, or Cingular that provides access throughout their service area. The only downside to this is that you'll pay close to $50/month for the access fees. Many local colleges, businesses, and coffee shops have what's known as "hotspots" where you can access their network and get online, but sometimes you may be charged for the access. Just PM me if you have any further questions. Good luck