Netbook vs Laptop and connectivity issues

[ksdoglady]

I am really out of my element on this subject, but am interested in getting either a netbook or small laptop for traveling...also considered a Blackberry.  My cell phone is Alltel.   Some places I travel (like NE Kansas) have no Alltell service....can't even get a signal on Roaming!   My parents (in their 90's) have no wifi or cable service.  I am spending more and more time with them.   I don't want to do dial up...I am way too old to wait for that!   Does anyone out here use SWBell or AT&T or other cell phone providers?  I am pretty happy with Alltell except for that issue....and then, since I only want the new appliance for internet and email, and don't want to spend a lot of money for it, what does this group like? 

[Karl Peschel]

If there is no wifi or cable service (i.e. no high speed internet connection) then your laptop or netbook is simply an expensive paperweight, based on you wanting internet and email access. Unless you find a cellphone provider that covers that area and has service available thru an Aircard (a device that plugs into your laptop and connects to the Internet via your cellphone data service)

You can surf the web and send /receive email thru a number of smartphones. Perhaps this is your best bet. I can't speak to what kind of coverage you may get where your parents are. You'll need to to some research with the various providers. Much smaller screen to deal with but it may suffice.

Without decent high speed service you're kind of stuck.

-=[ Karl ]=-

[ksdoglady]

Rural Atchison County, Kansas - no city.  Near Effingham (small town) or Atchison (little bit bigger town).

[ksdoglady]

Thanks, Gene....just as I thought....NE Kansas is still eons behind Western Ks....even with its proximity to  major metropolitan areas like Kansas City (60 miles) Lawrence (50 miles) and Topeka (45 miles)....one of the many reasons I could never live back there again...that and the weather!