motoXmom Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 I don't know much about computers so please take it easy on me for asking. I was thinking about taking our older DS laptop with me on Black Friday to maybe do some shopping online or checking GD while sitting in my car before anyone else shows up. Now how do I do this? Do I need something to be able to use it in my Explorer? I've never done this so I have no idea. I've seen people with laptops in their cars before in parking lots- doing what I don't know but I know I've see it. Can anyone help me -in laymens terms! He has a Dell if that makes a difference!? lol Thanks! Oh and one more question is it ok to leave it in a truck like that if it's really cold outside? Will anything happen to it? I don't want to mess it up.
Guest Frieked Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 You will need a way to connect to the internet, either a Wifi hotspot or a wireless card from verizon or something. Other than that your only concern is running out of battery power unless you have a car adapter.
able Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 i use to...and used it as a gps system too. i would bring it in at night when it was cold though...so i dont know if the cold would hurt it or not...i think heat could.
Marcster Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 Personally, I don't know how comfortable I'd feel leaving a laptop in a vehicle once it's time to go in and shop. If any theives saw you using the laptop in your car, then saw you go in a store on BF, they'd know you'd be gone for a while and your car would be prime pickins for a free laptop. Bust a window, snatch and grab and it's all over folks...<--- Personal experience: I had a window busted out in a parking lot in Philly when someone decided to steal an old boombox I used to use because the car had no tape deck. I had taken the boombox from the passenger seat, put it on the floor and covered it with an old blanket. Someone must've been watching my car! http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Angry/vent.gif
ozziebandit Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 It is possible. Either (as someone else said) be in a wi-fi hotspot, or use your cell phone as your dial-up. We use Alltell and Motorola phones, I've a cable that hooks my iBook to the phone, and software. It's very easy for me...but then I never take my computer shopping! I'd be concerned about someone seeing that telltale blue glow and then taking the computer when you went into the store.
luv2shopnc Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 Naw, I probably would not go that route for security reasons.
lindabacker Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 I wouldnt leave anything of any value in a car on black friday morning, maybe u could get a backpack for it and take it in with u when u go?
Cecilliadb Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 No way, our lap top is way to expensive to leave in a car. And you wouldnt have much guarantee of finding a wifi hotspot I dont think.
ChristmasShopping Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 There is NO WAY I would take it. A guy that was behind us in line last year had a portable DVD player and movies with him all night. Then he threw it in his car on his "potty break". We ran into him in the parking lot and he was with the police filling a report. His window had been smashed and someone had taken his DVD player and his movies. They think someone saw him throw it in his car and waited for him to go into the store to grab it.
Rebirth Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 Leave all of that stuff at home! Socializing with others > risk of stolen property
Novac Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 As for laptops w/o internet service:You can still bring your laptop without internet service. You can use it to play games, do work, or whatever else to help pass the time. As for laptop theft:My former vehicle (a Saturn sedan) had the ability to secure the trunk so that items there could only be accessed by using the key in the trunk. If you have this setup, then you could go with that. As for laptops in the cold weather:Keep in mind, however, that it is inadvisable to let the computer sit in the cold for an extended period of time and then boot it up. You should wait 90 minutes after bringing it back into the heat before starting it up again. (The reason is that the cold switching to heat can create condensation on your computer hardware, and water and electronics don't mix. Giving the 90 minutes allows that moisture to dissipate.)
motoXmom Posted October 23, 2006 Author Posted October 23, 2006 OK well it's stayin' home! lol I was thinking about using it before anyone gets there, like last year it was a couple of hours before anyone else showed up. But you all are right it's not worth the chance, you just never know who's watching you ( and now I'm offically creeped out! lol). Duh what was I thinking?! Thanks guys!
love2beurwifey Posted October 24, 2006 Posted October 24, 2006 I wanted to take mine as well but I need to work on internet access and the battery going dead
stationchief Posted October 24, 2006 Posted October 24, 2006 You can get car adaptors for your laptops that plug into the cigarette lighter for power. Far as internet access, probably have to have cellphone service with a compatable phone PC card or the proper phone cables. To keep it safe you can put it in the trunk or somewhere else nice and safe. Maybe even take it in with 'ya and have a manager put it behind the customer service desk or something. Never EEEEEEEEEEE-ver leave it in your car, even if you think it's covered up. I plan on takin' mine with me to the waiting line at the WM where the wife works. We've already talked to the boss. They're gonna set up a tv or two around the line so we can hook up the old laptop (the one from last year's BF we're sellin' to my aunt) and all of us in line can watch DVDs while waiting for our new BF laptop. All six Star Wars movies should just about cover the wait. (That's 12 hours )
RossMAN Posted October 24, 2006 Posted October 24, 2006 If it isn't raining I might bring my laptop and cell phone with me along with my backpack. Fortunately I own a Dell Inspiron 700m which is 12" and relatively light at around 5 pounds. 5 hours battery life :)
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