Buying a new LAPTOP - not sure what options to chose

[Skylynx]

Hi. I'm in the process of buying a Dell Inspiron 4100 notebook for home/study use.

THe problem is i'm not sure whether to go for Win XP-Home or Pro.

My school uses radio LAN cards to connect to the network through the slots on the laptop. - i'm not too sure about compatibility problems with XP-Home

Also, what's an integrated ethernet 10/100. If i choose this option on the laptop, does it mean that i don't have to use the radio LAN cards to connect to my network at school???

Thanks

 

[MrBond]

You definatly want XP Pro. XP Home is neutered badly in the networking department.

Integrated 10/100 ethernet is for wired networks. I'd go with that personally, as long as you plan on sticking to XP. It will save you a pcmcia slot, so you could have a modem and your wireless network card in at the same time (if it's got two pcmcia slots). If you get integrated 10/100, you'll still need a wireless card from your school to connect wirelessly.