do netbooks have modem connection?

[aakerman]

My parents need a new pc - for emails etc. I've suggested a netbook (with ext. monitor).

A critical point though, is that it needs to have a 56.6 k modem - because in their summer residence, that's the only connection there is.

Do all new netbooks have a 56k modem built in? How do I check that they do? (RJ11 port?)

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: aakerman I've suggested a netbook (with ext. monitor).

why?

if its just going to be stationary then you might as well just get something like this Text which is basically a desktop version

 

[aakerman]

It's going to be used on vacation as well - so it needs to be standalone.

 

[Rottie]

I doubt any new netbook has 56K modem built in...maybe external one like USB modem?

 

[Lemon law]

Originally posted by: Rottie
I doubt any new netbook has 56K modem built in...maybe external one like USB modem?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wrong, my HP 2915 NR certainly does, and if nothing else, most offer the option with add in cards.

A far too large segment of the population do not have broadband options, for that we can mainly blame telco greed. And until 100% of the US population has broadband options, notebook makers will offer those 56 K options or risk losing sales.

Maybe a few el cheapie notebooks will cut corners by not offering a built in 56 K modem, but the cost savings are very small.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Lemon law

Originally posted by: Rottie
I doubt any new netbook has 56K modem built in...maybe external one like USB modem?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wrong, my HP 2915 NR certainly does, and if nothing else, most offer the option with add in cards.

A far too large segment of the population do not have broadband options, for that we can mainly blame telco greed. And until 100% of the US population has broadband options, notebook makers will offer those 56 K options or risk losing sales.

Maybe a few el cheapie notebooks will cut corners by not offering a built in 56 K modem, but the cost savings are very small.

You mean your NOTEBOOK has one. The OP was asking about NETBOOKS.

 

[corkyg]

AFAIK, there asre no netbooks with built in land line modems. Several have built in 3G wireless modems as well as Wi-Fi.

For a telephone line modem, you will probably have to go USB - not very good.

Where will your parents travel that has no wireless access? Just about all motels have free Wi-Fi these days. Where is the summer residence?

Consider a low end notebook. By the time you factor in an external USB modem, the total cost will be about the same.

 

[aakerman]

It's in a small coastal town in southern france - no high speed connections
I can find an external USB modem for around 50 USD so that could be a possibility, if they work.

 

[Parasitic]

Well, do you know if Sprint has coverage at your parents' summer home? Virgin Mobile, Sprint's prepaid MVNO, has an USB EVDO modem for $149 and 1GB of data is $60. It may be expensive but it'll be faster than 56k and you won't be tied down to the landline (that is, if your parents don't currently have dial-up subscriptions).

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband

Although it's entirely possible that you can find an Acer Aspire One with a 56k modem, according to this page:
http://www.i4u.com/article24977.html

However I'm looking around on Newegg and I don't see one with a modem jack

 

[Parasitic]

Ok, apparently a Suzuki model netbook has a 56k modem: http://gadgetmix.com/index/tag/56k-modem/

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: aakerman
I can find an external USB modem for around 50 USD so that could be a possibility, if they work.

USB modems do work, but $50 is a lot of money for such an outdated device. Check places like Geeks or Ebay for something cheaper, or post a "WTB" thread in For Sale/Trade. Heck, I might even have a spare one in the garage.

 

[hans007]

you could proably get a usb modem for less than $50. i bet they are under $15 on ebay. there is one on newegg for $24 ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/..._-25-134-003-_-Product

 

[corkyg]

Looks to me like FRance is pretty well covered by GSM broadband.

GSM

Are you sure there is not a nearby inn or pub that might have Wi-Fi? I traveled around Germany and Luxembourg last July - seems like every little village has an Internet Cafe with Wi-Fi.