[LIST][*]How do you connect to the internet? If you are within wifi range, right-click on the little computer on the right side of the tray (the bottom toolbar) Click on view available wireless networks, then choose one that is available- free public wifi, etc. Note- have REALLY good security on your computer. Most airports, Starbucks, worldwide have it available.)[*]If you have a DLS modem connection at home, can you hook it up to that? YES[*]I know about wi-fi connections, though I've never used them. I understand that you can use these things right out of the box if you are in a place with wifi, right? YES[*]I've seen these little carrells in airports that seem to have jacks -- is this for connecting your netbook to the internet? Does a cable to do it come with the netbook? Does it cost anything? THE NETBOOK PROBABLY DOESN'T COME WITH A CABLE, BUT THEY ARE CHEAP. PRICE TO HOOK UP- DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU ARE.[*]Likewise hotel business centers -- can you connect to these jacks there? YES- USE THEIR AVAILABLE CABLE. USUALLY A PRICE TO USE THIS.[*]How do you usually connect in hotels -- is there wi-fi? Are there wi-fi or jack internet connections in hotel rooms? Are they expensive? DEPENDS ON THE HOTEL. SOME WILL CHARGE, SOME ADVERTISE FREE. ASK.[*]I understand that increasingly there are ways to connect a netbook via the cell phone network but that it can be horribly expensive. Any comment on this? CHECK YOUR SERVICE. YOU MAY NEED TO BUY A BLUETOOTH- THESE ARE NOT EXPENSIVE. WHAT MAY BE EXPENSIVE IS THE MOBILE SERVICE- SO CHECK.[*]If you want to print something from your computer while traveling, what are your options for doing so? IF YOU ARE NOT CARRYING A PRINTER, YOU WILL NEED TO GO WHERE ONE IS AVAILABE. EASIEST IS TO DUMP TO A FLASHDRIVE.[*]It looks like the most highly regarded netbooks are the Acer and Asus. Can someone give a very brief summary of the advantages/disadvantages of getting one or the other? I LOVE MY ACER, MY FRIEND HER HP. GO WITH THE LETTUCE METHOD. HONESTLY- MY DECIDING FACTOR WAS ACER HAD PINK.
START LOOKING ON THE INTERNET- CHECK THE REVIEWS BY BOTH PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLIC.I know that's a lot to ask, but there are probably a lot of people like me who are just getting into this and could use explanations. If there's a book or web site that explains all this, and I mean for the complete ignoramus, it would be very useful for people like me to know about it. I've searched, but everything I can find seems to assume at least a basic knowledge already, which I don't have.

(Maybe I should add that personally I'd be most interested in using a netbook for international travel outside the US.) I JUST TOOK MINE TO 3 COUNTRIES AND LOVE IT EVEN MORE.