No, it requires external power but since that is the back up drive for our desktop and I am not concerned so much about our Netbook which I bought primarily to stream Netflix movies to our TV.

 

maybe I'll be able to do that as well.

Had not thought of that. I might need an IT consult.

 

Well, I was mis-lead a bit as I was told that the Mini Inspiron had an HDMI interface when in reality it did not. The High Definintion Media Interface is important to one if you wish to stream movies to your TV and it only has an HDMI port.

As it turned out, our Samsung TV has a variety of interface ports so I was able to hook the mini (Net book) to our TV using a 3.MM Head phone jack to RCA connectors on the TV, and a SVGA cable from the output SVGA port on the net book to the PC in-put on the TV.

If one has a fast enough wireless router, one can stream Netflix movies seemlessly to the TV. Or of course one could hook the net book directly to HSIA.

 

I really don't know what you just said. Our TV is on the older side. We are a bit behind in technology, but I know where to find assistance when we need it.

 

Don't start with that Venus and Mars stuff.

 

Well 'tis true.

 

I bought something similar.

I bought an iPad and wifi router. So I've joined the wireless age!

Now that I've done that, I still have to find a pc. It appears towers are becoming a thing of the past except for special apps. My three requirements are now at least a I-5 processor, 4GM RAM, and 750GB HD. After that it's ergonomics - finding the laptop keyboard & style that works for me. So far that has not been easy. I found an Asus I liked but it didn't have the newer processor.

After all my research I think manufactuers are like potatoes..... doesn't seem to make a big difference, as long as you get the newest stuff. I think I like the docking station idea, provided it's mfg'r specific.

 

Sounds like progress, Dave.

I'll say PC towers still have their place at least at my house. We'll see what happens when I next need one. I know I've always preferred the feel of a standard keyboard.

I have wireless capability with my modem. I called Verizon tonight and actually got excellent customer service. I've got the key code or whatever is needed and now I'm ready for the wireless note book, or if anyone else comes by with a lap top they can now get on line.

 

To answer the earlier question about the WD: It was powered through the USB port, and when plugged in the light would go on, but the drive would not be recognized. Everything else I plug into the same port works fine. Once in a while I could get it to work plugging it in then unplugging it, repeat repeat, but who wants to rely on something that may not work when it's really needed?

 

Did it come with a double-USB cord (2 USB plugs) ? I have an external that will almost always work fine with only one plug. Every now and then it seems to want more power and requires the use of the double cord, or it behaves just as you described

JonasM