LAPTOP-do I need one or keep my desktop pc?

[jsmebnme]

I will be taking my first assignment in a few months.

Do I need to invest in a laptop? I don't plan to get phone service at the apartments(s) but was thinking that they would be equipped with DSL or cable hookup. (I currently don't have that offered to me at home out here in the country). But do they make you sign a contract to get hooked up? If so, is it easier to just get a laptop?

But if I get a laptop, what about my fax machine? I do have one but of course it won't work without a phone connection. So how do you all do the fax part of things? Do you find you need to fax things frequently to prospective employers/travel companies?

Thank you for any pearls of wisdom you can offer.

[housemomma]

We bought a laptop just because it is easier to move when we pack to travel. We got a wireless keyboard and mouse as well as a monitor. We also don't have phone line so we use cell for calls and cable for both TV and internet. Been my experience so far is that you don't have a set contract with cable company so you can quit anytime, They also general carry a promotion. 3 months at a reduced rate. Which is exactly how long we stay at each assignment so far. As far as fax. Each apartment that we have been has had a club house with free fax . Currently even had free internet access in club house. If getting a lap top. be sure you get wireless card . I won't say i did this but in case you don't get cable immediately you might be able to connect with someones open unsecured server......ok i did it for a week! lol

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

we bought a laptop just because it is easier to move when we pack to travel. we got a wireless keyboard and mouse as well as a monitor. we also don't have phone line so we use cell for calls and cable for both tv and internet. been my experience so far is that you don't have a set contract with cable company so you can quit anytime, they also general carry a promotion. 3 months at a reduced rate. which is exactly how long we stay at each assignment so far. as far as fax. each apartment that we have been has had a club house with free fax . currently even had free internet access in club house. if getting a lap top. be sure you get wireless card . i won't say i did this but in case you don't get cable immediately you might be able to connect with someones open unsecured server......ok i did it for a week! lol

the laptop with wireless connection is just so much easier to deal with! apartments can be small, and a desktop takes up a lot ore room in your car, too. as far as faxing, we used the fax in the nursing office or kinko's.