Modem

1) modem- If you have access to wifi, then great. If you don't and need a connection, the modem will have to do at least until you're near wifi again. Plus, the modem is more secure w/o any fancy setting, IMHO.

2) memory readers- Memory cards come in various formats, having 5,7, 9, 10, 15, 20 in 1, just makes it more flexible to what you may need to access via a memory card.

FYI- I just brought a desktop 20-in-1 memory card reader for $8, of course an int. laptop model will cost more. However, an ext. memory reader using the USB port will be cheaper and that can be as flexible as you want.

tada -----Willy

Depends on the kind of modem of which you speak. For a wireless home network you generally tie off of the server (ISP) output to either a cable or dsl modem, then to a wireless router which emits a wireless signal so that you can cart your laptop around the house wirelessly. This for a broadband hook up as opposed to a PHONE MODEM which is an entirely different type of modem. there are also Air cards that you can get, you pay a monthly server fee and you have a wireless hook up with portability ALMOST anywhere.

Always get a modem in your notebook... and try to make sure it's a FAX modem (by that I don't mean a modem which can only do fax; rather, I mean a regular modem which is also cable of doing fax).

One never knows when one will need a modem do dial-in instead of using a cable or DSL modem and high speed connection.

Also, if you're using a laptop, you may need to send/receive a fax. Using software like SnappyFax, one can send-receive faxes using the laptop's modem all day long.

As for the reader: Assuming you're referring to a card reader, a 7-in-1 will read more types of memory cards than willa 5-in-1. It's common for notebook readers to be 4-in-1 or 5-in-1; and for them to only read smaller memory cards like SD or XD and other sizes similar. But if you have a higher-end camera which uses COMPACT FLASH cards, then you need bigger reader slots... such as those typically only found in 7-in-1 readers. So, with a digital card reader, more is almost always better. Get 7-in-1 if you can.

Hope that helps.


_______________________________
Gregg L. DesElms
gregg@greggdeselms.com
Napa, California