I am extremely technologically challenged and was hoping someone could advise me off what laptop to buy to take to Italy. I live in Australia at present. Dell & Toshiba are common I have never seen Gateway here. What size computer do I need and what modem to get the internet. Can you hook a laptop up for global wireless internet?

You might find it easier to buy one here - especially if you want to type in Italian.

Problem with buying here is that the OS is going to be in Italian.

Suesy, it depends what you plan to do with the computer. If it's mainly for internet access, and basic use, an entry-level computer would do the job. Toshiba's a very good lap top.

Your internet access will mainly be determined by where you're going to be living here. ADSL - that's broadband - is widely available, though not everywhere. Entry-level computers are usually set up for broadband with an internal modem. If where you're going to be living doesn't have ADSL, you'll be restricted to dial-up. Again, the computer will be set up for that.

If you do have ADSL available where you're living here, you might have the option to connect wirelessly. In which case, the internet supplier usually supplies the modem, and your computer would need wireless compatibility. Whichever computer you decide to go with, ask the dealer if it comes already equipped for wireless connection to the internet.

I bought my MacBook with me from the States and use Telecom's Alice ASDL for Internet. So far so good. There is a Mac Store in Rome.

I used to use PCs then switched careers. In the field I work in most people and offices use Mac. I've never looked back.

Dell is a good choice as far as laptops go, but that is mostly what I use. Each and every brand is going to have horror stories and awsome ones, fans and foes. I would say buy one in your primary language, then when you arrive if you wish to do more typing in italian, either buy a wireless or bluetooth keyboard in Italy, or get overlay stickers for the keys and use the windows ability to switch keyboards internally. There are only around 18 keys that are different between the two.
While waiting for my overlays I just penciled the diferent ones in (my keyboard is light gray though).

Thanks for the info. I would prefer an Australian keyboard as I think it will be a while before I can write, understand or even speak Italian although my husband is trying to teach me. So something like a 1gb ram 120gb harddrive with internal modem and wireless capabilities would do the job? I only need basic internet, work processing and to be able to store a view photos and send them to family.Thanks again Sue

Those specs would be more than enough for your needs.

I second the others who recommended MacBook. I've had PCs for decades, and this is such a breath of fresh air. Plus they have a good support network here in Italy for warranty or AppleCare.

Macs are certainly more user-friendly and don't suffer the virus problems PCs do. I've lost count of the number of friends with PCs afflicted with viruses, even with anti-virus software installed.

One proviso. The support network varies from area to area. It's thin on the ground around here.

Good point Graeme. I got lucky and found a service center about an hour away in Udine. I found it here: http://www.apple.com/it/buy/locator/

Looks like there's one called Sisted in Arezzo. Don't know how far away that is from your town though.

About 45 minutes away. Bought an external HD there. Nice people but Mac is a second or third string to their bow. Apparently there's a storefront place about an hour in the other direction at Sinalunga which looks like a wrecking yard inside. Oh how I miss the crisp, clean Apple centres.