Congratulations, Caroline - we doubt you'll regret your choice! Regarding your Internet access - are you relying on the internal WiFi card in the laptop? Perhaps you need an external antenna to boost the signal when working inside the Egg. We use a Verizon AirCard and experienced almost no problems. It's a bit spendy for a tight budget, but it IS our only vice!
Hope this helps - happy trails! L 'n D