Laptop problems

[Galaxy]

It seems like every 10-12 days, my laptop doesn't boot up (the lights will light up on the keyboard), but nothing comes up. It did it last night, and I couldn't fire up until this morning. Usually when it does this, you can't do it for at least a few hours after you shut it down from the previous time I had it on. Any idea why? How do you fix it?

[cougarfreak]

It seems like every 10-12 days, my laptop doesn't boot up (the lights will light up on the keyboard), but nothing comes up. It did it last night, and I couldn't fire up until this morning. Usually when it does this, you can't do it for at least a few hours after you shut it down from the previous time I had it on. Any idea why? How do you fix it?

What kind is it? I've got a pretty high end Toshiba, and mine would do something similar every now and then. I called their tech support, and if the battery isn't completely locked in, even if you are on AC, then it won't boot up. When I carry mine by hand to the case, it seems like the battery unclicks because of the way i grip it. I have just made sure it is locked in, and haven't had a problem since.

[MizzouRah]

Could be many things, but my first suspect would be a power issue - which usually points to the system board.

Make/Model?

AC adapter good? Have you tried booting up without the battery installed?

[Galaxy]

Could be many things, but my first suspect would be a power issue - which usually points to the system board.

Make/Model?

AC adapter good? Have you tried booting up without the battery installed?

HP Pavillion zd8000 (got it about 2 and half years ago).

I haven't tried it without the battery (which I actually got a new one in the spring or so). I can try my other AC adapter I have. However, the current one seems to work fine (I unhook it, it works off the battery) and the color will brighten or dim when I hook it up or unhook it.

[PilotMan]

I had a similar problem where mine was booting intermittently and the problem ended up being a short on the motherboard. Changed out the MB and all is well again.

[Galaxy]

I had a similar problem where mine was booting intermittently and the problem ended up being a short on the motherboard. Changed out the MB and all is well again.

Any idea on the cost?

[Galaxy]

What kind is it? I've got a pretty high end Toshiba, and mine would do something similar every now and then. I called their tech support, and if the battery isn't completely locked in, even if you are on AC, then it won't boot up. When I carry mine by hand to the case, it seems like the battery unclicks because of the way i grip it. I have just made sure it is locked in, and haven't had a problem since.

I'll start with this first. How do you know exactly if it is "clicked"?

[cougarfreak]

I'll start with this first. How do you know exactly if it is "clicked"?

There is a light on the front of mine that lets me know it's in. I'd just make sure it's good and tight. If it'll run on battery, I would guess it's in.

[Galaxy]

I'm currently talking to a HP rep online.

[Galaxy]

Alright, HP says it's a power corrupt management issue. Fix it by these steps:

To reinstall Power Management in Windows XP, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, select Control Panel, and then choose Performance and Maintenance.
2. Click the System icon to open the System properties window
3. Select the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
4. Click the plus (+) sign next to System Devices.
5. Right-click the ACPI Fixed Features button and select Uninstall.
6. Restart the system.
On restarting the system, Windows will automatically detect and install Power Management on the computer.

I'll try it in a little while.

[cougarfreak]

Alright, HP says it's a power corrupt management issue. Fix it by these steps:

To reinstall Power Management in Windows XP, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, select Control Panel, and then choose Performance and Maintenance.
2. Click the System icon to open the System properties window
3. Select the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
4. Click the plus (+) sign next to System Devices.
5. Right-click the ACPI Fixed Features button and select Uninstall.
6. Restart the system.
On restarting the system, Windows will automatically detect and install Power Management on the computer.

I'll try it in a little while.

Hopefully that'll fix it. Good luck.

[Galaxy]

Thanks...

It did what it was suppose to do. Hopefully it solves the problems (and keeps money in my account). I figure I would post it in case anyone has similar problems in the future.

[terpkristin]

Thanks...

It did what it was suppose to do. Hopefully it solves the problems (and keeps money in my account). I figure I would post it in case anyone has similar problems in the future.

And if it doesn't solve the problem, you might want to search on "HP laptop" in the main forum here and the archive, many of us have had issues with the MB, particularly a badly designed grounding and cooling system that allows the MB to overheat and allows the ground to come disconnected from the MB.

I'll never buy an HP again.

/tk

[finkenst]

And if it doesn't solve the problem, you might want to search on "HP laptop" in the main forum here and the archive, many of us have had issues with the MB, particularly a badly designed grounding and cooling system that allows the MB to overheat and allows the ground to come disconnected from the MB.

I'll never buy an HP again.

/tk

amen...

and since toshiba has put the tilda/backtick key in the upper left where it belongs it's very nice...

i like my dells, too...

[Galaxy]

And if it doesn't solve the problem, you might want to search on "HP laptop" in the main forum here and the archive, many of us have had issues with the MB, particularly a badly designed grounding and cooling system that allows the MB to overheat and allows the ground to come disconnected from the MB.

I'll never buy an HP again.

/tk

Thanks. Will do. I like my notebook so far, but I've had a problem with HP in them trying to charge me nearly $700 after I spilled some soda on the keyboard. Nothing was ruin or damaged after, but they told me they had to "replace" everything. I took it to Best Buy, and paid I think $129 or so for them to replace the keyboard.

However, customer service doesn't mean anything in any computer company, I think.

[MizzouRah]

Dell, HP, Compaq, Toshiba, IBM - all makers have issues with their laptops - some run for years, others have issue after issue...

[Galaxy]

Dell, HP, Compaq, Toshiba, IBM - all makers have issues with their laptops - some run for years, others have issue after issue...

Seems to be the luck of the draw, so to speak.

The newest processors are suppose reduce to the heating problems, correct?

[PilotMan]

I have a Dell with an extended warranty plan. It has seen many thousands of miles and desktop quantities of hours. Their support has been very good, and they are quick on the problem both in diagnosis and solutions.

After my MB was replaced the optical drive didn't work. I had a new one in hand inside 24 hours. I am sure that it helps being so close to a distribution center, but damn, that was impressive.

I still have over 13 months left on the plan. All in all the a/c adapter, battery, optical drive and motherboard have all been replaced. But for the most part it has been a workhorse, and I will get another, probably in the spring.

[terpkristin]

Dell, HP, Compaq, Toshiba, IBM - all makers have issues with their laptops - some run for years, others have issue after issue...

I agree with this 100%, but I felt it was worth pointing out to Galaxy that HP's do have a very well-known issue with overheating and the ground on the MB coming loose, and that it's a problem that quite a few other FOFC'ers have experienced.

I always have problems with tech support "customer service" people, but that's mostly because they read from their script 9 times out of 10 and even if I've said that I've done all of X, Y, and Z things, they insist on telling me that's the first step. It's like they don't listen to the customer.

I've had my current Dell for about a year and a half now, and I've been happy with it, unlike my HP before it which started having issues after 3 months. Granted, with laptops, I tend to figure the max life is suppoesd to be 3-4 years, at a maximum, after which point it usually makes sense to upgrade them anyway... I figure this Dell is halfway there. ;)

/tk

[MizzouRah]

Seems to be the luck of the draw, so to speak.

The newest processors are suppose reduce to the heating problems, correct?

No doubt and usually model specific. The Compaq N610c was one hard working, durable pc, the NC6400's have been terrible. The Dell D620's seem to be great, the D600 are the worst laptop I've ever supported.

I will agree though that HP's tech support has went from ok, to HORRIBLE and would never buy a pc from HP/Compaq.

[Galaxy]

Uh oh...I went to try to boot just now. It did the same thing. However, I just turned it off and it worked fine. Before, I would have to let it sit for hours before I would try again. Any idea on the cost to repair the MB if it is indeed the problem?

I'll keep my eye on for the next few days.

[Galaxy]

I've had my current Dell Granted, with laptops, I tend to figure the max life is suppoesd to be 3-4 years, at a maximum, after which point it usually makes sense to upgrade them anyway... I figure this Dell is halfway there. ;)



Thankfully, my notebook has gone for two and half years so far. It turns three next April.

However, I think next time I would spend the money I did on this baby. For using the internet, some Microsoft programs (Word, accounting, ect), and downloading music (using my Philips GoGear MP3 player software to upload on my player), I don't see the need to spend that much.

[PilotMan]

Uh oh...I went to try to boot just now. It did the same thing. However, I just turned it off and it worked fine. Before, I would have to let it sit for hours before I would try again. Any idea on the cost to repair the MB if it is indeed the problem?

I'll keep my eye on for the next few days.

The tech who replaced mine figured about a hour of labor plus parts. That will probably put you into $200+ category. I did find a website where they charged 150 + parts, so maybe around $300. That is the best guess that I've got.

[rjolley]

Yeah, just had a problem with my HP dv8339 on Thanksgiving. The primary HD has a bad sector. When I boot, it blue screens because it can't load the whole OS. Looks like the only option is to replace the HD and start over. Luckily, a lot of things are stored on the second HD, but it's still a pain to go through.

Oh, and I can't find my recovery CD (I don't think they packed one with the system), and the only option is to pay $30 for one, which seems like a true ripoff. It's my OS, I should have a disk to restore it.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah, just had a problem with my HP dv8339 on Thanksgiving. The primary HD has a bad sector. When I boot, it blue screens because it can't load the whole OS. Looks like the only option is to replace the HD and start over. Luckily, a lot of things are stored on the second HD, but it's still a pain to go through.

Oh, and I can't find my recovery CD (I don't think they packed one with the system), and the only option is to pay $30 for one, which seems like a true ripoff. It's my OS, I should have a disk to restore it.

If you have/can borrow an OS cd - boot to the recovery console and run chkdsk /r - that should move that data to a good part of your HD and allow it to boot.

[rjolley]

I have an XP disk, but I didn't want to do that with a regular XP cd and having media center installed if it would mess something up.

If that will allow me to at least get the system back up, that would be great. Then I can find a copy of Ghost or something similar and replace the HD.

[MizzouRah]

I have an XP disk, but I didn't want to do that with a regular XP cd and having media center installed if it would mess something up.

If that will allow me to at least get the system back up, that would be great. Then I can find a copy of Ghost or something similar and replace the HD.

I haven't had an issue with my home pc that has media center on it, but running it shouldn't hurt the system.

[rjolley]

I'll give it a try tonight. Thanks for the info.

[Galaxy]

The tech who replaced mine figured about a hour of labor plus parts. That will probably put you into $200+ category. I did find a website where they charged 150 + parts, so maybe around $300. That is the best guess that I've got.

Looks like it's the problem. What's the best place to take it (Best Buy?). I don't want to be without for weeks, but I also don't want to overpay.

[Izulde]

I love my Acer laptop, personally.

[PilotMan]

Looks like it's the problem. What's the best place to take it (Best Buy?). I don't want to be without for weeks, but I also don't want to overpay.


I woudn't take anything to Best Buy, but that is just my opinion. They are likely to be very busy, and who knows what they will actually do.

For repairs I usually try and find a local place where the guy you talk to is the guy doing the repairs. Just make sure that working on Laptops is a regular thing for them. Getting a hold of the replacement part is going to be the hardest part for you. The actual hardware change can be done in about 30 minutes for someone who knows what they are doing. That's just it, make sure they know what they are doing, because there is a lot of other stuff that can get broken if they don't.

[Galaxy]

I woudn't take anything to Best Buy, but that is just my opinion. They are likely to be very busy, and who knows what they will actually do.

For repairs I usually try and find a local place where the guy you talk to is the guy doing the repairs. Just make sure that working on Laptops is a regular thing for them. Getting a hold of the replacement part is going to be the hardest part for you. The actual hardware change can be done in about 30 minutes for someone who knows what they are doing. That's just it, make sure they know what they are doing, because there is a lot of other stuff that can get broken if they don't.

Hmmm....I agree on Best Buy. Just they are sort of the only place around. I'll talk to a buddy of mine. Any suggestions on where to find the parts?

[Galaxy]

This is my laptop model http://partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main?sel_flg=partlist&model=ROME+ZD8000&HP_model=PR321UA&modname=HP+Pavilion+zd8055US+notebook+PC+%28NA%29+%28PR321UA%29&template=main&plist_sval=PC+Board&plist_styp=subcat&dealer_id=&callingsite=&strsrch=&keysel=PC+Board&catsel=%3F

[finketr]

so, anyone know how to order a laptop screen for an inspiron 1300?

[PilotMan]

Well, I was off about the price, it looks like a replacement MB is going to be in the 400-450 range for the part plus shipping. Still better than new, I guess/. I googled:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&rls=GGLD%2CGGLD%3A2004-35%2CGGLD%3Aen&q=HP+Pavillion+374707-001&btnG=Search


so, anyone know how to order a laptop screen for an inspiron 1300?
<!-- / message -->

http://item.express.ebay.com/Computers-Networking_Computer-Accessories_Computer-Cables-Connectors_NEW-DELL-INSPIRON-1300-14-1-WXGA-LCD-SCREEN-GLOSSY_W0QQitemZ170152107381QQihZ007QQptdnZComputerQ20CablesQ20Q26Q20ConnectorsQQddnZComputersQ20Q26Q20NetworkingQQadnZComputerQ20AccessoriesQQptdiZ270QQddiZ1192QQadiZ268QQcmdZExpressItem

[rjolley]

Well, looks like it's good news/bad news for my laptop.

Good news, I was able to boot to a recovery CD and run chkdsk /r, which allowed the drive to boot.

Odd news, the XP disk wouldn't recognize my HDs at all. Maybe because it doesn't support SATA drives?

Bad news, the networking on the laptop wil lnot start at all. They're recognized and installed, but something just isn't right. Also, the RPC service won't start, erroring out with an Error 5: Access is denied error. I think that's the lynchpin to the whole problem. Quite a few services won't start, complaining about dependencies.

I'll need to grab a replacement drive and recovery disks and restore the system. Luckily, I have a portable drive that I can copy most of the data from the old drive over to.

[finketr]

http://item.express.ebay.com/Computers-Networking_Computer-Accessories_Computer-Cables-Connectors_NEW-DELL-INSPIRON-1300-14-1-WXGA-LCD-SCREEN-GLOSSY_W0QQitemZ170152107381QQihZ007QQptdnZComputerQ20CablesQ20Q26Q20ConnectorsQQddnZComputersQ20Q26Q20NetworkingQQadnZComputerQ20AccessoriesQQptdiZ270QQddiZ1192QQadiZ268QQcmdZExpressItem


thanks, pm!

what the heck is an inverter?

[MizzouRah]

XP most definitely recognizes SATA drives.

[rjolley]

Well I'm not sure what's going on when I boot from the XP disk. It's not seeing any of the drives on the laptop. I'll mess around with it some more while I wait for the drive and cds to get here.

Edit: Doing a search, looks like there is a problem with the XP installer recognizing SATA drives. Going to do some research on this and see if I can't get the recovery console to work.

[MizzouRah]

That could be it then, as I've never had an issue with desktop pc's.

[Galaxy]

After a pair of trips to the repair shop, the guy saw that the wireless card was in bad shape (and cleaned it, I spilled some stuff on it a few years ago). He says everything else looks fine, but if it acts up again, take out the card. How do you do it?

[MizzouRah]

After a pair of trips to the repair shop, the guy saw that the wireless card was in bad shape (and cleaned it, I spilled some stuff on it a few years ago). He says everything else looks fine, but if it acts up again, take out the card. How do you do it?

If it's not one that plugs into the side of the laptop (the PCMCIA slot), then it's usually on the bottom secured by a cover plate and one screw. It will have two wires connected to it (white and black).

[Galaxy]

If it's not one that plugs into the side of the laptop (the PCMCIA slot), then it's usually on the bottom secured by a cover plate and one screw. It will have two wires connected to it (white and black).

So according to this, it's under the battery?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00556312&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=452845&dlc=en&lang=en

[MizzouRah]

So according to this, it's under the battery?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00556312&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=452845&dlc=en&lang=en

Yes sir!

[Galaxy]

Well folks, it appears that I need to get a new notebook. This one still works, but it would smarter (and almost cheaper) just to get a new one. I'm going to hold off for a while (like I said, I don't need now).

[Galaxy]

For basic internet use and perhaps using Microsoft programs (Word, ect), I really don't need to get an expensive desktop, correct? I plan on moving sometime this year (summer, hopefully). Which may see me move across country. So I might pick up a low-cost desktop to leave with the family.

Then, when I do that, I might order a notebook when I move. I'm looking at a few things. Anyone having WAN Technology from Sprint? Does this basically connect me, without cables or routers, anywhere as long as I order the proper card and have an account?

What is the difference between business-focus notebooks and regular notebooks? Anyone here have experience with Sony VAIO's?

[MizzouRah]

www.dell.com (http://www.dell.com)

I would get a Verizon wireless pc card if you have service where you live.

Stay away from the Latitude's if you're wanting a notebook, and as far as desktops go, Dell's are the best imho.

[Galaxy]

www.dell.com (http://www.dell.com)

I would get a Verizon wireless pc card if you have service where you live.

Stay away from the Latitude's if you're wanting a notebook, and as far as desktops go, Dell's are the best imho.

I would like to get a notebook. Something that's light, durable, and travels well. I've decided I don't need the powerful graphics card, blazing speed-type anymore. Now that I have the 360, my gaming days are limited. All I use is the internet, Microsoft programs (Excel, Powerpoint, Word) and for my GoGear mp3 player. I can always buy an extra hard drive for my mp3 songs (which is only at around 600 or so).

I actually would like to pickup a "business-friendly" type notebook with at least dual processors at a good value. Can you order a Verizon wireless PC card in an existing system? With Verizon's service, you can get online (via account) with any cables or anything, anywhere with service? What's it called? Any idea on the monthly cost for the service?

I like the VAIO's, but the $1,800 and up price tag is too steep for me, and a lot more then what I need.

[MizzouRah]

I would check on the Inspiron from Dell or maybe an HP/Compaq NC series.

I don't think you can order the pc card with the pc.. at least that I'm aware of. Plans are like cell phones, maybe $30-$60 unlimited per month, check the rates in your area.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html

They just plug into the PCMCIA slot in your pc and work without anything else, no wires, cables, etc.. just the software that comes with the card. You can use it anywhere there is Verizon wireless service.

[Galaxy]

I would check on the Inspiron from Dell or maybe an HP/Compaq NC series.

I don't think you can order the pc card with the pc.. at least that I'm aware of. Plans are like cell phones, maybe $30-$60 unlimited per month, check the rates in your area.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html

They just plug into the PCMCIA slot in your pc and work without anything else, no wires, cables, etc.. just the software that comes with the card. You can use it anywhere there is Verizon wireless service.

I was able to customize Dell's notebooks and Sony's notebooks with the PC cards. What's wrong with the Latitude line?

How is the Vostro line?

[Galaxy]

Forgot to add:

I don't need top-of-the-line stuff. As noted, I don't need a gaming notebook. The 360 takes care of my gaming needs. Just something that can use the internet at high-speed, use Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), and sync my mp3 files through my GoGear software (I figure I can pick up an external hard drive to handle the files of those). What kind of specs would you recommend that'll will last at least three to four years.

Also, would PC cards slide right now into (not taking parts out, removing anything, ect.)?

[MizzouRah]

I saw a Dell add that had lots of decent laptops for excellent prices in the paper last week, check the adds as well.

Didn't know you could package the pc card when purchasing, that sure makes it much easier.

I work on Latitudes at work and the "D" series is HORRIBLE. The new D630's seem better, but it's too early to tell. AT ALL COSTS STAY AWAY FROM THE D600 and D610 series.

[Galaxy]

I saw a Dell add that had lots of decent laptops for excellent prices in the paper last week, check the adds as well.

Didn't know you could package the pc card when purchasing, that sure makes it much easier.

I work on Latitudes at work and the "D" series is HORRIBLE. The new D630's seem better, but it's too early to tell. AT ALL COSTS STAY AWAY FROM THE D600 and D610 series.

Thanks,

Any suggestions on the specs (Ram, Processors-speed as well), hard drive?

[MizzouRah]

Thanks,

Any suggestions on the specs (Ram, Processors-speed as well), hard drive?

Since you're trying to stay fairly conservative, a pentium dual core (core 2 duo would be my ideal choice, but price goes up), 1 GB Ram, 80 GB HD, CD/DVD burner.

[PilotMan]

What price range do you want? You can get a descent mid range laptop for a grand. What size screen do you want? A 15 inch is fairly standard now, but you can smaller or larger. If you tote it a lot, 15 is probably the biggest that you want. I have been looking at specs for a while.

I like Mizzou's suggestion of a Core 2 duo. I would get 2 gigs of memory, and a 'fast' (better than 5400 rpm) hard drive. Size is your preference. You have to look at something that will last for a little while at least.

Unless you want an HD drive, a dvd burner combo should be pretty standard.

I have been looking at a wireless card with the new "n" ability, but otherwise most everthing you will find will he at least "g".

If you do any gaming on it at all, try and look for something with a halfway decent video card.

I have gotten laptops from ebay, and you can ususally find a good deal, as long as you get a reputable seller.

[MizzouRah]

He wants something around $500 I believe.

[Galaxy]

He wants something around $500 I believe.

Nah, I looking around the $1,000 target, give or take (which would include a case, mouse, and any warranty extras). I just don't want, or need, a top-shelf laptop (since media and gaming aren't much of an issue). I'm willing to pay a little more for quality if it will get me an extra year or two of solid support.

I'm looking at the Vostro 1400 line, mainly the second one (I believe Radii picked one up). However, I can wait a while and keep my eye out for deals.

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/vostronb_1400?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&~tab=bundlestab

[MizzouRah]

Nah, I be willing to spend around the $1,000 target. I just don't want, or need, a top-shelf laptop (since media and gaming aren't much of an issue). I'm willing to pay a little more for quality if it will get me an extra year or two of solid support.

Core 2 duo it is then. :)

I second the 2GB of ram as well. :)

If it's not too much, get some extra warranty protection. The two biggest replacements in laptops are HD's and System boards. Keep your important data backed up on an external HD.

[Galaxy]

Core 2 duo it is then. :)

I second the 2GB of ram as well. :)

If it's not too much, get some extra warranty protection. The two biggest replacements in laptops are HD's and System boards. Keep your important data backed up on an external HD.

Any specific speeds of the processors (with Core 2 duo) I should stick with or above, or would I be fine with pretty much any speed for what I'm using it for?

Core 2 duo processors help reduce the heat, correct?

[PilotMan]

You would proably be fine with whichever speed that you want. In my experience, the weakest link in your laptop performance is probably going to be the hard drive (which is why I say go for the faster speed.) But specifically, you should be fine with whatever you choose.

[Galaxy]

Three more questions:

1) With the warranty (I'm thinking of going 3 years-accidental and the standard), is Dell pretty quick in repairs?

2) I'm going to hold off on any PC card right now. I'm not sure where I'll be in a year. I have broadband right now. So I don't want to spend that kind of money on a card and move some place where the coverage area is out of reach.

3) Are Dell notebooks (with the exclusion of line that MissouRah mention) well built? Do the motherboards short out? Do they overheat?

[Racer]

Three more questions:

1) With the warranty (I'm thinking of going 3 years-accidental and the standard), is Dell pretty quick in repairs?

2) I'm going to hold off on any PC card right now. I'm not sure where I'll be in a year. I have broadband right now. So I don't want to spend that kind of money on a card and move some place where the coverage area is out of reach.

3) Are Dell notebooks (with the exclusion of line that MissouRah mention) well built? Do the motherboards short out? Do they overheat?

3.) I have an Dell Inspiron 6000. I bought it two and a half years ago. It hasn't worked out all that well. My CFFL backlight failed on it (meaning no light goes to my LCD screen). It's expensive to fix so now I just have my laptop hooked up to a monitor. My laptop also doesn't run as well as it did when I first got it. I'm guessing it's because I used to leave the lid up a lot after I turned it off which caused it to collect a lot of dust which causes it to got hot a lot quicker then it used too.

[MizzouRah]

You would proably be fine with whichever speed that you want. In my experience, the weakest link in your laptop performance is probably going to be the hard drive (which is why I say go for the faster speed.) But specifically, you should be fine with whatever you choose.

I would say memory. :)

Like PilotMan said, any speed should suffice with what you are going to do with it. I would get the first option.

[Oilers9911]

Agree on the memory. If you are running Vista at least 2 gigs is needed.

[PilotMan]

I have an Inspirion 600m, I have had it for three years, and I have a 4 year warranty. Dell has been outstanding on the warranty work. This computer travels with me everywhere I do, and sees many airport security bins. It is forced to run for hours on a near daily basis.

Now having said that, I have replaced the A/C adapter, battery, optical drive and motherboard. All of it was under warranty. I have never had accident coverage. The optical drive didn't work after the tech installed the new motherboard. They overnighted the new one with a return shipping slip in the box.

Thier warranty work, and customer service is far better than most places that I have had to deal with and am considering getting another for my next. I have been looking at the Inspirion 1420/1520 line. On the other hand, I am also looking at getting more of a gaming laptop, as it suits my needs better. But portability is a must in my line of work.

[Galaxy]

[QUOTE=PilotMan;1645244]I have an Inspirion 600m, I have had it for three years, and I have a 4 year warranty. Dell has been outstanding on the warranty work. This computer travels with me everywhere I do, and sees many airport security bins. It is forced to run for hours on a near daily basis.

Now having said that, I have replaced the A/C adapter, battery, optical drive and motherboard. All of it was under warranty. I have never had accident coverage. The optical drive didn't work after the tech installed the new motherboard. They overnighted the new one with a return shipping slip in the box.

Thier warranty work, and customer service is far better than most places that I have had to deal with and am considering getting another for my next. I have been looking at the Inspirion 1420/1520 line. On the other hand, I am also looking at getting more of a gaming laptop, as it suits my needs better. But portability is a must in my line of work.[/QUOTE

Good to hear. Here's a Dell laptop I built (Vostro line):

y System Details
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic edit
LCD PANEL 14.1 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display with TrueLife™ edit
MEMORY 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM edit
HARD DRIVE 120GB 5400RPM Hard Drive edit
HARD DRIVE PARTITION Custom Factory Partition, 50 percentage Primary / 50 percentage Secondary edit
OPTICAL DRIVE 8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/ Roxio Creator edit
VIDEO CARD Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 edit
MEDIA DIRECT Dell Exclusive MediaDirect™ Instant Play Software Application edit
WI-FI WIRELESS CARD Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Mini Card edit
BLUETOOTH WIRELESS Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate) edit
BLUETOOTH WIRELESS Dell Bluetooth Travel mouse edit
WEBCAM Integrated 2.0 mega pixel Web Camera edit
SOUND OPTION Integrated High Definition Audio edit
My Accessories
BATTERIES 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery edit
CARRYING CASE Dell Small Nylon Carrying Case edit
My Software
PRODUCTIVITY Microsoft® Works 8.5 Does NOT Include MS Word edit
ONLINE BUSINESS GROWTH TOOLS Free Microsoft Office Live Small Business edit
SECURITY No Pre-installed Anti-Virus/Security Software edit
ADOBE SOFTWARE Adobe® Acrobat® Reader edit
My Services & Warranties
WARRANTY & SERVICE 3 Year Onsite Service, Parts+Labor and Norton Internet Security, 3 Yrs edit
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE SERVICE 3 Year CompleteCare Accidental Damage Protection edit
DELL DATASAFE™ ONLINE BACKUP 10GB for 1 Year Online Data Backup by Dell DataSafe edit
AUTOMATED PC TUNEUP 1 Year Dell Automated PC Tuneup edit
STANDARD VOSTRO SERVICES TOOLS Dell Network Assistant edit
ON-SITE SYSTEM SETUP No Onsite System Setup edit
PURCHASE INTENT Purchase is not intended for resale. edit
ALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR SYSTEM
Labels Windows Vista™ Basic
Integrated NIC and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Processor Branding Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
MEDIA SOFTWARE No Media Software

$1,216.

[Galaxy]

I may downgrade the processor to a 1.6 GHz. How do you compare the speeds of the old processors (3.2 GHz) with the Duo processors?

[TargetPractice6]

I don't mean to hijack your thread Galaxy, but I'm having a laptop problem of my own.

I just got a new notebook for Christmas and have been doing a little gaming on it (mostly TF2). However after a while the game just starts to chug, skip, and become completely unplayable. I'd guess this is a heat issue, but I was wondering how common this is and what I might be able to (cheaply) do about it.

[Galaxy]

I don't mean to hijack your thread Galaxy, but I'm having a laptop problem of my own.

I just got a new notebook for Christmas and have been doing a little gaming on it (mostly TF2). However after a while the game just starts to chug, skip, and become completely unplayable. I'd guess this is a heat issue, but I was wondering how common this is and what I might be able to (cheaply) do about it.

Kind of weird.

[PilotMan]

If it's a heat problem, have you considered a chill pad? Is there a memory leak in the game that could be causing the problem? Those would be my best guesses.

[Galaxy]

Just out of curiosity, what game is it?

[PilotMan]

Just out of curiosity, what game is it?
<!-- / message -->

TF2

That would be Team Fortress 2 on Steam.

[Galaxy]

That would be Team Fortress 2 on Steam.

Ah, thanks.

Does anybody have any experience with the Sony Vaios?

[MizzouRah]

Ah, thanks.

Does anybody have any experience with the Sony Vaios?

Yeah, let them stick to TV's. :)

[Galaxy]

Yeah, let them stick to TV's. :)

Not good I take it.

[korme]

I haven't read this thread at all, but I took my laptop into the shitter yesterday and it didn't even last while I was on the john- it died in like 6 minutes after being unplugged.

That's crappy.

[MizzouRah]

Not good I take it.

Haven't really seen them in the workplace, but I worked on a family members and it was a beech working on that thing.

[MizzouRah]

I haven't read this thread at all, but I took my laptop into the shitter yesterday and it didn't even last while I was on the john- it died in like 6 minutes after being unplugged.

That's crappy.

You pissed on the keyboard?

[Galaxy]

Haven't really seen them in the workplace, but I worked on a family members and it was a beech working on that thing.

I think I'll go with the notebook I listed above for Dell. At around $1300, it looks like it an excellent value and serves my needs well.

[MizzouRah]

I think I'll go with the notebook I listed above for Dell. At around $1300, it looks like it an excellent value and serves my needs well.

Good choice, I hope you're happy with it.

[Galaxy]

Good choice, I hope you're happy with it.

It'll be a while. Maybe not until the spring/early summer. Just checking out pricing and specs at this point.

[Galaxy]

Do you see the WAN networks going global in the near future (I can connect in Europe, ect.)?

[MizzouRah]

It'll be a while. Maybe not until the spring/early summer. Just checking out pricing and specs at this point.

Should be cheaper by then.

[Galaxy]

Should be cheaper by then.

Really?

[MizzouRah]

Really?

Most definitely.

[Galaxy]

Most definitely.

Why's that? When do they usually happen exactly?

[MizzouRah]

Why's that? When do they usually happen exactly?

It's computers in general, I would keep an eye out for a sale or special discounts.

[Galaxy]

It's computers in general, I would keep an eye out for a sale or special discounts.

Any certain date or time period?

[MizzouRah]

Any certain date or time period?

Christmas, obviously... just visit their website once or twice a week, they come and go.