Computer continues to frustrate:

X · February 29, 2008, 12:34:50 PM

I was nice and decided to do a quick check for you ... Very good business laptop computers from Dell with 80gig hard drives and a gig of memory start at 399 with free shiping and about 4 hours of work time on the batteries. I know 400 bucks isn't something people have to just burn, but it is a cheaper solution. Expecially if you can sell off your current system to someone that is skilled enough to make the right repairs.

KingIsaacLinksr · February 29, 2008, 12:39:04 PM

Well, thanks.

Problem is, the last time my family bought a dell, it completely crashed and lost all data without warning. The repair system was even worse. Has dell improved in the last year?

King

billybob476 · February 29, 2008, 12:49:03 PM

I have 3 dells sitting around me and they are all solid.

KingIsaacLinksr · February 29, 2008, 12:51:43 PM

Talking with a tech guy from Gateway and he thinks that I need to replace my hard drive. My friend thinks its the Motherboard failing. I think this thing is a piece of junk!!! GRRRRRRR

King

KingIsaacLinksr · February 29, 2008, 12:53:13 PM

And now they are suggesting just to send the entire system into their company.

I say just scrap it and get a new one....I hate my computer.

King

Geekyfanboy · February 29, 2008, 12:59:57 PM

I have always had 'heat' issues with my laptops.. went through two of them.. will never get another one again. I love my desktop.

jedijeff · February 29, 2008, 01:44:45 PM

I think every company is going have a few lemons from time to time, but for the most part, Dells should be alright, or they would no longer be in business if they had bad products. My folks have a desktop Dell, and have no issues. If it were me, I would probably send it in to get repaired, and probably purchase a new computer. If they fixed what I had sent in, I would either sell it, or use it for other purposes. If you do send it in, you still need to backup your data, as they are most likely going to wipe the drive well troubleshooting. Probably a good idea to take any sensitive data off before sending in as well.

Rico · February 29, 2008, 01:59:17 PM

Dells are very solid machines. Again, not pointing fingers but computers can be messed up very, very easily. It takes a fair amount of skill and knowledge to keep one working at peak levels. And even more knowledge to fix one when something goes wrong.

Geekyfanboy · February 29, 2008, 02:05:54 PM

My desktop is a Dell and it's great.. the other is a IMac and of course that is perfect.

KingIsaacLinksr · February 29, 2008, 02:51:31 PM

Quote from: Rico on February 29, 2008, 01:59:17 PM
Dells are very solid machines. Again, not pointing fingers but computers can be messed up very, very easily. It takes a fair amount of skill and knowledge to keep one working at peak levels. And even more knowledge to fix one when something goes wrong.

Then how would one keep it working at peak levels?

As for the suggestions, yea, I'm probably going to go Desktop. If laptops have these heat issues, then its not worth it. Its going to be oh-so-fun talking with my parents about this mess. -_-
Still, the question would be "What company and what computer" something that I've been asking lots and lots of people. Its hard to say.

Thanks again guys. Pretty frustrating this whole mess is. I'm going to have to figure out how to save all my stuff...but maybe I can work something out.

KIng

Blackride · February 29, 2008, 03:09:12 PM

Dell's and HP's laptops are just fine. Each model is can have it's pluses and negatives.

X · February 29, 2008, 03:45:10 PM

I think that if you are going to have a laptop, you need to invest time in classes or books that will teach you how to keep it running correctly. Laptops are by default harder to maintain, upgrade, and repair than desktop.

If money is a serious factor in a purchase, you should always fall on the side of the desktop because they can usually be upgraded by laymen to keep in step with advances. You need money or talent to keep a laptop up to date.

Ktrek · February 29, 2008, 05:08:16 PM

Just remember that if you backup the HD you could also be backing up the virus, if there is one. I would only grab what files you need (personal, school related projects etc. Reformat and re-install all your main programs. Thankfully in 20 years of dealing with computers I have never had a problem I couldn't resolve but I did have to reformat one time.

Kevin

KingIsaacLinksr · March 03, 2008, 09:40:38 PM

After talking with Gateway, you guys, and even friends, we have come to this conclusion:

My hard drive is fried and is dying.

I'm sooooo screwed.

King

X · March 03, 2008, 09:55:56 PM

A hard drive 120 gig is less than 80 bucks at many stores. All you need to do is install it and run the recovery disk. I would zip all the files I need then Yousendit to myself and dl it when I've reinstalled the OS