Sick laptop...

August 18th, 2008 at 05:30 pm

It seems like everybody except me has had issues with their computers. Well, now it is my turn. I think my laptop is sick.

Lately it has been getting really overheated really fast, and I've noticed the screen flickering. Ugh.

Granted, it is about 6 years old, but it still stinks. I love my laptop. And I use it to do freelance work from home. And I so cannot afford another one right now.

The problem is that with the screen flickering, it could be just the screen going. But they can't just replace the screen on a laptop (I asked). So I would need to buy a new one.

I actually found one at Staples for a great deal, and it has just about everything I want/need. But again, no money.

Mums and Dads said that if mine holds out long enough, they will get me a new one for Christmas! THANKS MUMS AND DADS!!! I am, of course, worried that it will konk out before then, though.

And then I wonder, if it doesn't die, do I take the chance that it still has a few good years left in her and wait it out, or do I get a new one when they are all on sale at great prices for X-mas? The one I found yesterday was under $450, was a compaq (my fave), and had a huge hard drive and RAM capacity. I would love to find one under $350, but I don't know if holiday sales will be that good.

Anyways, I am backing up my had drive and everything important to me today, and hoping my poor baby has at least a few more months in her.

Posted in | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “Sick laptop...”

Broken Arrow Says:
August 18th, 2008 at 05:35 pm 1219080945
1219080945

The overheating issue may be caused by build-up of dust and lint inside. I would make sure the airways are cleared out as much as possible. I would also try to have it placed on something that allows air to flow on the bottom of the laptop.

Overheating is a serious issue.

As for the screen flicker, is there any way to attach the laptop to an external monitor? It won't be portable, but it's one way of getting around the screen itself.

I'm kind of surprised that someone told you the screen can't be replaced. Typically, it can, but it's usually not financially worthwhile.

Yeah, I'd probably start saving up for a new computer soon.
Koppur Says:
August 18th, 2008 at 05:43 pm 1219081431
1219081431

Thanks so much for the tips BA!!!
boomeyers Says:
August 19th, 2008 at 03:39 am 1219117176
1219117176

We have 2 broken laptops here! Ugh! Luckily they are still under warranty, so hopefully it won't cost.

My daughter has problems with her screen. It is like a connector that gets bent each time you open and close it, gets old and worn and then the connection gets fuzzy. Maybe try leaving it open all the time. Just a thought.
sillyoleme Says:
August 19th, 2008 at 11:06 pm 1219187180
1219187180

As for the overheating, both of our laptops tend to get a little warm. BF has a "laptop cooler" thing that he sets under his laptop, and it is like a little fan that sucks the hot air from your laptop and provides ventilation. I think he paid about $15 for it at Walmart (may be less now), and it's lasted over a year now. And it runs by plugging into your USB port for power, so pretty convenient.

Just a thought! Hope you figure it out soon!
Amber Says:
August 24th, 2008 at 02:21 am 1219544475
1219544475

My screen gave out on my last one which was 2 years old I did use another monitor until I bought another one, but the screens can be replaced for about $200
baselle Says:
August 24th, 2008 at 06:27 am 1219559276
1219559276

Ditto with the laptop cooler. I use one. It helps the speed of the CPU, and the little burn on my right thigh has now healed up.

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Sick laptop...

6 Responses to “Sick laptop...”

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