My Dead Laptop

Our laptop died a couple of weeks ago.  No one in the household was particularly surprised by this occurrence, the laptop had been showing warning signs for months.  In some respects, it was almost a relief when it finally croaked - no more wondering when it was going to happen.  I quickly set it aside and purchased a small netbook as a replacement.

I bought the laptop almost exactly three years ago.  It went back to its manufacturer once as part of a recall although I'm not convinced anyone actually repaired anything on it.  Almost a year ago, it began having difficulty powering up.  I prematurely declared it dead at the time, but by trial and error I learned how to get it to start (press the power button, wait 15 seconds, hold the power button down - when the lights go out, release the power button and wait 1 full second, then press the power button again).  This trick no longer works.  I suppose there might be a new sequence that would make it start, but I'm just sick of dealing with it.

Before I bought the laptop, I spent a considerable amount of time researching.  Early on, I zeroed in on this particular model.  It had more than ample computing power, the price was high but not exorbitant and it was from a reputable manufacturer.  I was comforted by the fact that it was the same brand as our trusty desktop computer and much of our other equipment.  When I found it on sale, I made the plunge.  For me, this was a big step.  I'd always shied away from laptops before - they seem far less flexible than desktop units, where you can easily swap out faulty or outdated parts.  Still, I was willing to sacrifice flexibility for mobility.  I imagined myself, sitting at the neighborhood coffee shop, computing.

The truth is, even when the laptop worked, I rarely took it to any coffee shops.  I just don't have that kind of free time.  Plus, it was such a power hog you really needed to be near an outlet at all times.  The laptop spent most of its existence tethered to its power cord and external mouse.  It was still convenient, since a desktop computer would not have fit on the desk off the kitchen.  It was the preferred computer in the house, if only because of its location.

It turns out that, despite its brand, this particular model of laptop is infamous for its reliability problems.  These issues had not yet come to light at the time I purchased ours.  I've perused countless forums where others describe experiences similar to mine.  Someone started a petition to bring a class action suit.  I don't think I'm interested in that, I'd rather move on.  I'll lodge my protest privately by never buying that particular brand again.  I do have one last act planned for my dead laptop.  The day after I declared its demise, I came across a web site where a fellow describes how to possibly repair the problem with this laptop.  He cautions that it doesn't work for everyone and it should only be tried if you've given up all other hope.  I think I'm there.  The process involves taking the thing apart and I'm already pretty sure I won't be able to get it back together again.  Still, I think the process may prove to be cathartic, so I'll give it a shot.

Last Saturday, we were at Costco buying some groceries.  As we passed by the electronics area, I noticed a netbook on display.  I grabbed a voucher so we could pick one up at the checkout.  I think we put more thought into what kind of yogurt to buy.  So much for research.