Computer Woes, and GIP
Wow, I haven't used the Update Journal page in ages (am used to Semagic). Hell, I haven't updated in ages. My laptop is on its last legs, and so I am trying out my Dad's Mac to see if I like it. If it meets my requirements (easy to use, good keyboard, not ridiculously heavy, nice speakers, etc.), I may end up getting the new MacBook Pro. I want something that will run Windows, since that is what I'm used to, and there are many things I like that are PC only. So, obviously I will be looking at other computers, but I have secretly wanted a Mac for ages, so I am definitely considering that. I was told to wait on the Mac since the new OS is coming out soon, so at least I still have my desktop.
So, my laptop. There has been a huge saga with trying to get it fixed by Gateway (moral of the story: don't buy from Gateway, their Customer Service sucks), which I will probably record here for posterity, if nothing else. But recently, probably totally separate from that stuff, the hinge that attaches the screen to the base, on the left side of the laptop, broke. The plastic housing snapped off, and the screws that are supposed to keep the hinge attached won't screw in to their holes (threads have worn down). This was simply a PITA for a while, meaning I had to be careful when opening and closing, and that the screen wouldn't stay open very easily, and would slowly fall back from its upright position (and end up opening all the way). This was the case even before the plastic part snapped off, but I was able to continue after the snap for a week or so. But then, last night, the hinge on the right side cracked, and so the screen will not stay open at all! In fact, in order to use the damn thing, I have my external USB drive behind it, propping the screen up! It's pretty fucking ridiculous.
I had Dad look at it, since a)he knows a lot about computers, and b)he owns basically the same machine I have (his is one model number above mine, meaning it has built in wireless, which mine doesn't). He couldn't do anything, so rather than try to find somewhere around here to look at it, I'm just giving up on it. And I'm not even going to consider Gateway, since it is now out of warranty, and they will probably charge me $300 just to look at it. Grr! I loved my computer while it works, and I love it still, even if it won't stay open. But now I have to find a replacement, which means yay new computer! Sadly, it also means that I have to dip into my savings, which I totally didn't want to do (I was saving it for when I move, probably to buy a car), but I also don't want to just get a new computer that's comparable to my three plus year old one. I want the best one I can get which, yeah, is going to be a bit pricey, but I am totally planning on keeping it for ages.
So, if I get a MacBook Pro, I can install Windows on it, and it will be like two computers in one! I am also going to look at Dell, Toshiba, Sony, Compaq, HP, and any others I can think of. Will update as the process goes along.
But now, I'd better go to bed, since I have to be up early tomorrow. I took a temp job that involves the new PA voting machines (setting up/maintenance mostly, I think), and our training is tomorrow morning. Yay to money as well! More later, as I just realized I have a ton to say (for once).
Oh, and GIP! I made a bunch of icons from the art on this site, all of which is totally awesome, and some of which is totally adorable, like these cute pigs.
So, my laptop. There has been a huge saga with trying to get it fixed by Gateway (moral of the story: don't buy from Gateway, their Customer Service sucks), which I will probably record here for posterity, if nothing else. But recently, probably totally separate from that stuff, the hinge that attaches the screen to the base, on the left side of the laptop, broke. The plastic housing snapped off, and the screws that are supposed to keep the hinge attached won't screw in to their holes (threads have worn down). This was simply a PITA for a while, meaning I had to be careful when opening and closing, and that the screen wouldn't stay open very easily, and would slowly fall back from its upright position (and end up opening all the way). This was the case even before the plastic part snapped off, but I was able to continue after the snap for a week or so. But then, last night, the hinge on the right side cracked, and so the screen will not stay open at all! In fact, in order to use the damn thing, I have my external USB drive behind it, propping the screen up! It's pretty fucking ridiculous.
I had Dad look at it, since a)he knows a lot about computers, and b)he owns basically the same machine I have (his is one model number above mine, meaning it has built in wireless, which mine doesn't). He couldn't do anything, so rather than try to find somewhere around here to look at it, I'm just giving up on it. And I'm not even going to consider Gateway, since it is now out of warranty, and they will probably charge me $300 just to look at it. Grr! I loved my computer while it works, and I love it still, even if it won't stay open. But now I have to find a replacement, which means yay new computer! Sadly, it also means that I have to dip into my savings, which I totally didn't want to do (I was saving it for when I move, probably to buy a car), but I also don't want to just get a new computer that's comparable to my three plus year old one. I want the best one I can get which, yeah, is going to be a bit pricey, but I am totally planning on keeping it for ages.
So, if I get a MacBook Pro, I can install Windows on it, and it will be like two computers in one! I am also going to look at Dell, Toshiba, Sony, Compaq, HP, and any others I can think of. Will update as the process goes along.
But now, I'd better go to bed, since I have to be up early tomorrow. I took a temp job that involves the new PA voting machines (setting up/maintenance mostly, I think), and our training is tomorrow morning. Yay to money as well! More later, as I just realized I have a ton to say (for once).
Oh, and GIP! I made a bunch of icons from the art on this site, all of which is totally awesome, and some of which is totally adorable, like these cute pigs.