My computer is breaking!!!!

**mnmarty03** · 02-24-2007, 09:42 AM

I have a lap top computer which I bought in 2003, that has worked pretty good for me for the last 3.5 years or so. A little less than a year ago my computer stopped realizing that it was being plugged in and therefore eventually became unable to run. At the time I was in Germany, so I took it to a computer shop who looked at it and told me that the electricity adapter part that's hooked to the motherboard is coming off of my motherboard and is unfixable, unless I want to spend 500 bucks - which for my computer isn't worth it. They were able to fix it short term and I got another 6 - 8 months from my computer.

Several weeks ago now, the problem started up again. It's been usable, so I haven't worried too much about it. After all, the computer itself is fine, it's just the power supply. Then in the last 48 hours it's gone steeply downhill. As long as I keep the power cord hooked up to the computer in just a certain way, it works still and will get power. Any other way doesn't work.

I called around to computer repair shops and they're expensive!!! Most places charge at least $100 for them to just look at the computer!

That's not including if they do anything. I found one place that charges only $35 minimum, but again that's not including them doing anything.

So I thought about it and decided to just get a new computer. My lap top is 4 years old and I already know that this problem is unfixable. The most I would get is a short term fix which would mean I would need a new computer in another 6 months or so.

Although I can't afford it too much, now is the time to get a new computer for me. I have $400 in cash I can put towards the computer and my parents are willing to loan me another $300. That gives me $700 to get a nice computer with. I was originally going to put the $400 on my credit card, which could really use it, but at least I won't have to put any more money on the card to get a computer. And this summer/fall my income will be very very tiny (I have internships) so there's no way I could pay for it then. And who knows, maybe someone will want to spend a couple hundred and buy my laptop for cheap. Even if I get $5 for it, that's still $5 more than if I just recycle it.

It sort of makes me sad though, because this computer has been with me for so long now, I feel like I'm losing a member of my family. I almost wish it had just broken completely (not the power cord)...then I could be mad at it. Instead I'm just sad that it's going to be broken in the near future and sad that I have to spend the money on a new computer...

Just thought I'd share.

**YankeeMom** · 02-24-2007, 10:35 AM

Would it happen to be a Compaq Presario?
We have one we bought in 2001 or 2002....same exact problem. I have a friend who has the same one bought around the same time and has the same exact problem.

And it costs more money to get it fixed than it does to buy a new laptop

**AheeK** · 02-24-2007, 11:11 AM

If the only thing that's wrong with the laptop is that the power supply is wrecked, you should be able to get some money for its parts. The hard drive, motherboard, etc. should still all be good and often people who build their own computers are looking for parts. I'm sorry that it broke....I know how attached you can get to your computer. Hopefully $700 will be more than enough to get you a nice new laptop.

**starsapphire** · 02-24-2007, 12:13 PM

Unfortunately laptops don't last nearly as long as desktops. They only last a few years.

**GMA21** · 02-24-2007, 02:56 PM

I'm sorry about your computer. Hope things work out for you as I am lost when my computer "decides" not to work. Sometimes I swear this thing has a mind of it's own & decides when & ow it't going to work

**mnmarty03** · 02-24-2007, 06:23 PM

Thanks guys! My computer is an HP - which is basically as sucky as compaq. I definitely am not getting either with my new computer! My computer is sort of dated so I don't know how many people will want parts, but I figure someone might. Even $50 would be more money than otherwise. I'll eventually post it on Ebay, once I for sure have my new computer. Most likely I think I'm going to get a dell computer, because I like the ability to customize my components, without having to build my own computer. I also think that they are a good brand and worth the money. Though I like laptops, I am going to get a desk top this time. It'll last longer, is cheaper, will give me more "bang for my buck" and is sensible, because my fiance has a nice new lap top he recently bought. This doesn't do me any good right now, since he'll live in Germany until 2008 or so (going to school) but once he comes we'll have a lap top to bring with us places if need be and one is enough. Until then a normal computer will do. I think I'll be happier about the new computer once I order it and it gets here. And it'll be nice to be able to play good games on it, unlike my current one.

**geckoace** · 02-24-2007, 09:02 PM

my dell laptop has that problem and i bough a docking station. because it attaches to a different port and the power cord is then plugged into the docking station power plug hole (very technical i know lol) i got a refurb docking station online for less than $10

**Telephus44** · 02-24-2007, 10:33 PM

I've had a few laptops over the years, and I have bought most of them on Overstock.com - they have ones that are generally 6 months to a year out of date in terms of RAM, Hard Drive Space, whatever, but since all I do on mine is email and surf the web it doesn't bother me. In the US they have $2.95 flat rate shipping and you can pick one up pretty cheaply.

I haven't had a Dell or an HP so I can't comment on them - DH likes the Compaq but only the Armada business class line (not the Presario stuff), I've had good luck with the IBM Thinkpads and Sony VAIO's.