Comments on: Ding Dong, the Dell is dead

By: moneyloveandchange

moneyloveandchange — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:23:06 +0000

Thanks for all the suggestions! We went to Best Buy this weekend (only to look), and I think we’re going to go with a desktop instead of a laptop (we already have a MacBook that is still running). In the end, this will save us some money. I’m going to spend some time to look for a deal, and try to get some gift cards to go towards the purchase (via credit card rewards, etc.)

Turnip – I like your idea about the power supply – I had been toying with this idea myself. Yet I still have the little green light on the power supply and all the connections seem to be good. On the other hand, these particular power supplies are known to go bad. In any case, to test the theory is not going to be much cheaper – a replacement is going to set me back about $80.

The other thing is that I actually get a flashing sequence of lights when trying to turn on the computer. According to the peeps in the Dell forums, this particular sequence happens when the CPU isn’t functioning. When I took out the RAM and tried to start it up, I did get a different sequence of flashing lights (corresponding to no memory).

With our current financial situation, I have a couple of weeks to think about it. I’ll keep everyone posted.

By: Carole

Carole — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:28:49 +0000

I have a Dell laptop. I will never buy another. Cut your losses with the Dell and buy a new, different brand laptop. Caroles last blog post..Random Thoughts on Fair Food, Politics and Our Stupid Refrigerator

By: Turnip

Turnip — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:56:31 +0000

Check that the power supply works, and has all the proper connections made. That usually breaks sooner or later. Turnips last blog post..An Idea To Monetize Entrecard Through Affiliate Ads

By: Rick Vaughn

Rick Vaughn — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:31:04 +0000

I have had a refurbished Dell for 4 years now and it has really been running great. Knock on wood! I might have gotten lucky though. Careful Rick Vaughns last blog post..Loan in 30 seconds, No credit required!

By: Scott @ The Passive Dad

Scott @ The Passive Dad — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 05:58:03 +0000

It would probably be a good idea to find another computer or at least a back-up, just in case your PC does quit. I currently have 3 PC’s and a Mac Powerbook, the PC’s just collect dust while my Mac is used daily. I actually am hoping my Powerbook starts acting up, so I have an excuse to buy the new Mac Air. But that wouldn’t be frugal

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:28:52 +0000

I know how you feel. My frugal tendencies often lead me to resist replacing things that need to be replaced for a long time. However, as a blogger, you need a reliable computer that will allow you to maintain your site.

If you can work it into your budget, I’d suggest looking for a good deal and replacing it. Once you have a new computer, you’ll wonder how you survived with the old one.

If I were you, I’d made a frugal compromise. After you buy the new computer start saving $15 a month. In 5 years when it’s time to replace your computer again, you’ll have $900 put away to painlessly get a new one.

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By: Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:54:06 +0000

While the initial outlay of money might be more than replacing parts here and there, it sounds to me like you have a lemon there. I’ve had computers for 5+ years running day-in and day-out that never had any of the issues you have had with this one warranty or no warranty.

My advice would be to get a new computer. Try buy.com as they often have great deals on laptops.

For example, the Toshiba Satellite I paid $775 for in March at HH Gregg was $650 at Buy.com — exact same computer with 2GB ram, 160GB hard drive, RW/DVD — and it is a literal powerhouse of a computer!

Just my .02….

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