I Need Computer Advise, Please

[GoodDog]

Here's my problem. My computer is an 8 year old laptop and it's not feeling very well. Lately it's been running very slow and locking up. I use Norton 360 which isn't a cheap subscription. I ran Malware, defraged and dumped old files, no change. The lid is taped on and glued in places with Gorilla Glue.

Bottom line is I think it's time to bury this thing but I need to find something cheap. I don't run a lot of programs even though I managed to accumulate many over the years. I need an office suite, WiFi, rewritable CD/DVD, flash drive (camera), and a good battery so I can sit it outside. I don't do any fancy digital or run huge applications... just regular home stuff and of course spend a lot of time here.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[leannebug]

I feel your pain. My laptop is similiar (minus the gorilla glue and duct tape )

I don't have a rec for where or what to get, but I do have a couple suggestions for the meanwhile. Whatthetech is a good site to help clean up and speed up your computer. Also try here and here to clean up some of the garbage that gets DL on to your harddrive.

I have another one I love, but it's on my desktop, and I'm 'stuck' in my chair ATM.

Ooops, the second "here" is for various help subjects, but it's Cnet, and you really can't go wrong there. Bummer.. just found out my favorite sight is closed up shop (was Computercops, then Castlecops) but there are several places around. You just need one to give you good instructions on 'cleaning' up your machine. I know I have a pleuthra of links on my desktop for that stuff. I'll try and post it tomorrow.

 

[Crusylicious]

When all else fails, backup your data and reinstall windows.

 

[mrjaguar]

or you can take it to your local staples and ask them to do the free tuneup. there are no strings attached, but they will try to sell you stuff like more ram, new HD.. just decline all the other crap and get the tuneup

 

[GoodDog]

I have a Staples close to me. Do I need to leave the computer or do they do it while you wait?

 

[mrjaguar]

you leave it there for a day or so, depending on how busy they are.

 

[Blaze]

If your willing to get a new PC, for the list you gave I'd reco a netbook w/external DVD drive. If not, backup/save all info you want to keep, wipe the drive with Derek's Boot and Nuke (or something similar), and re-install opsys. I really have to suggest the new PC however. Think of dog years and apply to the PC

 

[GoodDog]

If your willing to get a new PC, for the list you gave I'd reco a netbook w/external DVD drive. If not, backup/save all info you want to keep, wipe the drive with Derek's Boot and Nuke (or something similar), and re-install opsys. I really have to suggest the new PC however. Think of dog years and apply to the PC

I think you're right, especially as cheap as they are new. I could spend as much trying to get it fixed since I don't know how to do it. And the opsys disk was lost a long time ago.

Someone PMed me and recommended an ASUS and I've found some for under $400. *gulp* Kinda makes a knot in the pit of my stomach. But it's the best thing I can do for myself since you guys are my social life.

 

[Crusylicious]

Keep us updated Gooddog, I'll keep my eyes out for some deals in the mean time and if I find anything, will let you know.

 

[mrjaguar]

If your willing to get a new PC, for the list you gave I'd reco a netbook w/external DVD drive. If not, backup/save all info you want to keep, wipe the drive with Derek's Boot and Nuke (or something similar), and re-install opsys. I really have to suggest the new PC however. Think of dog years and apply to the PC

a netbook? why? aside from being small there is nothing to be gained from a netbook. they're slow, they have no cdrom, they're not very upgradable, and they're a pain in the ..... (I work on them frequently.) the asus laptops are pretty good. I personally own an HP laptop.

 

[Crusylicious]

A netbook will do what Gooddog needs, will be more powerfull than an 8year old laptop, and even with an external dvd drive it will be cheaper than going for a full blown laptop.

 

[Blaze]

A netbook will do what Gooddog needs, will be more powerfull than an 8year old laptop, and even with an external dvd drive it will be cheaper than going for a full blown laptop.

This was my train of thought

 

[Gunjji]

Check out TigerDirect

Where I do my shopping!

Ill even donate $50.00 towards one because I feel so bad for you... LOL Duct Tape & Gorilla glue... LOL, Now thats funny!!!

 

[mini_art]

Hey I love my pink Toshiba netbook darn it! LOL I have had almost every name brand puter over the years and this works just fine for me now. Toshiba is a bit larger then many netbooks , but is small enough to crate around really easily,which is why I wanted it.

 

[keyzygirl]

I also use a netbook.Its affordable and it works.

 

[GoodDog]

Check out TigerDirect

Where I do my shopping!

Ill even donate $50.00 towards one because I feel so bad for you... LOL Duct Tape & Gorilla glue... LOL, Now thats funny!!!

Are you serious? Wow that is so generous and very needed. Thank you!!!

 

[Crusylicious]

Newegg is ALOT cheaper than tigerdirect. I used to use both, but then tigerdirect stopped having competitive pricing. The only time I go tigerdirect now is if I need something that somehow isn't on newegg, OR if they have a nice deal at the time.

 

[Blaze]

Newegg is ALOT cheaper than tigerdirect. I used to use both, but then tigerdirect stopped having competitive pricing. The only time I go tigerdirect now is if I need something that somehow isn't on newegg, OR if they have a nice deal at the time.

+1 to this

and their C/S is bar none the best in the business

 

[leannebug]

My parents got my oldest a Viao (vizo?) something like that... for Christmas. It seems to be a great laptop, and my thrifty dad even got up and went to Radio Shack at 5 am on Black Friday! lol. Seriously, the computer has received a LOT of abuse, and is holding up well, considering.

 

[GoodDog]

Computers are really cheap right now but it sucks that they don't come with any programs like they use to. That's what gets pricey!