First-time laptop buyer: What accessories do I need? [more inside]
posted on Jul 10, 2008 - 22 answers

Which brands/models of used laptops should I be looking at if I want (A) something that won't easily break, and (B) to avoid proprietary parts and chipsets? [more inside]
posted on May 27, 2008 - 20 answers

My Macbook Pro was stolen. Just about the only non-shitty thing about it is that I keep my huge iTunes library on an external drive. All the music files are on the drive, but the data files (library.xml) were on the stolen Mac. I have another Macbook. What's the simplest way I can rebuild my library on it? [more inside]
posted on May 8, 2008 - 13 answers

Alternative to T61p? I'm looking for a laptop that is highly reliable, has a good graphics card and lots of storage. [more inside]
posted on Apr 26, 2008 - 19 answers

Weird laptop display problem: A second after starting it up, the screen gets very, very dark. [more inside]
posted on Apr 10, 2008 - 12 answers

Additional power source/ adapter for a Dell Vostro 1500? [more inside]
posted on Mar 1, 2008 - 2 answers

I am looking to buy my first ever laptop. What I would like to know are the following oddities that I haven't gotten much info on yet: 1) Is there typically a time of year when companies all roll out there new systems? And I might be able to take advantage of sales on new systems, or on year old systems? 2) It doesn't seem like Bluetooth is available on very many midrange systems based on my initial scans, do I really need Bluetooth or just want it (for cell phone interaction now, other components in the future perhaps). 3) Are Intel processors really that much better than AMD, or is the extra money to spend on them not the best value? 4) If all I am concerned about is speed, does Vista really slow a new system down a whole lot to be concerned? [more inside]
posted on Feb 24, 2008 - 23 answers

Trying to install a new optical drive in an old laptop. Windows recognises it, but the BIOS does not! [more inside]
posted on Feb 9, 2008 - 8 answers

Idealogical-consumer-filter: Are there any Apple Macbook/Macbook Pros that are not manufactured in China? And if not, what was the last generation of Mac notebooks that had some non-China assembled versions?
posted on Feb 8, 2008 - 5 answers

What laptop should I buy for $2K? What should it come with? [more inside]
posted on Jan 23, 2008 - 35 answers

I have a Dell 8600 laptop on which it seems that the power switch has slowly died. Is there any way to save him? [more inside]
posted on Jan 10, 2008 - 3 answers

My (secondhand) Sony Vaio PCG-V505DC2 laptop's PC Card slot isn't recognizing any cards put in it (I've tried three, all of which I know work). I know it's not a driver problem because all of the cards worked until recently, when they started working only intermittently before stopping working at all. Can this be fixed in any kind of cost-effective way, preferably by myself? [more inside]
posted on Nov 25, 2007 - 6 answers

Will using superglue or gorilla glue to glue together the LCD screen case on a laptop computer work? [more inside]
posted on Oct 31, 2007 - 8 answers

WANTED : Laptop for a gorilla. [more inside]
posted on Oct 24, 2007 - 12 answers

Is there a doodad that I can hook onto my laptop that will allow me to close it partially, but not let it close all the way? Said gadget should be easily-takeable-offable, too. [more inside]
posted on Oct 20, 2007 - 8 answers

Recommmend me a mouse for my laptop that's good for gaming and of sturdy construction. [more inside]
posted on Oct 14, 2007 - 2 answers

Is it possible to buy a new laptop for around $500 with Windows XP? [more inside]
posted on Sep 30, 2007 - 6 answers

I've worked as a technology consultant and technician for nearly 17 years and in all that time, I have never been so upset by a technology purchase. About 40 days ago, I purchased a Lenovo X61t (tablet) laptop. One problem appeared immediately out of the box, the other two have developed: 1. Will not enter sleep mode. (Out of the box) 2. Dead pixel in the center of the screen. (developed) 3. Bezel is coming unglued from the screen. (developing) I would gladly have them repair it, but they've stated to me that they will not do it because they aren't sure whether the bezel issue is a defect or not, the sleep issue could be Vista related, and they allow for a minimum of eight dead pixels. Am I screwed? Do I have any means to ratchet up the pressure. Texas doesn't seem to have any lemon laws that would help me here and while I've heard of attempting to contact higher-ups or even small claims court, I am not sure how to do such things. Any advice?
posted on Sep 8, 2007 - 10 answers

My Dell Inspiron 9300 seems to have a dead motherboard; would it be worth getting it replaced or do I have a shiny new doorstop? [more inside]
posted on Aug 30, 2007 - 10 answers

Are front headphone jacks on a laptop computer a real pain? [more inside]
posted on Jul 31, 2007 - 15 answers

How can I change permissions so that i can run an underclocking program for my notebook under a guest account? I've looked in the control panel under administrator tools and tried changing some registry key permissions. [more inside]
posted on Jun 18, 2007 - 2 answers

Is there a way to hook up and display an Xbox 360 on a new laptop screen via, well, anything? [more inside]
posted on Jun 15, 2007 - 7 answers

Where Do You Keep Your Laptop When Using at Home With External Monitor and Keyboard? [more inside]
posted on Jun 11, 2007 - 12 answers

Help me figure out why my laptop screen is flickering (madly). [more inside]
posted on Jun 3, 2007 - 9 answers

Am I killing my laptop by holding it sideways (like a book)? [more inside]
posted on May 25, 2007 - 12 answers

Laptop screen quality questions: [more inside]
posted on May 7, 2007 - 10 answers

My wife wants a pink laptop. Not just a pink laptop, but a really lightweight pink laptop (preferably 3-4 lbs or less). I've gone crazy googling for it and there doesn't seem to be such a beast. I seem to remember seeing pink Sony Vaios at the local Sony store (I could've sworn it was the TX series) but the only color for TX's on the Sony site is Sienna. Close but not quite. The Sony C series has a pink model, but it's on the heavier side. It doesn't have to be super-fast or anything, just fast enough for Outlook, web browsing, etc. Does such a computer exist currently?
posted on Apr 30, 2007 - 27 answers

Am I going to regret getting a 12"-screen ultraportable laptop? [more inside]
posted on Apr 8, 2007 - 49 answers

The battery in my IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad Z60t went out of warranty 4/29/07. When I woke up today, the machine says "Irreparable damage to the battery has been detected. Replace the battery with a new one." Is it really damaged? Could it be a broken sensor? Some kind of software glitch? Is this typical? Is there a better alternative to the $159 replacement?
posted on Apr 1, 2007 - 15 answers

Does anyone still make laptops with serial (RS232) ports? [more inside]
posted on Mar 15, 2007 - 15 answers

What's the best gaming laptop I can get that will come in under 5 lbs? [more inside]
posted on Mar 9, 2007 - 13 answers

Should I buy a Dell XPS M1210, or look elsewhere? [more inside]
posted on Mar 6, 2007 - 32 answers

I need a new laptop harddrive. Can I use any that is physically the same size, or must I stick with HP? [more inside]
posted on Mar 2, 2007 - 9 answers

Why can't I find the second RAM slot in my laptop? [more inside]
posted on Jan 24, 2007 - 9 answers

Two notebook computers in the living room. How do I keep them out of sight AND on hand? [more inside]
posted on Jan 20, 2007 - 13 answers

Can this laptop be saved? eMachines M2105 bought refurbished from Tiger Direct outlet near Toronto two years ago (90 day warranty). Recently the power cord developed the "jiggle it to make it work" disease. Only it turns out that it wasn't the cord but the jack inside the computer that had the problem. Now the jack is completely loose from whatever it had been attached to and so the computer doesn't go. While online third-party parts dealers seem to have jacks for just about any other eMachines laptop, no-one seems to have this one. And the official eMachines parts supplier says I need to replace the mainboard (which costs about two-thirds of what I paid for the laptop for the part alone). [more inside]
posted on Jan 5, 2007 - 15 answers

What can I do to make a VGA input on an LCD monitor work? [more inside]
posted on Dec 3, 2006 - 7 answers

Help me identify a hardware problem with my laptop. [more inside]
posted on Nov 14, 2006 - 4 answers

iBook trackpad problems: after cleaning with a barely damp cloth, my trackpad is all jumpy. Reboots and trying to "massage" the trackpad haven't helped. Any other home remedies for this? [more inside]
posted on Nov 5, 2006 - 4 answers

Is it possible to drive a widescreen external monitor from a laptop? [more inside]
posted on Sep 3, 2006 - 10 answers

I have approximately £1800 (≈U$3400) to spend on a new laptop. I'm currently looking at a Dell Precision M65 but I'd like MeFites to explain why I shouldn't buy this, what I should buy instead in the same price range, and why. (In case you haven't guessed I have a real problem with post-purchase dissonance!) [more inside]
posted on Sep 3, 2006 - 43 answers

What current laptops have a pointing stick? [more inside]
posted on Aug 30, 2006 - 21 answers

Help my father choose a ruggedized laptop for use in a salt-water environment! [more inside]
posted on Aug 20, 2006 - 8 answers

Please help recommend a solid, mid-range laptop for a friend with excellent tech support options and good longevity. [more inside]
posted on Aug 15, 2006 - 26 answers

The metal grate that keeps fingers, etc. out of the fans on the bottom of my Toshiba notebook had bent inward towards the computer. Help! [more inside]
posted on Aug 3, 2006 - 4 answers

My laptop screen is separating from the rest of the computer! It looks like one of the two hinges is hanging on for dear life, and I'm concerned -- if it gets much worse, it will be detached on that side. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
posted on Jul 19, 2006 - 6 answers

Where can I trade-in my used laptop for money, not for a discount on a new laptop? [more inside]
posted on Jun 12, 2006 - 5 answers

One of the rubber "feet" on the bottom of my notebook computer came off and I can't seem to find it. Where can I purchase a replacement? I called technical support (Gateway), and they said they do not ship them nor can they repair it in their warehouse. [more inside]
posted on May 9, 2006 - 6 answers

What's a good laptop cooling system for, you know, your lap? [more inside]
posted on May 9, 2006 - 17 answers

After configuring two laptops (Dell E1705 and Dell XPS M1710) to my needs, the only differences are the graphics cards and the price. The XPS houses the 512MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GTX whereas the E1705 comes in the 256MB NVIDA GeForce Go 7800 flavor. The price difference is that the XPS is $1,253 more expensive. What are the major differences between the two graphic cards? What about overall differences? [more inside]
posted on Apr 23, 2006 - 12 answers

How can I shut off the auto-click feature of the touchpad on my Sony Vaio (model PCG-GRT170, if that helps)? [more inside]
posted on Mar 26, 2006 - 5 answers

I need a laptop that will handle Ableton 5, and possibly (in the future) some VJ software. I'm considering a Powerbook - or should I go Windows? [more inside]
posted on Jan 8, 2006 - 9 answers

Laptop repair in NYC? [more inside]
posted on Jan 7, 2006 - 2 answers

Looking for a laptop for DVD viewing. [more inside]
posted on Jan 2, 2006 - 13 answers

Laptop battery solutions: Should out-of-the-box battery life be the deciding factor in which laptop to purchase? Or are there reasonable workarounds? [more inside]
posted on Dec 26, 2005 - 17 answers

How do I get my external monitor to refresh faster than 60 hertz? [more inside]
posted on Nov 28, 2005 - 5 answers

Recommend me a laptop for gaming. [more inside]
posted on Nov 15, 2005 - 10 answers

Help me with a laptop purchase decision? [more inside]
posted on Sep 28, 2005 - 28 answers

I need help locating a source for lightly textured (as opposed to glossy) PDA screen protectors or a similar material in bulk, but it seems like everything out there is glossy and clear! I don't use them on a PDA, but as replaceable surfaces on my laptop's touchpad so I'm open to trying something other than a screen protector. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted on Sep 10, 2005 - 8 answers

Alienware vs. Dell: I humbly request personal experiences to aid in the resolution of my notebook-buying dilemma. [more inside]
posted on Aug 11, 2005 - 30 answers

I'm going to be travelling/out in public with my notebook computer a lot in the next month. Any tips? [more inside]
posted on Sep 27, 2004 - 13 answers

My laptop keeps losing it's rubber feet! It's a dell inspiron 660m. thistothat.com suggests something called Barges Glue, but I'm concerned because of two things. One, that my laptop gets quite toasty (it's on my lap for two hours of commuting every day), and two, that there's the goopy messy remains of the original glue that I'm not sure what to do with. Anyone got a nifty solution?
posted on Jul 28, 2004 - 3 answers

Can you help me spend an absolute max. of £1500 (UKP) on a laptop PC? Using some quite hefty/nasty engineering apps so it needs some grunt to it; wirless technology would be nice, but is not essential; and something that looks the part would be ace too!
posted on Apr 15, 2004 - 10 answers