What's a "decent" lock for a 13" MacBook under around $20.00? [more inside]
posted on May 4, 2008 - 7 answers

My laptop bag is a rat's nest of headphones, power cables, USB cables and ethernet cables. I don't have 10 minutes to spend every morning and night wrapping each cable into a nice little package and then securing velcro. Are there any laptop bags or cable management solutions that (1) organize A LOT of cables and (2) allow me to quickly pack and unpack my laptop and cables?
posted on Mar 18, 2008 - 15 answers

What's the best strategy for buying new laptops and selling old ones? I usually buy a new computer once every five years or so and then sell my old one. Say I spend $3000 for a new one and sell the old one for $300. Would I be better off buying a new one every year and selling the old one each year? In other words, would I get more for the old one that it would make up for the depreciation in waiting five years? [more inside]
posted on Feb 14, 2008 - 17 answers

My computer used to have the ability to hibernate and sleep... now it is as if those options never existed. What happened and how do I fix it? [more inside]
posted on Jan 24, 2008 - 8 answers

Low-cost, bare-bones, all I wanna do is type - recommend me a low-cost, take-anywhere laptop alternative. [more inside]
posted on Oct 19, 2007 - 27 answers

GISFilter: Will ArcGIS run smoothly on a bootcamped MacBook? [more inside]
posted on Sep 21, 2007 - 8 answers

Where can I take a look at a Fujitsu laptop around Vancouver, BC/Seattle, WA area? [more inside]
posted on Sep 10, 2007 - 2 answers

What's the prettiest mid-size laptop? [more inside]
posted on Aug 14, 2007 - 20 answers

Help me exert dread control of 50 laptops! [more inside]
posted on Aug 10, 2007 - 20 answers

Corporate IT Folk: What does your company use to ensure its remote users' files are backed up regularly? Not whole remote sites, but individual users, working in the field or out of their homes? [more inside]
posted on Jul 12, 2007 - 11 answers

My HP Pavillion dv4000 is not allowing me to log into the computer. It did this once before saying i lost my password and i had to have my ex do some trickery and it was fine. Now it is doing it all over again. This time I did not have a password..it has just locked me out completely. [more inside]
posted on Jun 17, 2007 - 9 answers

Are there any good sub $1500 notebooks with Vista MCE's new cablecard for recording high def video? [more inside]
posted on May 22, 2007 - 4 answers

SpeculativeUsedLaptopFilter: If I wanted a laptop that was relatively, in order of necessity, cheap, fast, running an OS with an efficient but possibly low-tech GUI, and light, what might my optimal setup be, in both hardware and software? [more inside]
posted on Apr 20, 2007 - 16 answers

Mobile Computing Filter - my boss has informed me he would like me to get some sort of mobile computing device to become more efficient while on the road. I've been looking at Pocket PCs, Blackberrys, Tablet PCs, Trios etc. What do you use? What works and what does not? What features do you wish you had? (I've done some Ask.Mefi research with little success) [more inside]
posted on Mar 20, 2007 - 14 answers

An educational program on my brother's laptop called "Weld_IT" won't properly display any i's or l's. It sort of tries, but they're nearly invisible. As you might expect this is very annoying and makes for difficult reading. He's running Windows XP Tablet Edition. Resolution changes don't help, neither does reinstalling the software. The program looks fine on my (reg'lar XP) desktop. What can we do?
posted on Mar 1, 2007 - 10 answers

So, I want to buy a Macbook. A new Macbook 2GHz/1GB/SuperDrive/Core2 costs $1200 while the 1.83Ghz/1GB/SuperDrive/CoreDuo/REFURB will cost me $800. So, apart from differentiating engineering terms, and ofsetting the fact that the REFURB ALSO comes with a 1yr warranty, is the $800 not a better "bang for the buck" than a new macbook ? Are there any compelling reasons to get a new one or otherwise ? Thanks
posted on Feb 27, 2007 - 21 answers

Dual monitors - working independent - on a laptop. (more inside) [more inside]
posted on Feb 22, 2007 - 12 answers

This question was asked about a year ago.... I'm looking for a compact, small screen (12" or less) laptop for travel that's decently priced. Any thoughts/advise?
posted on Jan 27, 2007 - 16 answers

What are the 'springiest' keyboards? [more inside]
posted on Nov 19, 2006 - 14 answers

UK Mefites.. I have around £500 to spend on a laptop, to help my GF become internet capable. Nothing fancy required, as it'll be pretty much internet & e-mail only. Wireless is one requirement, decent sized screen another. Any recommendations, or any that I should avoid at all costs.
posted on Oct 12, 2006 - 12 answers

Should I attempt to repair my broken laptop screen? [more inside]
posted on Sep 22, 2006 - 10 answers

Can I remotely connect to my printer? [more inside]
posted on Aug 22, 2006 - 7 answers

My place of employment sees a LOT of laptops come and go. Recently a PIII Dell Latitude L400 ultralight came through and was marked for surplus, but I want to use it for Ubuntu. One snag, though. [more inside]
posted on Aug 21, 2006 - 12 answers

What is the Dell equivalent of a T-series Thinkpad? [more inside]
posted on Jul 9, 2006 - 19 answers

I need recommendations as too which laptop i should get as a replacement for my current desktop. For a web developer, mostly coding and doing a little graphic work. [more inside]
posted on Jun 10, 2006 - 15 answers

What can I do about dead pixels, and why do they happen? [more inside]
posted on Mar 20, 2006 - 6 answers

My computer keeps overheating. But that's not the problem I need help with. I can't figure out how to remove one of the screws from the case because it's stripped. What can I do? [more inside]
posted on Mar 15, 2006 - 16 answers

I just got a new laptop...help me care for it so it has a long and happy life. [more inside]
posted on Jan 18, 2006 - 31 answers

Help me figure out how to manage large amounts of data on a laptop. Music, Tivo downloads, photos... I'm running out of room! [more inside]
posted on Dec 16, 2005 - 10 answers

I have just received an old, partly broken Dell Latitude c600 laptop (by virtue of being the first one to say "You're going to throw that out?"). I booted it up and found out that it has a whopping 8 mb video card. Do I need to find a special laptop video card to replace it or can I order any desktop card to put in?
posted on Nov 25, 2005 - 15 answers

I'm about to buy a new laptop. Is there a good way of finding out which laptops have devices on board that are noncompatible with a regular Windows install? Let me explain further, in regard to an annoying HP Omnibook I have... [more inside]
posted on Nov 2, 2005 - 6 answers

Is an "ultrabright" laptop screen worth it? [more inside]
posted on Nov 1, 2005 - 6 answers

Why are laptop AC adaptors so damn heavy? Do they make lighter ones? [more inside]
posted on Oct 11, 2005 - 10 answers

I'm starting my graduate program this year and have decided I need to get a computer of my own (no more all-nighters in the school computer labs) but think a laptop would best suit my needs as I can carry my work from home to school, etc. I've been researching a bit and I'm attracted to the iBookG4 (14") but to be honest I don't know a whole lot about computers and so would appreciate some more "expert" opinions. I enjoy the student discount (and let's face it, the free iPod mini doesn't hurt either) but am unsure as to whether or not I need to upgrade the hard-drive or even what the benefit of a Superdrive will be to me. It comes with 512 MB memory, a 60GB hard drive, and an 8X Superdrive (which can be downgraded to the DVD/CDRW drive). Most of this is greek to me. Also, do I need to get the AppleCare Protection Plan? I'm trying to keep things relatively inexpensive but am willing to spend money for quality. Thanks! [more inside]
posted on Sep 7, 2005 - 19 answers

My roommate's Sony Vaio PCG-F590 notebook, has had a peculiar problem for a couple of years now. In short, BIOS doesn't recognise the HDD, but only for the purposes of booting. [more inside]
posted on May 23, 2005 - 2 answers

Mac vs. PC. Thinkpad vs. Powerbook. Yet another laptop question: recommend me the best laptop as desktop replacement for a web designer. [more inside]
posted on Feb 22, 2005 - 24 answers

Laptops (again). I want to buy one. Specifically, I want to know which laptop is the best for multi-track audio editing (and why). Aditionally, which software should I use if I want to create stories "pro" enough for radio journalism? Do I have to get pricey studio stuff? Finally, when people out there submit already-produced audio stories to say BBC, NPR, PRI, Pacifica . . . is there a simple way to send the files via email? What kind of file would it have to be?
posted on Feb 13, 2005 - 9 answers

My laptop can't produce sound clearly, but last night it could. I know next to nothing about computers. What's with this?
posted on Feb 10, 2005 - 12 answers

My PowerBook is shocking my delicate forearms. The light silver paint on front edge of the laptop is majorly wearing off. What's a quick and inexpensive way to fix it? [+]
posted on Feb 4, 2005 - 10 answers

The external monitor plug on my laptpop (Toshiba Staellite 1700, XP, about 2 years old) has stopped working. Are there work-arounds to get display to a data projector/external monitor? (more displayed inside).
posted on Feb 3, 2005 - 11 answers

Something has gone horribly wrong with the spacebar on my laptop. You have to hit it in the middle to get it to work. If you tap it towards one side, nothing happens.

I admit, I removed it to clean it. Maybe this damaged it. But all the other keys on my laptop can be safely removed and replaced without damage. It's a Toshiba Portege. I'm weirded out.
posted on Jan 27, 2005 - 5 answers

I need a new backpack. (My current one hurts my back and is covered in cat hair.) My new backpack goals are: (1) it should hold my computer comfortably (Powerbook G4), but (2) I don't want the boxy rectangular ones they sell at the Apple store; (3) I want something smart and sexy (perhaps in yellow?). Is this too much to ask? I'd also (4) like to be able to buy it online.
posted on Jan 16, 2005 - 16 answers

OS-less laptops: I'm in the market for a new laptop computer, and I've got a couple of unused XP licenses currently going to waste. Where can I buy a reliable laptop computer without paying the Microsoft Tax?
posted on Jan 11, 2005 - 10 answers

I'm going to Japan in a few weeks and I'm wondering about the differences in electrical outlets and how my laptop (powerbook g4) will be able to handle it, and if there is a special kind of adapter I need because it's a computer. All the power adaptor kits i've found thus far have been for hairdryers and what not. Anyone know?

And while I'm at it, anyone know anything good to do in Kyoto, especially for New Years? heh.
posted on Dec 12, 2004 - 18 answers

Despite my fear of unleashing a deluge or being castigated for not paying attention to previous posts, I would greatly appreciate some counsel with regard to an upcoming laptop purchase. Previous posts on this haven't addressed some of the issues that I'm juggling, so please bear with me. (More inside)
posted on Dec 1, 2004 - 22 answers

I'm thinking of getting a new laptop to replace my Sony Picturebook (the 800x480 screen is just too cramped). I would very, very much like this to not be a Windows system. And since I'm finding out more by accident than I am by searching, I thought I'd throw out some questions here. Looking for suggestions on the best way to proceed. [mi]
posted on Nov 19, 2004 - 21 answers

I'm thinking about buying a Thinkpad (work related) and wanted to know if anyone had any experience with IBM's "depot repair" warranty option. Worth the extra money, or not so much? Also, does anyone know if you can purchase an extended warranty after you've purchased the laptop and used it for a while? Or, put more succinctly; "How does IBM's warranty program compare with Applecare?"
posted on Sep 5, 2004 - 5 answers

I have an IBM T41 laptop with the high-res 1400x1080 display, which is a great machine. However, the screen isn't great for touching up digital pictures because the colours aren't as good as the CRT on my PC. Is there any way I can tweak the display settings to improve the colour rendition?
posted on Sep 4, 2004 - 7 answers

Here's a weird one: my computer has been turning back on two or three minutes after I power down for the night. It only stays off after I shut it down for a second time. What's strange is that it is undeniably off during those three minutes; no lights, no fans, nothing. The machine just rises from the dead.

This has only been happening for the past week or so. It's an XP computer running an Athlon 2500 on an MSI motherboard with the factory power supply. Any ideas?
posted on Aug 19, 2004 - 6 answers

I recently purchased an ethernet card for my laptop. It's not working. (MI)
posted on Aug 15, 2004 - 8 answers