New Computer- help

[witchbsword]

I'm thinking of getting a new laptop, just a simple one for Internet and watching movies, listening to music, etc.
I've used PC all my life, but now I'm considering Macs. I have had bad luck with PC/Microsoft all the time; replacing them within one to two years. My brother and a friend of mine have the same Mac (powerbook) for years now and never had problems. Would anyone recommend getting one? Or should I stick to PC? Is there one you would recommend? (Please keep it reasonably priced... maybe $800-1200.)

My current problem with my laptop: the screen keeps flickering. If I push it back it goes all black. It's not easy to hold and use a laptop when I have to keep it halfway closed at 30 degrees! Anyone have any suggestions so I don't have to send this in to HP?

 

[Rii]

Sounds like a MacBook would be perfect for you.

 

[FPAlpha]

My current problem with my laptop: the screen keeps flickering. If I push it back it goes all black. It's not easy to hold and use a laptop when I have to keep it halfway closed at 30 degrees! Anyone have any suggestions so I don't have to send this in to HP?

If you know how to use a screwdriver you could try and dismantle the laptop casing because it appears that your display cable might be broken or loose, i.e. the cable transmitting the video signal to your display.

If nothing is visible or loose you still might try to have it repaired or at least checked and then decide if it's worth it.

As to your new laptop:

If all you do is surf the net and listen to music why not look at some of the new netbooks.. if you don't mind having a small screen they might be something for you (and quite cheaper than a standard notebook).

 

[witchbsword]

FPAlpha- I would take a screwdriver, but I'm afraid of making the situation worse! Thanks for your advice.

Also, thank you, Rii. I'm shopping around...

 

[Deks]

There's a possibility that your back-light is on the verge of going out (I experienced similar issues like you), the inverter is having issues, or the video cable is messed up.
Of course I wouldn't exclude the graphics card (regardless of the fact if it's an integrated or a dedicated one), but the back-light is almost always the first thing to go.

If your laptop is under warranty, then call HP and notify them of this issue, telling them you suspect that the back-light, inverter, or the video cable are to blame.
If your laptop is NOT under warranty, then go to the nearest shop that deals with computer repairs as HP themselves could charge you a hefty fee for the repairs (although let them give you an estimate on how much it would cost just in case).

When my old laptop's back-light went out, I was in somewhat of a pickle because I bought it in UK, and I was in Croatia when it happened (plus my warranty expired of course).
Numerous services wanted to charge over $200 without taxes for a stupid back-light repair.
So when I went to London about 2 weeks later, I just took it to a repair shop, they confirmed it was the back-light (as I already knew it), told me to come back in 24 hours.
My laptop had a brand new back-light when I came back for it, worked without issues and I was charged only £40 for the repairs.
I considered the possibility I might have been ripped off, but that was the cheapest I was able to find, and I gotta tell you it was worth it.

As far as purchasing a new laptop is concerned ...
Hm ...
If you will be doing relatively simplistic stuff on it as you said (Internet, watching movies and possibly use it for taking notes), then you might want to consider getting a Netbook instead.
A quality one though.
It will be much more portable for one thing, and can have a functioning life-span of 5 hours when on battery.
My roommate got himself one. Ithas 5 hours on the battery and is quite portable (more than adequate for basic aspects).

 

[Mr. B]

It sounds like you need to reseat the LCD monitor connectors, or perhaps some wires are shredding. In any event, I bet this problem is easily fixed if you're able to take apart your machine. If it's still under warranty have the manufacture do it.

Out of curiosity, what has caused to to buy a new laptop every 1-2 years?