Yes, 3 yrs ago our Dell laptop was over $1000 (we wanted the larger screen etc).

This year we have 3gig ram, a huge HD, 3x faster processor, large screen, etc... for 1/2 of what paid 3 yrs ago, 6hr batt.. Besides in Dec Dell was running a $268 off as well. Our HD died last week in that other laptop. I guess laptops have shorter lives than towers? We don't carry it around much, only on vacation. (its battery died this summer on vacation, which was a major bummer since we don't have electricity!)
If it is a quick fix, perhaps I can have it for wee hours working here from bed? LOL won't have to come downstairs which is risky for me at those times. I'm always worried about a fall.

We are taking it to my son's on Xmas and he is going to help us set up. He is also going to keep our sick one and try to fix it at his leisure. It is amazing how dependent we have both become on the internet!