It could be that...
 

while Billye misses us, she's hurting too much rite now to think about such things.

Don't forget, that percocet and other pain-killers do create a real and serious um 'constipation' issue? On top of the Pain? And having to wait for help to the bathroom or other alternatives...and all, that all entails?

My last surgery, I got 'settled' into the observation room for the nite and the nurse started to inject pain-killers into my IV line. Me, being me, asked what it was..."percocet". I asked if I could have some colace or the like "To go with it?" Nurse, hesitated, as it wasn't in the doctor's orders. My reply was: "Well, the doc's don't think of the consequences, do they?" Got the colace. Avoided LOTS of s/e's in the long term.

As for the type of machine that might be gotten, I can't speak for all, but, IF MY DH [a sort of computer expert] were to get me a new one, it would NOT be a Dell, probably some clone with a half-way decent record.

I do hope she accepts this as a very small token of our combined appreciation and gratitude for all she has given to US, and that it can ease her recovery in many other ways as well. Having her here even side-ways would be a blessing!

Very, soft, fuzzie hugs for the interim, dear lady. You have to get well and be loved by your 'KIDS', they must be fretting for you something awful!
Could your DH sneak one in? Super good thought vibrating your way! - j

Karen--
 

can you do this---get a dell with xp?

mrs d: I know you are right that right now she is overwhelmed. But she won't always feel overwhelmed, and she won't have the laptop for those moments either. I'm leaning towards ignoring her request to desist, But this isn't my decision alone. I'd like a group decision here.

In fact, can somebody make a poll? That would help. With two questions:
1. should we do it?
2. can you chip in something?

People who know how to make polls--are you there?

Silverlady and antibiotics
 

Billye, I know you don't know me, but I am worried for you because you have an infection. The Dr's. will be giving you antibiotics. That is necessary when
you have a bad infection, but please just don't let them give you antibiotics in the FLUOROQUINOLONE class. These types of antibiotics are very dangerous and are neurotoxic. They have side effects that will make your original problems seem like nothing. PLEASE BE WARNED !!! If you are given these types of antibiotics, be very wary of any side effects and stop IMEDIATELY! Most Dr's. are unaware of this problem, and don't seem to want to know. CIPRO, LEVAQUIN, and AVELOX are three of the main ones, but there are several others in the fluoroquinolone class too. There was a warning released in 10/04 about them, but it is hidden in the fine print.

Good luck Billye getting better. We all care about you. Nacho. :winky:

Dell was supposedly going back to offering XP on machines because they received so many complaints about Vista. Something most people don't realize about Dell and all of the rest of the builders out there...there *is* no local tech support as far as hardware goes. They all have to be shipped somewhere unless you can find an authorized support shop: That is, a shop that is an authorized Dell or Gateway or whatever brand name hardware and tech support service provider. There is no such thing as building a laptop like there is with regular towers. If that's not correct someone please enlighten me and point me to some links with the necessary hardware. All the manufacturers that offer warranties also have a no-open clause. If you open the case you've violated and voided your warranty. Then you're just plain SOL.

Has anyone checked into a used or reconditioned laptop? What is the opinion on this?

Notebooks are in fact quite different than desktops. In the "old days" (pre-PN), I built quite a few desktops. But although I have worked on notebooks, I have never built one from scratch, and I don't think any of my computer guru friends have either. The electronics are vastly different, because of the minimization and the need to deal with heat issues.

In general, notebooks are less reliable than desktops because of these factors, although I will say that they have become much more reliable in recent years. Nevertheless, I would advise against a refurbished notebook for Billye, if for no other reason than the warranty coverage is bad, often 90 days.

Jarrett is essentially correct about notebook repairs. Repairs that involve replacing parts most often mean that either the unit gets sent back for "depot" repair or a new hard drive or motherboard must be sent to the repair facility. Because each notebook uses its own specialized stuff, even the authorized dealers can't stock replacement parts.

Well, the good news is that there is no need to be limited to one or two brands. That is not to say that some brands don't offer better service than others. For instance, IBM is just about always at the top of the notebook list. Please no posts from disgruntled IBM users - I had one go bad and then the service got royally screwed up - it can happen with any brand.

I am wondering if perhaps the buying could wait. I guess the idea is to get her one now while she is in the hospital, but if we had a little more time and with Billye's input, I think that a better choice could be made. I wonder if anyone can lend her one during her stay. Or perhaps we could rent one for her - however going through normal outlets is usually too expensive and would be wasteful in the long run.

Anyway, a few thoughts to consider. Oh - about the Vista and XP thing: I sort of agree with sentiments about the problems with Vista. But I also think that companies are starting to come around with the necessary drivers. We had the exact same situation when XP rolled out, and people complained that their stuff worked with 2000, but not with XP.

I tend to think that Vista would actually be a better choice for Billye, unless she has some old and necessary peripherals. This doesn't count printers, as Vista should be able to work with any printer that XP can - in fact with printers, the problem is more likely to be with relatively newer printers.

rafi

We have 2 Dells...
 

a traditional desktop(2yrs +) and a new laptop (a year old).

Both are very nice, and work well. Have had no problems at all.

My husband over the years has had several laptops provided by his job.(none were a Dell).
All of them have had issues. Right now he has a compaq which has lasted quite a while. But the main problems he has had have revolved around the opening/closing of the lid/screen. We don't carry our laptop around much, so that may not be an issue for us with the Dell.

I personally don't like laptops -- I don't like typing on one. But that is just me.

I will donate generously to whatever is decided however.

Dell or ???
 

Just spoke with Dell - the cheapest laptop they have is $550 - very basic and skin and bones - and needs to be built - takes about week and a half and is shipped out... we can get any other brand with similar specs and price in stores..... Dell laptops comparable to what we looked at yesterday are also in same price range that were looked at....

I guess its up to the group - I hope we can help Silverlady - I know our main concern is helping her feel better:)

Good point, Kmeb!
 

It's would do the most good and be of best use to get a viable working machine to her now, when encouragement is most needed. Two weeks is too long?

Who cares if it's the equivalent of a Ford, Honda or Porsche - as long as it does the JOB!

Soo, let's get this show on the road! Hugs Billye! Can't wait to see your posts :hug: :hug: - j

quick note
 

Just to say that I'm working full time and have a couple of long days. I'm happy to do what I can for this to make it happen, but I would prefer others making the decision and figuring it out. Okay?

First though pretty new I'm sending healthy wishes and thoughts. I have been in many hospitals in my life and make sure to use your voice and get what you need. There suppose to make you as mentally and physically comfortable as possible. As for the computer issue as I have been in bed for a3 months I would be lost without my laptop its a dell and I love it. It has kept me sane. I have a desktop but right now am often to ill to sit up so the laptop is perect. I know dell sells waranties as well. I'm confused when you spoke to her husband did he say no to the computer or they couldn't afford it? I think if they can afford and she even uses it once an awhile and it lifts her spirits its well worth it. Anything to brighten the mood.