I think kmeb is the laptop expert here. She's had more experience, including miserable ones, and is more dependent upon her laptop for life than the rest of us. She's also been incredibly helpful in making phone calls and checking out options, despite her upcoming heart tests.

I disagree about consulting Billye. I know that seems odd, but really, if you wanted to give someone a surprise birthday present, what would they say? Almost universally, I think the response would be, oh, no, you don't have to do that. And then if you offer something very big, and ask the person to choose between two expensive, extravagant options what would they say? Probably, oh no, pleae don't, you don't have to do that.

I'm pretty sure that's what Billye will tell us, as she has---oh no, we don't have to do this.

Just a quick observation about Vista.
My son (the one who had the accident & is a 'quadriplegic') bought a new Toshiba with all the bells & whistles, and it came with Vista.
(it seems ALL the new systems come with Vista)
Almost all of the bundle that came with it is 60/90 day free trial and then you have to buy.
His old XP programs won't work with Vista, he has to buy upgrades.
His Dragon Naturally Speaking 8.0 that works with XP won't work unless he buys ($149.00) the upgrade to 9.0 and then he has to download a package to make it 9.5.
His tekkie buddy tried to install a dual boot system and have the 2 O.S.'s XP & Vista, but there are no Toshiba drivers to let him do it. Toshiba is aware of the problem and is 'working on it'.
That laptop is as good as a $985.00 fishing weight to him, until he gets the right drivers.
Meanwhile his buddy had to uninstall Vista to get XP to work
(it does, but no programs will run) and now has to wipe XP
and reinstall Vista.
Vista is OK if you've got the programs you want pre-installed, or you're willing to shell out mucho $$ for upgrades to everything- but its so new that it is (in my son's case) a Royal PIA!
XP is a lot better if you want a proven system that won't cost you an arm and a leg to get operating. Most programs that are available on the shelf are not all that Vista compatible- yet.

.....I'll pick her up when she is discharged early AM. I think she feels she can cope with daily tasks using a walker to move about the house and with some minor modifications to the bathrooms. So she will be back at home on this machine tomorrow PM. Besides, she will be busy from 7-9PM tonight watching "American Idol".

Len

--nor major physical debilitation shall stay the fans of American Idol from the swift completion of their appointed couches.

I don't know whether to be disturbed or gratified by that.

But, does this mean we're on laptop hold?

we'll...y'all be on good behavior tonight. i'll be watching american idol too.

i'm so happy to hear billye is coming home!!Attachment 1346

THEY NEVER SHOULD HAVE KICKED OFF MELINDA!!!

Every time Blake opens his mouth and does his BeeBop stuff I want to throw up!!!!

Jordan, well when she stand next to Ryan Seacrest, she makes him look like a shrimp. How tall is this person anyway!!!!!

But she can sing!!

Melody

LizaJane emailed me and asked me to read through this thread, which I have scanned through. I hope you all do not think I am a computer guru, because that is about the last thing I know about.

However, if getting a computer to Billye is what is needed, the moderator of this group asked me if I would go with her to take it to her She too lives in this area.

I will try my best to go with her, or take it to Billye if she is unable to go. Greenville is not all that far from me and I would love to meet her in person. I have a load of doctors' appointments, but will try my best to help here.

I will check back here to see what has been worked out.

Cathie

Ok i'm been in the hospital since Monday,i'm not computer savy what is a
wireless and why must i need one of them?? i Have to go bach in a few days
help don't want to miss any thing.. Sue

Question: Would an extended warranty be worth looking into or are these basically just a good way to "extend" the total cost?

NH

Having had at least four laptops - I made sure I could buy extended warranties when I bought the machines (they try to get you to buy them at time of purchase but often can be purchased later on) - the current machine I have I got from a store that came with manufacturer warranty which I purchased extra "accidental injury" for (if you drop the laptop or something, its important because by nature they are moved around and some of us are not so graceful - like me!- so are still covered by warranty because normal warranty does cover "user" damage) - ... and if I want to extend at a later date - I can..... so yes, the option to be able to do so is important!!!!!