How old is your laptop?

[samclem]

I have a low-end ASUS K-series, just one year old and doing fine. Before that was a Toshiba that died at 4 years. I buy 'em on sale when the old one crumps. I never look forward to getting a new computer, all the data transfer, reinstallation of software, getting the printer and networks hooked up, etc is just not fun.
When my laptop is plugged in (95% of the time) I keep the battery out and only at about 50% charge. When I go on the road a few times per month, it goes back in and gets cycled. I think this should help it live longer than keeping it in the laptop and always charging/charged up.

[oldtrig]

To Disappointed
Download the utility for the brand of hard drive you have and write it to all zero's. Have done that hundreds of times and it is quite easy. Your infor will be gone forever. Here is a link that you can download and do the erase.
CMRR - Secure Erase

[Sue J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by modhatter Well, I'd like to get at least another year out of my Dell. I'm interested in the laptops that can send your computer internet wirelessly to the TV screen. (no cord) Can't remember what it is called. Something similar to Wifi.

Would that be wireless HDMI?
The Best Thing at CES - Intel's Wireless HD Technology - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

[missionfinder]

I currently run an HP DV7 2185DX. 19" wide screen. 4 core CPU, 6 gigs of RAM, 7200 RPM 500 gb hard drive (replaced the slower drive it came with and sold that on Ebay). My wife inherited my Toshiba P105-6064 which I bought 5+ years ago. Son inherited a Compaq desktop from her when she inherited mine. We typically get 10 years out of systems using the inheritance model! After that, I part them out on Ebay (I get more for parts than complete systems). For battery replacements, I buy them on Amazon, off-brand, for about 1/3rd to 1/2 the price of the OEM brand (research when you do this, not all aftermarket batteries are good buys).

I had an Acer laptop from hell 7-8 years ago (weighed 14 lbs). It was what was called a desktop replacement. Full size 19" screen (not the widescreens which take up less space). More powerful desktop CPU (verses the power saving models used in most laptops), used normal faster ram instead of the smaller laptop sticks, etc. It was the one system we didn't "hand down" because my wife didn't want such a heavy laptop. Nice thing was I was able to sell it used for over $600.

Wife's Toshiba has decided in the last 6 months that its going to start dying. First a vertical white line appeared on the right side of the screen. I asked her if she wanted to replace the laptop or buy a new screen (about $125) and she said that she mainly used her external monitor so don't bother spending the money. Well, now the external monitor port has given up the ghost. I have a USB2VGA adapter which allows you to add another monitor through a USB port (I used it a couple of years ago when I had 4 monitors on my desktop because I multitask a lot!).

Well, its just not fast enough to be used as a primary monitor so I bit the bullet.... I have an old system with a dead motherboard. I purchased a new motherboard, 4 gig of RAM and 3 core AMD CPU for $167 including shipping and will be setting that up for her on Monday --- using the hard-drive from her laptop.

[Disappointed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtrig To Disappointed Download the utility for the brand of hard drive you have and write it to all zero's. Have done that hundreds of times and it is quite easy. Your infor will be gone forever. Here is a link that you can download and do the erase. CMRR - Secure Erase

Thanks, I have two computers that I would like to donate to the local charity org.

mP

[modhatter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue J Would that be wireless HDMI? The Best Thing at CES - Intel's Wireless HD Technology - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. I know there are a couple of models coming out. Didn't want to be the first one on the block to buy, hence wanted to get some more time out on mine. Have not seen any price mentioned on them yet.

Also you need to plug box into your HDMI opening on your TV. I have a Sony LCD top of the line 3 years ago TV, but it only has one HDMI opening on it in the back, which is in use. Wonder if there is a splitter that can be used. Never heard of one. Anyone know?

[Nodak]

There are a number of HDMI hubs available Markertek is one source:
Markertek - Audio and Video Equipment - Professional Broadcast Studio Equipment

[modhatter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nodak There are a number of HDMI hubs available Markertek is one source: Markertek - Audio and Video Equipment - Professional Broadcast Studio Equipment

Wow, for $500 I could almost buy a new TV. Am I looking at the right thing I wonder?

[GregLee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by modhatter Wonder if there is a splitter that can be used.

There are such devices, but my impression is that the ones which would work for home video are quite expensive. Monoprice.com has several models. You might look for an AVR (Audio-Visual Receiver) which can switch among several HDMI sources and route one to an HDMI output which goes to the TV. AVRs do more than just switch video, but unlike an HDMI splitter, they are standard mass consumer items, and you wouldn't necessarily have to get loudspeakers to hook up to one.

[modhatter]

I found this on Amazon. Can't say how it would work compared to more expensive ones, but I like the price.

Amazon.com: HDMI 3-In 1-Out HDMI Auto Switch with 1.5 ft. Cable: Electronics