My laptop is a Dell from 2006. I know, it’s a travesty that I’m still using it. Well, it was doing good for a while. Then, I put new virus and spyware checkers on it that killed the speed. After that, I decided to go for full-time author and my laptop became a constant companion instead of sleeping all day. To date, the following issues are going on with my laptop:
- It can’t charge beyond 50%.
- Buttons occasionally refuse to work.
- It doesn’t always acknowledge that it’s plugged in.
- It doesn’t have the memory to work its own screensaver.
- Updates make it cry.
- NEW ONE! It doesn’t always turn on.
Guess I know where my royalties are going, but there seems to be a new wrinkle in the whole epic mess. If I get a new computer now, I’m stuck with Windows 8. This seems to be a big problem because they’re ‘fixing’ it in the fall, which I might not get if I buy a new computer now. When did it become mandatory to curse the name of Microsoft when computer shopping? I don’t have a choice in Windows 8 and I don’t understand the whole tile thing.
So, today is going to be a low computer day while I hunt for a replacement. All I need is a laptop with storage, Microsoft Word, and internet. Tempted to stick with the Firefox virus and spyware protection instead of the lumbering beasts I have now.
Legends of Windemere 
What I have seen of Windows 8 has made me seriously consider Linux for my next computer. I’m still using a Dell about I think I got in 06 or 07.
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I’m not sure what happened to mine. It’s been such a quick decline. I’m looking up stuff about Windows 8 and I simply don’t get it. Is this tile thing supposed to make stuff easier? Why change what isn’t broken?
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Dell store on line has a number of units that would fit. I think you are right about a new one. Also I would take a vacuum to the cooling fan. You may have dust that is causing overheating as well. Good idea is to place the computer on a (no joke) cookie cooling rack if you leave it on for an extended time. Hope this helps (won’t cure)
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Thanks. I’ll try the vacuum idea. Might be going to a store to look at computers today. I’d like to go on-line, but I can’t really afford to wait for a delivery. This thing goes down and I’m in trouble.
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Understood
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I think Best Buy is having some July 4th sales, so that should go in my favor.
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I used to get my stuff there so when time is a problem you are right. I just like the way a direct purchase at Dell can be customized to keep the price down. Best buy will have something though.
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If anything, Best Buy can give me an idea of what I’m doing. Would the Dell customization include getting Windows 7 instead of 8?
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Not sure. Go to Dell.com and pretend to build one (you can always back out)
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I’m looking now and it looks more like I click on stuff and it gives me a model that has everything. There is a Windows 7 option though.
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Take that price and features and go hunting at Best Buy
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Good idea.
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Computers are both the bane and blessing of our existence. I think you can still find one that is Windows 7 based. I hear good things about 8, but it takes a lot of getting used to. My next laptop will be a MacBook but they are seriously more money than a PC. The good news is that the new laptops come standard with tons more hard drive than they did in 2006. Good luck. And definitely keep your cooling fan dust free.
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Thanks. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Windows 7 stuff. Why does it feel like there wasn’t much time between Windows 7 and Windows 8?
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You’re getting old. Lol. I think they had such backlash from Vista, they pushed 7 out when they knew they were getting close to 8.
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I have a desktop with Vista and it’s terrible when trying to start the computer. Wonder why they went with another bad formula with 8. They obviously didn’t learn from Vista.
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I’m not sure 8 is bad…just a definite learning curve.
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Pawn shop.
The Compaq beauty I’m working on now CAME with Windows 7 and only cost me $160, bag included.
And because Windows 8 is out, most pawn shops will be trying to offload anything with 7 or below for cheap, 😉
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Was the computer cleared of all files when you bought it?
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Yep 🙂
I had them plug it in so I could check and be sure before I bought it.
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Cool. My only worry would be the lack of a warranty. I tend to need those.
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Throw Windows in the trash. Linux is your friend. 😀
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How’s the compatibility with Word and Word files if I go with Linux?
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I didn’t have any trouble transitioning. LibreOfficeWriter (the Word type program I use) has no problem opening Word files or creating files that can be opened in Word. There are certainly some differences between the two, but nothing major for me.
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I’ll give it a look. Been a Word user since childhood, so it might be a tough transition.
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I went about six months without a computer when my last one fried, I bought this one when windows 8 was first released so I could get a laptop with windows 7 cheap, it was a bit of a strategic buy as I held off to do it, but in the end I got a $800 model for $400 including taxes. best of luck finding a replacement Charles.
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Thanks. My dad used to work tech support for a computer company, so he’s going to help me. He’s saying we need days of research, so my natural impatience is kicking in. I’m not a complicated person on the computer, so I don’t see why this is going to be such a headache.
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Hahaha, Windows 8 is awesome, lol. You can ignore the tiles and just go straight to the desktop. The tiles are pretty easy to use though. The full desktop that you know and (maybe) love is there. It’s actually more streamlined than 7 and works better for the most part. Although instead of Word have you tried using Scrivener? (I think that’s it) I have heard a lot of good things about that.
(I admit I am biased as I actually made a Windows 8 App… so….. yeah, lol).
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My laptop hasn’t been able to use Scrivener. Keeps crashing if I try. So, what is everyone complaining about with Windows 8?
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Change. Anytime something changes people complain. The tiles are built around Touch First, so you can have things like Tablet PCs that are full PCs and can switch to a Tablet. It was something that Microsoft really “needed” to do to stay relevant. But all people see is wah my Start Menu changed… wah!
Windows 8 boots faster, is more responsive and works better on less capable machines. It really is a better OS. The 8.1 update coming out in the Fall is only going to make it better.
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I’ve just been told that I can switch to the original desktop version too. So, I don’t see what the big problem is. The only thing I have to figure out is if I get the 8.1 update for free.
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I believe it is free. I didn’t look into it too much. In fact, I think you can get the beta for it right now ( but it’s beta so.. that might have some issues).
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Beta wouldn’t be a good thing for me. I get frustrated and God of War on technology already.
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Yeah, I understand completely, lol. I didn’t want to have to deal with it either which is why I haven’t touched it, lol.
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It’s funny though that the issues are on the physical component side and not the software. I could handle the slowness, but now that the power button is dying, I really feel the urge to get a new one.
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Really can’t help you here. After numerous PCs that primarily excelled at error messages and crashes between 1995 and 2008 I turned my back on Microsoft and never looked back. I’d share my Mac repair stories with you from over the past 5.5 years, but I don’t have any. This desktop runs as well today as the day I got it and runs Scrivener beautifully. My delight led to my adding a Macbook last year. I never have to configure anything. If I buy something new the computer recognizes it. Anti-virus software purchased thus far: $0.00. I hope you find something to get you by.
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The anti-virus stuff is going to change. I know some free, simple programs and I don’t wander very far on the internet. I’ve used Macs before and something about them doesn’t fit with me. Not sure what it is, but I always have trouble and get lost. Though, it’s been years since I tried to use one.
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The computer is a tool and first and foremost it’s important that you’re comfortable with what you use. I’ve known people who’ve had to continually fiddle with their PC to keep it running, yet love the machine. So be it. It seems as though the machines are evolving towards a similar end point (thus, Windows 8) anyway. In the end it’s what you do with the computer that counts. Good luck!
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Thanks. I’ve been cleaning and fiddling with this one because of money. I was hoping to hold off until Christmas, but that doesn’t look like a possibility.
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Windows 8 really isn’t that bad ^^ I’ve had it for a while now. Yes, it has Tiles, BUT what they don’t tell you is you can just ignore them and go back to your usual desktop full time. The only thing missing from it is the start menu, and that is now on the right hand side if I mouse over it and hit a few buttons. It’s not that bad ^^ I was used to it in a week.
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I heard the old start menu is part of the 8.1 update in the Fall, so the only problem is going to be fixed. Definitely leaning toward Windows 8 now. Thanks.
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Personally I’d take off the fancy anti-virus anti-spy ware stuff, if it lets you do so, I use Clam Sentinel and Clamwin antivirus…free on the internet…and of course Firefox. Then I’d clean her out…bet since 2006 she’s never been cleaned…I’m talking about physically vacuuming and/or spraying it out…there is probably a bunch of dust there and that makes everything slow way down. Sekhmet is a 2006 Packard Bell – desktop so she’s easy to clean – Bastet my netbook is a little more difficult, but clean them I do at least every 3 months…oh and the heat doesn’t help…so I have a cooling thingy I put Bastet on when I’m using her to keep her cooler.
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I couldn’t open this laptop even after I undid every screw. Though, the big issue is that physical parts are going. The adapter connection inside the laptop might be slightly corroded, the power button doesn’t always recognized that it’s been hit, and buttons are dying. The program stuff is annoying, but I think there are barely functional parts inside causing some issues too. Better to get a new one than spend a lot of money trying to fix this one and it’ll still break in a year or two.
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Yeah…probably right there…the power button etc not working is not good. I have hubby who dismantles computers and fixes them, so for the mo’ these things get fixed, but I shiver at the thought of the day I’ll have to give up on my xp…but it will happen sooner or later (sigh). I’m thinking that when the moment comes, I’ll probably go Linux, and I do want a desktop for my normal computing…for traveling something small again like Bastet. I’d really like to try a Mac…but man are they expensive! Well, good luck my friend on your search! 🙂
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Thanks. It’s a day of research and groaning about the heat. That might have been another factor.
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All I use for protection is the Free AVG program. It works fine. Good luck with the computer hunt! 😉
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I used to use that one. Not sure why I stopped, but it was probably because someone gave me something ‘better’.
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I switched out once too, I think it was because some other anti-virus software came with my computer. But as soon as it expired, I went back to AVG. It works better than other stuff I’ve tried, not to mention it’s free. 😉
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The free thing is always good. Is it preventive or reactionary? I don’t remember which.
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Preventive, I think.
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So sorry to hear about your computer issue! Be sure to back up all your files when you get it powered up next. Oh! and as you power up, try starting it in safe mode (F5, i think), which should allow only the required start-up files to load and thus speeds the start-up process. Ideally if you have an external drive, plug it in, wait until the laptop finds it, and copy everything important off the laptop. Otherwise, start grabbing every free cloud app you can log into and save everything. You can do pretty well with Google Drive as a start, and there’s Sugarsync and Dropbox. As far as anti-virus and free, we swear by both Avast (which also offers an upgraded paid version but I’ve never used it) and Spybot S&D (which finds buried spyware and adware). And you might want to wander to a Best Buy or something or check online to find out if you can revert W8 to W7 settings (no tiles). Just a thought!
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Copied everything. I’m doing research today and tomorrow. Aiming to get a custom job from Dell like I did with this one.
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Just be sure you have everything backed up 😦 I know, from experience, that computers can take it with em when they die and then it costs to have it retrieved. Hoping all works out…
Ellespeth
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Thanks. Backed up everything, but I can’t figure out where my bookmarks are stored. That’s going to be a small pain in the butt.
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You mean browser bookmarks? Himself says those would be an ‘application data’ file in the browser’s file. Hmmm…makes no sense to me. Does it to you?
Ellespeth
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I was looking in there, but I think it’s different for Firefox. I followed steps and wasn’t sure what I was looking at.
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himself says:
install firefox plugin XMARKS on your old computer and get it working and it saves your bookmarks on a server
then do the same thing on your new puter and it will ask you if you want to retrieve your old bookmarkds
hmmmm….
Ellespeth
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Thanks. I’ll look for that one.
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Uh, I installed XMARKS and now my computer won’t recognize Firefox. Says that it’s already on and I need to close it or restart. I’ve already restarted twice.
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“Reboot” comes the response. Did you try control alt delete into task manager to see what’s running?
Ellespeth
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Reboot did nothing. There’s nothing in the task manager related to Firefox.
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Oh kuck! What are you using to access internet now? That’s very odd.
Ellespeth
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Internet Explorer and I’m not liking it. Everything is squished and I don’t have my favorites. Guess that solved that problem at least.
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Charles…if it were me I’d uninstall firefox and reinstall it – if you think your puter can handle a download and install. I’m so sorry 😦 *Ellespeth puts herself into the time out chair*
Ellespeth
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I’m trying that now and it’s going slow. I think those bookmarks are a thing of the past. I’ll need to figure out where to find a few of them. Thanks for trying. I should have known better than to download something onto a dying laptop.
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well that totally sucks! I hope the reinstall will work tho.
Ellespeth
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It failed miserably. The computer thinks Firefox is permanently open.
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OMG!!! I already felt like crap not I feel crabby.
Ellespeth
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I got Google Chrome to work, so it will keep me going until the next computer is bought.
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Oh whew! That is what I use. I like it as good as any other and seems faster.
Ellespeth
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I’m not sold just yet. I miss my link toolbar and I can’t figure out where the bookmarks are kept.
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the bookmarks are kept up on the right – click on those 3 lines.
Ellespeth
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I see it. Though, I think I’m going back for Firefox when I get a chance. Not liking the interface.
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Charles, I’ve made a mistake in the comment section of the poem I submitted to Storyboard. It linked back to my site where – – once it was submitted and accepted, I’ve given the info:( Or maybe it’s not a mistake. I’m not sure. Thanks for accepting my work.
Ellespeth
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You’re welcome. I likes fine to me. I think.
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OK good. Now onward to my sorts nano novel experience. And I’m reading Briana’s pre-book. Oh so good so far! Dream sweet!
Ellespeth
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You too. Doing my usual late night of writing.
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Try techforless.com for rebuilds/refurbished ones or the local pawn shop to get a lower cost computer with a previous version of windows…
😀
And I use AVG Internet Security – $47 a year for protection against spyware/malware, anti-virus and identity security and doesn’t make things run slow….
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Thanks. I’ll give it a look.
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Can you perform a format on the drive? You can save the data on a removable, format the laptop, reinstalling the drivers, and dumping the data back on. It would take a day or two but you’d have a speedier computer. As for the battery, unfortunately, that sounds terminal. Dell batteries have a certain amount of chargers it takes before they’re bricks. My wife has the one I purchased in 2006. It still works pretty good, but the battery’s a brick. I’d reformatted the drive several times, always keeping the data intact. Anyway, food for thought.
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I just backed up everything on a portable hard drive. The power button is going, which is a sign I need to find a new laptop.
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Windows 8 is not as bad as people make it out to be. You don’t really need to use the tiles at all, you can will probably do most all of your work in the desktop. Yes, the start menu is gone, but you can download an app like “Classic Shell” which gives you a very good start menu in a number of styles (Windows XP, Windows 7, etc.) that makes it much more comfortable to work with. You will have back all of your programs and windows tools on a familiar menu. I really haven’t found any programs that I ran in previous versions of Windows that don’t run as good or better in Windows 8. I won’t say that there is no learning curve, but it certainly isn’t insurmountable. As far as the 8.1 update that will be released, as near as I can tell it will be free and yes it is supposed to include the start menu again, but that shouldn’t be the primary reason to wait since there are very good workarounds available now.
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Thanks. That makes me feel a lot better about Windows 8.
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I bought a computer once and wasn’t able to get on the internet when I connected it. Tech support told me I had to uninstall some of the factory programs to free up memory. Whose brilliant idea was it to load the computers with more memory than they could handle when connecting to the internet?
I love that picture. I’ve been tempted to do that many a time. 🙂
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I had that happen with this one. It had so many programs that I had no use for. Why don’t they give consumers a choice in the programs they get?
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Choice!? How about when the button you click does nothing at all because twenty other things you didn’t click are too busy doing other things. 🙂
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And you have no idea what any of those twenty other things are supposed to do.
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I actually picked up a new laptop about 3 weeks ago. Searched far and wide for a good bargain and I hit the jackpot.
This store was having a huge sale and they had this one laptop that was heavily discounted. I asked the salesman why it was so cheap. He said, “It’s an older model. It runs on Windows 7”. My face lit up and I said, “I’ll take it.”
WIN-WIN! Can’t believe I found a good deal and it was Windows 7. Microsoft should be prosecuted for war crimes or something for the atrocity that is Windows 8. 🙂
Though they’re bringing back the Start menu, so it shouldn’t be too bad.
Good luck with everything and let us all know what happens with the old laptop.
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Thanks. Amazing how something is heavily discounted for having an OS that’s only a few years old.
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I hope you don’t end up computerless for any great length of time.
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I’ll have the desktop, but it runs on Vista, which is a pain.
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Pain is putting it mildly.
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I am in a similar pickle, and so after my birthday I will (hopefully) have enough money to get a Google Chromebook. It is a bit smaller than a standard laptop but it has really good reviews, is light and portable, and there is virtually no difference in the keyboard (so it won’t be cramped and hard to type on). I also do not want to put up with Windows 8 and Macs are ridiculously expensive.
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I’m just learning Google Chrome in place of Firefox. It’s definitely different.
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I like it a lot better, mostly because the more I use it the less I have to remember.
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Haven’t noticed that. Though, I started a few hours ago after Firefox died on me.
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I’m a Mac person 🙂
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I’m getting a new Dell laptop this weekend. I’ve tried Macs, but something always feels off about them. Maybe I don’t trust a computer that’s the color of a jolly rancher.
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Haha. Well those are quite old models! I have a MacBook Pro. Although i did have the original iMac once upon a time. It was green 😀
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I noticed that most of the iMacs I ran into were green or orange. I assume there were other colors, but those two were oddly popular.
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