1. Seems like it. Next thing is to check is if it's "just" the screen or graphics; or something else. If it'll connect to a ethernet network all by itself as it boots you can ping it; or you can see if it will load something off a CD, or make it beep.
There's hope that something's just come loose and by re-seating a connector or two it will come back to life.
2. Your last couple of days' of data should be happily saved on your hard drive. It can be attached by USB to another computer.
You might be in luck on a new machine - finally there's small and cheap ones again; and they come with Linux. Several places are selling the under $500 Asus Eee, The Good Guys is selling the Acer ASPIRE 4315-100508CI for under $500 after a cashback. You can get more in a $1500 PC, but I'm really not convinced it's 3x more. Yes, some of the Vaios look nice...
The Acer looks straightforward and cheap. The Asus is small, Compiz-capable, should get cheaper; and is helping carve out a niche that the overpriced UMPCs couldn't.
Like you it seems, I like my laptops portable, not luggable. I use to use my Toshiba Libretto 100CT and just recently I gave up waiting and bought an expensive, salary sacrificed, but light, Portege - but I'm still tempted by an Eee. I know a couple of other people with one.
no subject
1. Seems like it. Next thing is to check is if it's "just" the screen or graphics; or something else. If it'll connect to a ethernet network all by itself as it boots you can ping it; or you can see if it will load something off a CD, or make it beep.
There's hope that something's just come loose and by re-seating a connector or two it will come back to life.
2. Your last couple of days' of data should be happily saved on your hard drive. It can be attached by USB to another computer.
You might be in luck on a new machine - finally there's small and cheap ones again; and they come with Linux. Several places are selling the under $500 Asus Eee, The Good Guys is selling the Acer ASPIRE 4315-100508CI for under $500 after a cashback. You can get more in a $1500 PC, but I'm really not convinced it's 3x more. Yes, some of the Vaios look nice...
The Acer looks straightforward and cheap. The Asus is small, Compiz-capable, should get cheaper; and is helping carve out a niche that the overpriced UMPCs couldn't.
Like you it seems, I like my laptops portable, not luggable. I use to use my Toshiba Libretto 100CT and just recently I gave up waiting and bought an expensive, salary sacrificed, but light, Portege - but I'm still tempted by an Eee. I know a couple of other people with one.