rhyll | (no subject)

So, today I tried to turn my laptop on, and the screen is basically fucked, It goes from a plain black screen to something like a Rothko painting, mostly white with hints of colour at the edges. Since it doesn't seem to go through any starting-up-before-ubuntu bits, this seems to be a hardware issue rather than software.

1) does this assessment seem correct?
2) WHAT DO I DO OH DOOM OH DOOM OH DOOM?

I'm backed up for most of my thesis, but I haven't backed up the last couple of days' work. Also, my laptop is a Dell, if that helps any.

Also: assuming I'm going to have to get a new laptop, I figured I should probably get a new one this time. I want something as lightweight as possible (since I'm lugging it to and from uni every day on my bike), preferably not prone to any kind of hardware failure, and able to do the basics. If it's capable of doing some compiz-style shininess I wouldn't be averse to that. And, of course, coming either with linux or easily compatible with linux is a plus. I've heard good things about the Vaios, but I wouldn't mind a second (or third) opinion on them. Price range is < $2,000, preferably closer to $1.500.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ouch.

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.

Thanks! I'm going to have a look at the Asus Eee, it sounds good. Sadly, though, I am surveying my laptop (which may yet be repaired I guess), my old laptop (which works, albeit without a CD drive or the ability to boot from USB), and my coming XO, and I'm starting to question whether I should really buy another laptop (even if I really want to).

Oh yes, I forgot you had an XO coming! If you can make do a little while longer, I think the XO deserves to spend some time as your main portable if it's up to the job.

So... it might be nice to extract your Dell HDD; and you need to read or burn the occasional CD/DVD, but perhaps not on the move? (the Eee and XO won't help with that either, of course, short of an external burner)