Well, look who just popped open a fresh can of venom.

Xander ,'Empty Places'


Buffistechnology 3: "Press Some Buttons, See What Happens."

Got a question about technology? Ask it here. Discussion of hardware, software, TiVos, multi-region DVDs, Windows, Macs, LINUX, hand-helds, iPods, anything tech related. Better than any helpdesk!


DXMachina - Nov 24, 2007 2:40:27 am PST #3529 of 25497
You always do this. We get tipsy, and you take advantage of my love of the scientific method.

Or maybe you need to log into your home computer when you're away.

I've found with my cable connection that the IP only changes if the modem and router lose power for more than a couple of minutes, and sometimes not even then. I've had the same IP address for almost a year now, so it tends to be stable enough for occasional logging in from afar.


askye - Nov 25, 2007 9:57:14 am PST #3530 of 25497
Thrive to spite them

I need some laptop buying advice. I'm looking to spend around $700 (although I could go up to $800), I want something that will be good for several years, I'd be using it for school and as a second computer. I don't really need anything fancy, although something with a dvd burner would be nice.

I'm a little worried about spending that much money and then hating what I have. Is there a brand I should focus on or one I should avoid?


le nubian - Nov 25, 2007 10:32:54 am PST #3531 of 25497
"And to be clear, I am the hell. And the high water."

askye, you are talking pc, right? you might need try checking out dell refurbished sales:

[link]

the link on the left (stockroom) will let you search the whole inventory. I usually select cert. refurbished & previously ordered new


askye - Nov 25, 2007 11:04:15 am PST #3532 of 25497
Thrive to spite them

I am talking PC. I've heard mixed things about Dell, but you've been happy with cert. refurbished?


le nubian - Nov 25, 2007 11:52:37 am PST #3533 of 25497
"And to be clear, I am the hell. And the high water."

yes. absolutely. I got my current laptop from there. but I decided to get a "previously ordered new" one. It apparently wasn't booted up. I did buy an extended warranty (which I recommend for laptops anyway). I got a much better laptop than I could have afforded anyway for a reasonable price.


NoiseDesign - Nov 25, 2007 11:56:50 am PST #3534 of 25497
Our wings are not tired

I've had very bad luck in the past with Dell machines. I've not purchased them in a few years so they may be better now.

For the past few years all of my laptops have been either Toshiba or Apple. Toshiba has some great prices on their lower end models and I have found them to be very reliable.


askye - Nov 25, 2007 12:11:30 pm PST #3535 of 25497
Thrive to spite them

Thanks your help Le Nubian and ND.


Consuela - Nov 25, 2007 12:50:20 pm PST #3536 of 25497
We are Buffistas. This isn't our first apocalypse. -- Pix

I have had my dell (Inspiron 700m) for at least two years, and it's been quite reliable. ::crosses fingers::


NoiseDesign - Nov 25, 2007 2:12:10 pm PST #3537 of 25497
Our wings are not tired

My issues with Dells have all been due to lack of compatibility. They use a lot of non standard motherboards and the like and they've screwed me more than once when trying to add things like a new video card or new audio cards to machines. Chances are most folks don't have those issues.


Glamcookie - Nov 25, 2007 3:23:59 pm PST #3538 of 25497
I know my own heart and understand my fellow man. But I am made unlike anyone I have ever met. I dare to say I am like no one in the whole world. - Anne Lister

Anyone know if you can make an Amazon wish list address hidden?