I wonder if we should try backing up everything on his machine before we go...on the one hand, it would make me feel better to have everything backed up, but on the other hand I *really* don't want to turn it on again, what with the whole burnt-rubber-smell issue.

If you can back up, it's good. If you can't, make a BIG sign to tape to the CPU that says something like "The POWER SUPPLY is BAD, CUSTOMER DID NOT HAVE WAY TO BACK UP DATA. DO NOT FORMAT HARD DRIVE!."

I think we'll turn it on long enough to back up E's professional documents, and take our chances with the music and photos.

If you can't, make a BIG sign to tape to the CPU that says something like "The POWER SUPPLY is BAD, CUSTOMER DID NOT HAVE WAY TO BACK UP DATA. DO NOT FORMAT HARD DRIVE!."

And this, absolutely.

One thing you might try if it's overheating before heading down to the Apple store is to take a vacuum cleaner to any accessible cooling vents, and try to clear them of any accumulated dust bunnies.

I had that shutting itself off problem with mine for a long time. It still does it sometimes. No one ever fixed it; it's just mildly broken. But mine is not a Mac, so this may not bode ill for yours, Jessica.

Speaking of which, I want to get an external back-up drive that connects to my computer easily and simply via USB, so I can back up all my data a couple times a week at the touch of a button. Which ones might someone recommend?

The Genius Bar guys said it was a power source issue, which means it will be free to fix, and we'll have it back in 7-10 days. (Which he said they're required to say even though swapping out a power source takes about thirty seconds. So hopefully it'll be quicker than that.)

So any peeps, especially LA peeps, or peeps who've spent time here, we're looking to move from a pay-as-you-go cell phone to some real phones and phone contracts. What networks are good, what networks should we avoid?

I've been pretty happy with Cingular for a few years now. Kristin and I are both on it.

I currently use Cingular, and am pretty happy with them as well. I think I'm about to switch to T-Mobile, though, because if you're willing to settle for a super-slow connection, you can get unlimited internet on T-Mobile for $7 a month, whereas Cingular charges me $45 a month to connect on my new Treo 680 (which is unlocked, so I can switch with no problem). Admittedly, I'm one of those people who uses the internet/texting a LOT more than the actual phone part of the phone.

I'm so pissed at Cingular right now. I'm staying pay-as-you-go and switching to T-Mobile.

I'm pay as you go with Virgin Mobile, and have had an excellent and fairly inexpensive time with it, considering.