MetaChat - Computer Conundrum

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19 March 2007

Computer Conundrum To Repair the Old One or Buy A New One→[More:]Dell Inspirion 6000 laptop, purchased in October 2005. The LCD has slipped in the monitor- a binder clip is being used to hold it together. There's still a line at the bottom of the screen when it's clipped, and when it isn't, the whole bottom half of the screen goes nutty. Called Dell, and they say it will cost $500 to repair. $500 to repair a $1000 laptop? What should we do, computer nuts? Repair or Buy New?

post by: ThePinkSuperhero at: 14:22 | 9 comments

If you have the money, buy a new one and get a 3 year extended warranty on it. And maybe avoid Dell next time, they're really not known for having quality laptops.

posted by cmonkey 19 March | 14:27

Buy a used/refurbished Thinkpad (or, if you must, Powerbook).

posted by box 19 March | 14:30

Seriously, if they're suggesting half the price of the computer for a repair, it's not worth it anymore. That's half the price of the computer plus the headache of having it sent out to be fixed and waiting for it. With all the deals out there nowadays I think it might be better to go looking for a new comp.

posted by kkokkodalk 19 March | 15:13

I concur. Time to buy a new (and pink?) laptop that will be superior in all ways except sentimental ones (if such reasons exist). New computers are so exciting! I'm excited for you.

posted by LunaticFringe 19 March | 15:18

My brother's laptop when boom and his warranty just got him a new shiny upgraded one. Listen to the monkey.
Work that warranty. i am.

posted by ethylene 19 March | 15:19

Yea, looking like investing in a new computer + warranty is the way to go (it's not for me; it's for my co-worker. Whenever we have any sort of tech/internet problems, they come to me- today, my co-worker said, post it on one of your boards for your techie friends! Hehe, they know you all too well.)

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 19 March | 15:27

The bright side is Dell used to charge a flat $900 charge on repairing the display.

Two years is a good run for a notebook. Your friend may be able to get a few bucks on eBay selling the old for parts [just make sure they are crystal clear on the problems to avoid problems with the seller]. I'd get a new one with a shiny new warranty. I'd get a Mac.

posted by birdherder 19 March | 16:30

Buy a new one. I am in love with my averatec laptop (17 inch widescreen monitor) - I think I paid $999 for it at newegg. (It's a monster but I LOVE IT.)

posted by fluffy battle kitten 19 March | 16:44

For the cost of the repair alone, if you couldn't afford a midrange or upper end laptop now, you could get an emachines or something that would most likely still be better than anything two years old and hold you over until a new one could be purchased.

posted by kellydamnit 19 March | 18:05

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