Topic: I hate the computer industry at times...

[RossRoy]

I have to fix a laptop. Rather old. But, to make matters worse, it's not even a brand name! It's a generic laptop that's been rebranded by the seller. And of course, the owner lost the CD, and destroyed the recovery partition.

But the reseller doesn't even have the model listed, nor do they have any drivers! All they do is tell you to go to each part manufacturer's site to get the drivers... argh!

[Najemikon]

Is this a client who's paying you? I've had a few like that and we used to just tell them how long it will take at £90 per hour to fix... "Oh I could get a new one for that"... yes, you could and we have stock!

[RossRoy]

Is this a client who's paying you? I've had a few like that and we used to just tell them how long it will take at £90 per hour to fix... "Oh I could get a new one for that"... yes, you could and we have stock!

Already tried that. He just said make it functional, even if that means losing some functionality. So basically, he's telling me "Install Windows. If you can get sound working fine, if not, no big deal. and etc for other parts".

I'm guessing he'll just have a fresh install of Windows, and I'll leave it at that. Work yourself to find the drivers! hahaha

[Najemikon]

Hmmm, yes, I've had one or two like that as well. Just graphics and network drivers were an absolute sod.

[RossRoy]

Hmmm, yes, I've had one or two like that as well. Just graphics and network drivers were an absolute sod.

Well, Windows just finished installing. The good news is the wired network drivers are ok. The bad news is, I still need to find audio, video and wireless network drivers.

Technically, I'd also have to find the modem drivers and an unknown driver (probably the ATK ACPI driver) but those, I decided he can live without

But all is not lost. I just received a phone call. He found a CD that might be the one that came with the laptop. So if I'm lucky, it'll still be readable, and contain the needed drivers.

[Najemikon]

 

Has it at least got USB? Tell him to get a wireless dongle and stop bothering you!

[RossRoy]

Has it at least got USB? Tell him to get a wireless dongle and stop bothering you!

Yeah it does! USB2 to boot!

Not only that, I identified the Chipset (Intel 855GM), turns out the display adapter is integrated, as well as sound (standard realtek AC'97 drivers). That just left the wireless network, which is also Intel and turned out to be easy to find. So he's up and running as we speak!

still missing Modem and that unknown device... but who cares? The rest works!

[Kathy]

I'm afraid I have to buy a new computer, so I hate the industry too! My Dell laptop has died again and is no longer under warrenty. While it was covered I had to get 2 hard drives, 2 soft drives (I think that's what it was called), 1 keyboard, 1 battery and 2 cords replaced. As you can imagine I don't want to go through buying a lemon again. So, what kind of computer should I buy? I don't need anything fancy, I only use it for DVDP and a few basic paperwork tasks.

[RossRoy]

If you want something durable, you might want to take a look at Lenovo's ThinkPad. They are beasts. I've seen some take quite beating, and still work. Of course, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of getting a lemon, but in my, admittedly somewhat limited, experience, ThinkPad are really tough little machines.

[Najemikon]

If you want something durable, you might want to take a look at Lenovo's ThinkPad. They are beasts. I've seen some take quite beating, and still work. Of course, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of getting a lemon, but in my, admittedly somewhat limited, experience, ThinkPad are really tough little machines.

PC Pro have just done a round-up of best laptops. Haven't read it properly yet, but I'm sure the Lenovo came out as the best.

[DVDsRGreat]

I can vouch for Lenovo laptops as well. Since I work for IBM, we're not allowed to use any other brand for our work computer  but seriously, I've had my current work laptop for 4 years using it between 10-12 hrs a day and not a problem so far. I personally stay away from Dell and if I have to go for alternatives I generally look at Compaq/HP.

I just ordered another for a friend (from their Ideapad series - not sure how good they are compared to the thinkpads but they have some pretty cool features like facial recognition using the in-built webcam etc) and they're pretty reasonable. Lemme know if interested - we keep getting special contractor pricing codes and I'm pretty sure we're allowed to give those out to family and friends (will find out if there are any issues with giving those out).