RM599 Laptop Expenses This Month

My lappy was throwing tantrums like a toddler recently, and that explains my infrequent updates on this blog.

Anyway, the tantrums started when lappy could not start-up, and sometimes half-way in the middle of something the screen will suddenly blur and freeze. Damn sickening, man!

When these tantrums started, I quickly got myself an external harddisk to back up all my files, especially my travel photos. Losing my travel photos would be utter horror for me, and I don't even want to think about it.

RM249 for a 500GB external harddisk. There were a few colours to choose from but I think red is the best :-)

When my lappy finally could not start-up at all, I sent it to the Toshiba authorised dealer in Low Yat Plaza for repairs.

The technician told me it's a graphic card problem and apparently the Toshiba Satellite M200 series is synonymous with graphic card problems.

It would cost RM360 to repair the graphic card and RM600 plus to replace it. I was lucky the damn card could be salvaged, and therefore it costs me only RM350 (managed to bargain the price).

I bought my lappy in April 2008, and just after 2 years 4 months I have to repair the bloody graphic card. How disappointing!

I wonder how come when I was researching which brand and model to buy, I missed the part about graphic card problems being common in Toshiba Satellite M200 series. Well, now you know.

A friend has been using his HP lappy (can't remember the model) for the past 5 years without any problems whatsoever. I'll remember to get a HP the next time. It may be a bit pricey, but it's worth it compared to buying a cheaper brand but having to fork out more for repairs later on. And not to mention the threat of having your files wiped out if the cheap lappy crashes.