The totally off-topic thread

[Mal]

I think I'm buying an Asus ux21 on the next week or so. Few things I need to suss out about it but it is a tidy piece of kit. Main issue is no mobile broadband onboard, but might be able to go another travel laptop iteration without onboard.

 

[Mal]

Just remembered to check my profile as I joined Aff on Christmas day quite a few years ago.

I've been here for 7 years tomorrow... wow. Long time.

 

[JohnK]

And I am only 3 months behind you.

A real long time....

 

[The Rok]

JohnK

Have you tried pressing F5 as the laptop is starting? That should allow it to start windows in Safe Mode. Then do the restore!

 

[JohnK]

Thanks The Rok.

Unfortunately it will now not move past the first screen where the message "To interrupt normal startup, Press Enter" appears. I cannot use F5 here and when I press enter the message disappears but no other screens come up.

Not sure what is going on but it may well be more than just software related issues. The laptop is now just over 12 months old and out of warranty. That amount of times that happens to me is not coincidence. Perhaps it is time to just grab the data off the hard disk and buy another laptop.

 

[The Rok]

Pull put the battery, remove the extra memory boards and them try restart the unit. Leave the battery out for for a bit. Failing that, is it insured?

 

[Flashback]

JohnK

Have you tried pressing F5 as the laptop is starting? That should allow it to start windows in Safe Mode. Then do the restore!

Errrrm...... safe mode is F8 most commonly (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222)

F5 may work also (if running Win 98 ), but I'd suggest using F8.

 

[JohnK]

Pull put the battery, remove the extra memory boards and them try restart the unit. Leave the battery out for for a bit. Failing that, is it insured?

Extra memory boards? Now we are starting to get well beyond my simple understanding of computers other than turning them on and off.

 

[Flashback]

Extra memory boards? Now we are starting to get well beyond my simple understanding of computers other than turning them on and off.

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

 

[JohnK]

I have tried everything I can think of trying.

The laptop is extremely hot which to me may suggest something to do with fan. Possibly.

Anyway laptop appears to be kaput as I cannot get past first screen. Nothing more I can do....

 

[Simo]

I have tried everything I can think of trying.

The laptop is extremely hot which to me may suggest something to do with fan. Possibly.

Anyway laptop appears to be kaput as I cannot get past first screen. Nothing more I can do....

Remove the hard drive and then call it an insurance job..

 

[Vinny]

Back in the days when I was a Windows PC and laptop owner I encountered similar problems along with a number of others. I took it to the local computer repair shop who told me to stand on a chair, drop the laptop for which I paid $2500, claim insurance and buy a MacBook.

I took his advice in as far as buying a MacBook and replaced my problematic PC with an iMac and have had no problems at all. If there is a problem, with Applecare, a phone call to an Australian will talk you through any issues and the chance of getting a new computer as a replacement seem commonplace. That lasts for three years.

If you paid for your laptop with a gold or equivalent Mastercard that should entitle you to an extra year of warranty. Check it out and best of luck.

 

[Mal]

Got a big LOL tonight when arriving in SIN and joining the taxi queue. Two Jetstar pilots thought they were entitled to "priority boarding", however the staff member on duty quickly put them back into their place ... A comment similar to "not fair for the rest" was muttered.

Good fun.

 

[thewinchester]

For those who don't already follow me on Facebook/Twitter, I've decided to fill some of my time between permanent jobs as a Freelance Contributor/Journalist covering Australian aviation/airports.

Primarily, I'll be writing for a UK-based publishing group focusing on the aviation and airport enthusiast sectors. One article has already been accepted for publication which will come out around March.

The beauty of this is that it's given me direct contact, and even a few new friendships, with the media managers at pretty much every Australian airport and airline under the southern sun.

My first feature article has already been schedule for a few months after that, and will be a full behind-the-scenes job at an airport that I can't as yet name.

So yeah, a busy first week putting something else together. At least it's a good use of my knowledge, skills and time while I wait to score a permanent job again.

 

[amaroo]

For those who don't already follow me on Facebook/Twitter, I've decided to fill some of my time between permanent jobs as a Freelance Contributor/Journalist covering Australian aviation/airports.

Primarily, I'll be writing for a UK-based publishing group focusing on the aviation and airport enthusiast sectors. One article has already been accepted for publication which will come out around March.

The beauty of this is that it's given me direct contact, and even a few new friendships, with the media managers at pretty much every Australian airport and airline under the southern sun.

My first feature article has already been schedule for a few months after that, and will be a full behind-the-scenes job at an airport that I can't as yet name.

So yeah, a busy first week putting something else together. At least it's a good use of my knowledge, skills and time while I wait to score a permanent job again.

Well done - always good to mix pleasure with business

 

[drron]

Of course we are all going to have to watch what we say now!

 

[thewinchester]

Of course we are all going to have to watch what we say now!

More like I'll have to watch what I say if only not to break any embargoes on stories.

 

[JohnK]

So I have had a smart phone for just over 3 months now and I have not downloaded a single application for it yet.

Is that some sort of record?

Personally I still do not see what all the fuss is about....

 

[straitman]

So I have had a smart phone for just over 3 months now and I have not downloaded a single application for it yet.

Is that some sort of record?

Personally I still do not see what all the fuss is about....

Why bother having the smart phone if you are not going to use its functions :?:

 

[JohnK]

Why bother having the smart phone if you are not going to use its functions :?:

I am using most of the smart phones functions.

Phone, camera, alarm and even access the internet occasionally.

I do not feel I need to download any additional applications.