No Computer, No Problem

My laptop is currently being fixed. I took a flight recently and was forced to check my carry on luggage which included my laptop. Once I got back to my hotel, I noticed the screen broke. I took it to a computer repair shop to get the problem fixed and so far everything was fine. By the way, I didn’t bother to file a claim to fix my computer because I didn’t want to deal with the hassle, and I had more pressing things to worry about at that time.

After the screen was fixed, I got a black screen with an error message. I also noticed additional problems with the laptop. The battery had charging problems, etc. It seemed apparent that the computer repair shop did something wrong when they fixed it. I also didn’t try to take the computer back to that shop because, when I noticed the problem, I was already out of state. I kept noticing one thing after another.

To Buy Or Not To Buy A Computer?

My laptop is a few years old, which might be considered ancient today given how fast technology is developing. I was really struggling to decide whether I should buy a new computer or try to fix my laptop.

It previously cost me about $150 fo fix my computer screen and I was looking at fixing my computer for an additional $200 at Best Buy. Best Buy has a thing where you pay $200 a year to fix all your computer needs (software anyway) plus additional for any parts that might be required.

Fixing the computer at Best Buy would be ideal because I could go to any Best Buy I want when I travel if I ever needed to.

The alternative is that I could buy a new computer. I was contemplating a gaming laptop or at least the surface pro 7. The surface pro 7 seemed ideal because I travel constantly and having the light weight and portability factor was a plus.

A gaming laptop would be nice. I was considering getting a low-to-mid range gaming laptop (for around the same price as the surface pro 7). However, I don’t play any games right now that would require such power and speed. But, I wanted to have the option to play such games in case there was one I became interested in.

The Decision

I decided to have my cake and eat it too (I never understood this expression). I chose to fix my computer (or at least attempt to). If it’s going to cost me more than the $200 to fix the laptop, then I won’t bother anymore. If I am able to fix the laptop, then great. Regardless, I will still have that plan for the next year to cover any computer issues.

Even if I was able to fix my computer, I think it’s time for an upgrade. Therefore I’m still going to buy a new computer. But, I’ve decided to wait until Black Friday. I figure I might as well take advantage of the massive sales that might be going on. That will give me more time to decide if I should get another laptop or the surface pro 7.

It seems apparent that one strategy might be to keep the fixed laptop, purchase the surface 7 pro on Black Friday and wait until I find a game I like to decide if I should upgrade the laptop. I believe the laptop I have should be able to handle some games already.

Conclusion

October has been one crazy busy and expensive month. I’m so looking forward to this year being over. I’m still spending money like there’s no tomorrow, although I did have good reasons for it. Chances are, that will change soon.

I’m not a computer nerd. I mainly use computers to browse the internet and work on my blog. I do watch netflix a lot because I don’t have a tv (or cable). But that’s about it. I’m slightly concerned that getting the surface pro 7 will tempt me to get the newer model every year, just like I’m tempted with the iphone. But only time will tell what fortitude I have regarding such matters.

As a bit of an update, I still plan on withdrawing more funds from my dividend portfolio before I start aggressively adding to it. I want to close on the condo first, which supposedly won’t happen until February. I also need money for furniture because the place will be completely empty.

Thanks for reading this post. If you have any comments, let me know.