Buy A New Computer, Or Replace Hdd Thats The Question?

Wondering if this is a good area to post this but I'll give it a go.

I need to get a new laptop (I think that's what I want again) but my Toshiba is dying (that's the verdict). So I'll keep pluggin away on it, seems fine now but the tests you guys had me run did show my hard drive was on it's last leg.

This Toshiba has lasted me since 2011 (about August of that year) so I wonder why it doesn't seem super popular. Mines a 17 inch screen and I don't see many over 15" for sale. Seems weird but maybe I need to figure out where to shop. I may end up at Walmart if they have enough selection, and their prices work for me usually.

I love playing games, that right there drives me to get a bigger screen. I'm thinking maybe a desktop but yet I like the ease of moving a laptop around.

What is popular with some of you people?? I know many of you are so good with computers, you probably have built your own, or had one for years longer than I because you know how to fix the hardware as well as the software issues/parts/etc.

Anyway, that's my question, what is popular these days, but somewhere in the ballpark of 300 bucks. Maybe 400. Anything more and I will have to save longer, LOL!!

If you know good places to shop, or good places to compare laptops, I'd be grateful for that sort of help as well Denise

 

Dell might have some specials for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, in the UK they're offering another chance of a reasonably good i3 15.6 notebook at 13:00 GMT = £199 (http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-15-3558-laptop/pd?oc=cn35816&model_id=inspiron-15-3558-laptop).

Check out a site local to you that's listing some of the better deals available?

 

Have a look over here.
http://www.computershopper.com/feature/2016-guide-the-best-17-inch-laptops
https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/hp-17-3-laptops
https://www.amazon.com/Laptops-17-I...=1&rh=n:565108,p_n_size_browse-bin:7817234011

 

1 TB HDD can be had .for 50-60 US Dollars, a Samsung EVO 250 GB SSD for under 100. Nothing against Wally World but you usually get what you pay for. I got a good deal on my Toshiba 17" at Best Buy before the holidays a few years back. Now using one SSD and one HDD internal, and bumped up the RAM by 8 GB to 16 GB, it maxes out at 32. Now I need a new desktop. If your present system is worth keeping a new HDD or SSD is far cheaper than a new laptop.

 

Hi Denise. FTR, I too have a Toshiba notebook and like it very much. They are popular and good systems. Dell just sells more.

But I have to ask you define your needs more. You say you are looking for a new "laptop/Desk PC". Which is it? A new laptop, or a desktop PC? Contrary to what laptop marketing weenies want us to believe, notebooks do not make good "desktop replacements" (or gaming machines either). They can pack the power in those tiny, thin cases, but not the cooling.

A big problem with notebooks (they don't belong on laps without a pad, so I say notebook) is when they need to be replaced, you are stuck replacing the whole thing. With a desktop (commonly just called a PC), you can often just replace the failed component. You don't have to also replace the case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse every time.

If you don't need portability, I recommend you get a PC and not a notebook. In this way, you can also get a nice full sized keyboard, a real mouse, and really nice 22 - 24 inch monitor that will last you through many computer upgrades too.

If you get a wireless mouse and keyboard, you have some decent flexibility in movement too. Of course you still need to see the monitor, but Bluetooth has a range of about 10 meters (~30 feet) line of sight (no walls).

In any case, I recommend 8GB of RAM minimum. And if budget allows, a SSD instead of (or in addition too if you need lots of storage) a hard drive. RAM is cheap and while the SSD will be more expensive, it is not based on 60 year old technology. Plus the slowest SSD will run circles around the fastest hard drive and the extra cost over the life of the computer almost evens it out due to less power consumption and heat generation of SSDs.

 

Thanks to all of you for the info, very helpful!

I do love to play games on my computer, but (no laughing) I love the hidden object type. I have all the Dark Parables which are my faves. I love the scenery/graphics and sometimes play for hours. "Gaming" is something I've only thought about trying, I wouldn't know where to start.

I really think, especially after reading Digerati's info, that I want to get back into a Desktop. I also do photography and having the larger screen, full-size keyboard is appealing. I bought this laptop when I took some classes in 2011, and needed something portable.

I also like the idea of "separate" components, so not all or nothing.

This laptop seems to be working "as normal" now so I would like to be able to understand the "report" and where the info is that says the hard drive will need to be replaced (I'm assuming pretty soon). If it goes out on me I will go nuts without a computer. But I'm hoping I will have time to save a couple of months, maybe 3, and get a good computer. I agree this Toshiba has been great for me, so I'll probably try to buy another.

I'd honestly rather go without though, then to buy something cheapo depot. I bought a PC years ago at Best Buy. It was excellent as well.

Replacing the HD would involve "me" putting the new one in. I recently replaced the keyboard but man, I don't know anything about replacing a hard drive. I could take a look at a youtube vid to see if I think I could do it.

Anyway, thanks so much, for taking the time to help with this

 

Because it's an older laptop, replacing the HDD will probably be easier than replacing the keyboard.
The only games I enjoy are 'Hidden Object' games and while they have great graphics, they don't require a graphics card.

 

I was getting some coffee, and haven't had a chance to view a video tutorial, but I'll go do that now Eldon. That's great about the HOPS, or the ones I love the most, FROGS. I'm always looking for Bluetea to come out with another Dark Parable

Anyway, if I can keep this one running by replacing the HDD, that will give me time to really research and plan for a nice desktop next. I am very settled now where I live, and that was also a reason for having a laptop-only.

I'm glad I posted this because I was certain I had to go out and buy a new rig, lol, and the thought of replacing a hard drive didn't occur to me. I just didn't think I could do something like that. Off to look at a video now Eldon, thanks again, so much!!

PS the prices on those Lenova laptops (all the 17" "loaded" laptops) on computershopper were over my head, but they were soooo nice!!

 

The games you describe would be no problem for most notebooks. It is the serious fast action, 3D animated games like Grand Theft Auto V and the like that really task computer hardware - thus creating LOTS of heat that needs extracting.

 

Right, I can already smell the rubber burning LOL! I get into a desktop though, I may just have to try one of those kick ass games Especially when I need to relieve some stress

Right now, I see I can absolutely replace my hdd. If that is successful, this will last me "who knows" how long, but I still am focused on buying a desktop for my place. Thanks, right now I'm checking out the possibility of being able to get Recovery Media at toshiba support page here

Not sure I can yet, since my warranty is long gone. And, I upgraded to Win 10 from 7. If I can't get the recovery media, I have an older laptop with 232 GB space on it that I am thinking I could backup everything. Just checkin things out now. Maybe need to start a new thread, or maybe get the mod to change the title here. Any advice on that welcome

I'll go see how much space I need to backup everything now

 

Oh no, brain-overload, and it doesn't take much. I have 182 GB "used" on my hdd (see pic) so that is all the space I need to do a full backup, and would that include my Win 10 upgrade. I'm pretty sure it would. I think I need to backup to an external, or Cloud like Google has. The old laptop isn't a good idea from what I am reading. I mean everything "but" backing up to another computer is being recommended The media recovery is 30 bucks to order from Toshiba, and I don't know how long that would take, but it might be best, just not sure how to handle this.

 

Thanks for changing the title for me David

So this SSD is something to purchase so I can keep a good backup (better than paying Google for storage, just get my own). So I have the internal drive, and the external? I can unplug it I hope, don't have to keep it attached to my laptop.

Not totally understanding your 2nd paragraph. And you said you use your SSD as main drive, so maybe that is a bigger/better HDD, just a lot to learn, but I do like learning about this stuff

PS found something here:
http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/ssd-upgrade-tutorial



https://www.amazon.com/Satellite-L775D-S7112-L775D-S7132-L775D-S7135-L775D-S7206/dp/B00HJE4YAW

 

I like what I read about the SSDs but they are as high as I was thinking to spend on a new computer. I'll keep looking, I've only check Amazon, Ebay, and Walmart so far for SSDs.

By the way, the specs are correct on my Toshiba in the signature. I did do the latest build, but it was acting weird so I went back to the one I had with the Win 10 upgrade

 

I'm starting to wonder Tim, plus just less stress. I like the idea of being able to upgrade my laptop myself but in the long run, I did think about other things going out as well. Thanks for your input. All I need to do is make a decision now

 

Anyone ever buy a refurbished PC? I was looking, and came across a few at Walmart. I know it's probably like buying a used car in a way. Here's one I looked at (I would rather get a new one(with a bigger monitor)if I can find one between 3 and 400, have to save longer to spend more):

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Refurbis...or-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-10-Pro/54997429

Here's another, bigger monitor
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Refurbis...r-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-10-Home/49332587

and here's a new one, I think I could spend this much

All HP's:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-Pavil... pc's&wpa_st=Monitorsforpcs&wpa_tax=3944_3951

 

I'm turning into a "recliner" potato Tim, so I was thinking a desktop would be good to get me up and sitting in a more upright position, LOLLLLLLLLLLL!! Too funny

Yep, I don't think I want a refurbished one. I feel I can afford to get something new, and have a warranty of some sort on it

 

I've ordered a new HDD, and am going to replace the old one in my Toshiba. I still have 2 threads going so I wanted to let you know here, what I've decided after weighing out all my options.

The other thread is here if anyone wants to see more detail about my decision or if anyone else is up against the same issue at some point, maybe all this will help someone else decide denise PS thanks again everyone!!

 

Both of my Dell laptops are refurbs. The Latitude E6400 was refurbed by the seller and the Inspiron 15-5555 was refurbed by Dell and came with a one year warranty AND a recovery DVD.

 

They have some nice prices on "nice" laptops that have been refurbished. It's something I'll keep in mind if this all goes South. I think the new hdd will work great in this one, and I don't have to go down on monitor/screen size. I love my 17".

 

You can also buy some very inexpensive refurbs from Wal-mart. They come with a 1 year warrant so if the budget is really tight, this is a viable option.

 

That's where I saw them Bill, I was looking online (these aren't in-store as far as I know). Depending on my finances, that may be what I try after this one "won't go no mo"

 

Walmart may have free "site to store" so, you could have it shipped to your local Walmart and go pick it up from there. They will notify you when it's ready for pick up.

 

Yes, they do have that @mdonah, but I already have the HDD on the way When this puter goes belly up, I will look into what they have then. I need to go look at external drives now. I keep getting side-tracked, and I really need to have that. Either that or rent some space in a "cloud". Not sure what to do actually, I think the "cloud" would be cheaper, maybe. I still don't know how much space I need. Do you just rent enough space for however many GB's you are using? I am using 182 GB right now, my total is 500 something.

 

Since you're using 182 GB, you'd definitely need to "rent" space if you used cloud storage. That 182 GB of usage will increase over time because of Windows Updates and program updates.

The "cloud" spaces I use only offer up to 50 GB for free. I don't know what the "rental" prices are ATM but, my systems are backed up to external drives. I use One Drive or Google Drive for files I want to share

 

Ok, I think the external is the way for me to go. I sent you a link to some I was looking at online. I don't know what I need for my "usage" but it will be good to finally have one. I don't know much about them. I'm thinking I just back everything up to one of those, and then when I get my new HDD in place, I download from the external?? Well, except I wouldn't have my Win 7. Man, this is getting confusing I can back up my Win 10, so probably to avoid more confusion just put it right back on here. Suggestions welcome!!

 

No, do not back up your system from your current hard drive. You'd be copying the bad sectors as well as the good. Wait until the new hard drive is in, the new Windows OS and Security Updates, programs, etc. are installed and you have everything is set the way you want it. THEN create a back up image and store it on the external drive.

 

Oh, geez, I'm glad you cleared that up for me Mike. I was all worried about getting this backed up. So just forget about what's on here, I mean the Win 10. I have my photos, docs and games saved already.

 

Your irreplaceable data is the PRIMARY reason for backing up. I'm glad you've done that.

 

Yes, I always keep that stuff backed up. When I get the original Win 7 (which is what I think I'll do) I'll probably have an external by then, and back that up for sure so I can always reinstall myself if need be.

 

Leave your credit cards at home and head to Best Buy or similar place. Get the feel for the laptop features you love. You may find one you have to have. That's why you left your cards at home, take the info and shop for best price online. Print out the price page and usually Best Buy will match it.

 

Thanks @DOA I will keep this in mind when I am shopping for a new one. Right now, I am just going to keep this one going as long as I can. Not enough money to get what I really would want, so I'll stick with this one. I think it has a lot of miles left on it once the new HDD is in

 

If only more people would be patient and do as DOA says.

 

True, also, I'm glad I listened to @mdonah because I can't afford to go out and buy a new computer. I'd have to save for at least 3 months to get what I wanted, maybe longer. I think this new HDD is going to work great, and I can keep my toshiba 17" screen It's in immaculate condition, new keyboard I put in with you guy's help, and I've taken super good care of it

 

I'm glad you're going back to Win 7. I've been getting a lot of annoying, targeted ads in Win 10 lately. I don't think you'd appreciate them either Denise.

 

I went ahead and got the Win 10 ready to install from my flashdrive mdonah, I don't know if I'm doing the right thing or not. The only reason I finally decided on the Win 10 again was to avoid having to get used to using Win 7 again. I better just stick to this now because I was getting so confused.

I won't have the new HDD for about 9 days, but my flashdrive was easy to use, and just downloaded, and installed the files through the media tool program, like you were trying to teach me from the start. It took me going back, and reading again, and really taking a time out to let it all soak into my brain. Then everything became clear finally So if I remember right, I'm doing "exactly" what you had suggested from the beginning, and I only had to buy the HDD.

 

Well, you've got your Win 10 installation media flash drive, your Win 7 Key should activate Win 10 because of the previous installation of Win 10 so, i guess you'll be good to go once your new hard drive is in the Toshiba. Good luck.

 

Does it have to be manufactured?
I got an external HDD from Canada in 4 days - over a weekend!

 

I believe she's having it sent Site to Store at Walmart — it takes a while.

 

You're such a show-off Mr. Shumway, LOL!! Well I just didn't know where to order it from obviously. I hate asking you guys everything. I don't want to overstay my welcome on the forum

 

this one I ordered from Ebay dern it. I should have taken a bit more time to look around, get some further sites I might order from. I just sort of grabbed it as soon as I saw it. I'll know better next time. I still feel I did ok price-wise. 62 with 4 bucks tax. Those dudes from outerspace always get things faster, and, on holiday weekends

 

Yes, and your instructions just finally sunk in on how to do that. I think I was overwhelmed at first, with the thought of actually doing this Then you probably saw where I didn't know where to install the tool, LOL! On the flash, or when I get the HDD, install it on there. Maybe I should just say, where do I unwrap the Tool, LOL! Layman's language hey Got that taken care of so yes, all ready for new HDD. I have the key ready, found it on the bottom of laptop Luckily, in 5 years it hadn't worn off