Do I Need A New Laptop?

Primary issue:  The monitor portion of my laptop has mostly separated from the keyboard portion.  It still functions mostly as a desk top but it no longer produces any sound.  Error message reads "sound not connected"  I am assuming that the sound connection is in the separated portion at the bottom of the monitor.  Might this be correct?   If so, can it be repaired and if so how?  If it can be repaired, would laptop then be able to function as a desktop, assuming case cannot be reasonably repaired?

Secondary issue:  Because there is no sound, unless a quick and easy fix I can do myself, I will not be able to use the computer to run a zoom-based advisory committee meeting this afternoon.  I rely on the laptop to send group emails (gmail), sometimes during the meeting, and access the meeting agenda.  Can I access the full google drive capability from my mobile device?  Can the contacts section on my mobile device do email groups?  If so, how?  The laptop is Microsoft based.  The mobile device is Apple based.

Tertiary issue:  If the laptop should be replaced at this time, which I am perfectly prepared to do, what should i replace it with?  This is my second Lenovo computer.  I love it operationally but the case has broken on both rendering an otherwise fine computer inoperable.  If I switch to an apple based computer, will I still be able to have full Google Drive capability or is there a Microsoft/Google/Apple thing going that would make this impossible (refers back to secondary issue).

Thank you for any information/advice that the group provide.  Happy to answer any further questions if above post is not clear.

Update:  I ran a diagnostic on the speakers and did the latest operating system update.  Sound is back for now.  Unit is resting on a desk with monitor supported by two weighted jars that are holding it in place.  I am using the shut down function to close power off the computer and pressing the power button manually to start the computer since it no longer stays shut when closed.  Main concern is if the case can be restored so I can use this unit as a laptop again.  Of course, there are also concerns that the condition may deteriorate further.

what about an IPAD?

oots said:

what about an IPAD?

Or I love my tiny Lenovo Yoga.   You may get everything you need from an inexpensive Amazon Fire...

I like Dell or Lenovo laptops.

I am a Dell fan in recent years.

oots said:

what about an IPAD?

I have an iPad.  It does not enable me to see more than six persons at one time even in galley view.  Fine for a webinar, not so much when I am running a meeting with 20 attendees and need to see everyone at once.  Also, I cannot figure out how to use the iPad to notify 20 people during the meeting of information regarding a topic under discussion by sending a quick email to the entire group using a single group name.  I would appreciate instruction if you or anyone else knows how this can be done.  Finally, I need to be able to access my google drive during the meeting to refer to related documents such as prior minutes, current agenda, and reference materials.  I have yet to be able to figure out how to access the drive from my iPad.  Putting all needed documents in an email I send to myself is a possibility but switching screens with the iPad is tricky.  I have had to reenter the meeting more than once when I tried this.  Toggling between screens on the laptop (now desktop) is much easier. Again, I would appreciate instruction if this is possible.  I love the Lenovo just not the quality of the case in which it is housed.  Dell is a possibility if I do need a new computer.

I run lots of Zoom meetings from my Apple desktop (Mac Mini), including screen-sharing docs from Google Drive. I sometimes do it from my iPad, but I don't like it. As you mentioned, you can't see much and switching between apps is awkward. I only use my iPad when desperate, such as during a power outage.

There's an app for Google Drive that you can get from the app store on your iPad/iPhone. 

Google Drive is fine on the Mac. I have my drive set up as a folder in Finder (file manager), so it looks just like my other folders. (See the screen shot below.)

Is portability important to you? Or do you usually use the computer in the same place at home? If the computer doesn't move much, and it has enough speed/capacity to continue using into the future, you might consider hooking it up to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You'd have a bigger, better display for about $250 and you can park the laptop in a corner out of the way.

People often have a hard time switching from PC to Mac or vice versa. Others on this thread can provide better guidance on that decision and computer-buying advice.

I definitely need a new laptop.  The right hand portion of the screen is now covered by narrow stipes of color.  I assume that portion of the screen is now broken.  This makes it impossible for me to power off the computer short of draining the battery.  It means that I have use task manager to close windows and part of the text display is lost since i can't  shrink the windows to fit my reduced display.  Do I need a windows based computer if want to be able to access my programs and settings which are stored in Chrome?  Looking for a new computer that has a sturdy case and operates well.

I have used Tan computer on Springfield Ave.  His initial prices may be higher than some big places, but he has sold me exactly what I needed and did service updates as needed.  I like that he is local and very accessible.  While I have some computer skills and education, it is good to have a local person.   Kind of like the local auto repair shops where you knew the mechanics and they did a good job for you.   

Top of the laptop is no longer fully attached to the keyboard.  This makes it difficult to transport since I would have to walk it there.  Plus, screen is obviously broken.  Cost of repair would likely come close to cost of new computer.  If anyone knows a dos command that would turn off the computer and a command to resize the window I would appreciate it. 

"shutdown /s" will turn off the computer.

not sure what you mean by "resize the window".

joan_crystal said:

Top of the laptop is no longer fully attached to the keyboard.  This makes it difficult to transport since I would have to walk it there.  Plus, screen is obviously broken.  Cost of repair would likely come close to cost of new computer.  If anyone knows a dos command that would turn off the computer and a command to resize the window I would appreciate it. 

Joan, if you are having to resort to dos commands, take a look at Lenovo Yoga...  won't break the bank and you will love touch screen...

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/yoga/yoga-2-in-1-series/yoga-6-gen-7-(13-inch-amd)/82ud0001us

Solid state means it's not a traditional hard drive.  The only complaint I have is it has just a few ports, like only one usb port...   I have learned to work around that.

drummerboy said:

"shutdown /s" will turn off the computer.

not sure what you mean by "resize the window".

THANK YOU.  I am hoping if I can reduce the size of the windows, I will be able to close the windows by using the "X" rather than resorting to task manager.  The icon to do this is in the damaged portion of the screen.

Shutdown/s + pushing the power button worked.  I couldn't figure out where to type it on a windows 11 computer.

joan_crystal said:

Shutdown/s + pushing the power button worked.  I couldn't figure out where to type it on a windows 11 computer.

pressing the Windows Logo Key and R allows you to type in a dos command

another trick if you can't access the 'X' on a window is to cascade them by doing this

(short version - right click on a blank part of the taskbar and pick Cascade Windows from the resulting menu.)

:

btw - to answer your first question - Yes you need a new laptop! 

give us a budget and we'll find one for you.

I tried following the video you posted.  Unfortunately, the window that should appear when you right click on the task bar, is supposed to appear in the portion of the screen that is damaged.  So that won't work.  

Budget is not my main concern.  I want a laptop with a relatively large screen and a good sound card (I am hard of hearing).  I use the computer mostly for email, social media, Netflix, and zoom.  I also like to relax with online jigsaw puzzles and solitaire.  Being able to access my contacts and documents stored in my gmail drive is a must.  It would be nice if I could access my stored passwords but I can always select "forgot password" and start afresh.  I would like a computer with a sturdy case to avoid what i am dealing with now.  Touch screen is optional.  I have always used PC based computers.  Present computer is running windows 11.  My tablet is apple based so I am open to switching platforms.   

drummerboy said:

pressing the Windows Logo Key and R allows you to type in a dos command

another trick if you can't access the 'X' on a window is to cascade them by doing this

(short version - right click on a blank part of the taskbar and pick Cascade Windows from the resulting menu.)

:

When I press the windows logo key + R I get a search window that will locate a program of a folder.  It does not recognize "dos" or get one to the dos point.

The US govt threw out all Lenovos several years ago for security reasons (the company is owned by the PRC government). Taiwan-made ASUS laptops is a better alternative. Dell's are hit or miss; solid if you get one of their pricier models. Personally, I would get a MacBook Pro 16" because I've been using Macs for work from the first one, then personally at home from roughly the mid-90s. I currently own a 2019 MacBook Pro 16" (great sound) and a 2022 MacBook Air for use in another room (also great sound). The new OS that comes with a Mac (Ventura) is amazing with software that can open any MS Office document. And if there's ever a hardware issue, it's easy to schedule a time slot at the "Genius Bar", which I've used twice: once to get a new battery for a six year old MacBoook Pro (which lasted another few years) and once to get a screen replaced for free because it was within the 90-day window from purchase. Macs are more expensive, but they're fun to use and last a long time.

ETA:  I also use Google drive and can look up passwords through Mac's native "Keychain Access"utility.  You open the software (command+spacebar and type keychain and it will pop up, then press return) and enter the web site's name; when you see the site/account, double-click it, then check the "show password" option.  You'll be prompted for your computer's main password (make this short and easy to type unless you take the computer out with you a lot), and you'll be shown the password for the site/account.   Best of all is that Ventura will save your encrypted passwords and simply require your fingerprint to enter it.

For a long time Windows user, I don't see the trouble of converting all of your work and habits to a Mac as being worth the effort.

For durability, search google for "durable windows laptops" to find a suitable machine.

Some of the most durable laptops have always been the Toughbook series from Panasonic. They’re made for use in deserts, snowy terrain, industrial sites, etc. but you pay for that durability. The ThinkPad series from Lenovo are not flashy, but they are made to be easily repairable. The less expensive Lenovos, like the Ideapads, are much harder to repair. That’s almost always the case: the cheaper the laptop, the tougher to to fix the hardware.

I always steer people away from laptops with internal batteries. If batteries are not externally removable, it’s very difficult to disassemble and reassemble the damn things. They are made to be junked when the batteries are dead. 

That said, we’ve been in contact with Joan, and we should have her problem resolved this weekend. 

drummerboy said:

For a long time Windows user, I don't see the trouble of converting all of your work and habits to a Mac as being worth the effort.

For durability, search google for "durable windows laptops" to find a suitable machine.

Concurring with metaphysician ... My Lenovo ThinkPad seems very sturdy (keyboard, body, everything still solid, nothing loose or rickety at all after 2 or 3 years of steady use), but i don't move it around much.  It's pretty heavy if that matters to you, and then, what dave said.

Thank you so much to Metaphysician and another MOL friend who installed a desktop for me today.  I am preparing the punch list now but most of it is minor stuff.  Thank you to everyone who made suggestions for laptops and otherwise provided sound information and support.  I love being a part of this community.