Dell's customer service is horrific. I tried to get warrenty service on an accesory for my laptop while it was under warranty. After six calls over three days covering four hours, I finally gave up and purchased a replacement.

I will never buy a Dell again.

I have heard many Dell horror stories.

HP has been really good to me in the past.

They repaired my iPaq screen that cracked -- even though it wasn't "technically" covered under the warranty.

They also repaired my CD burner in my laptop, even after rejecting it at first due to "pet hair" or other such nonsense.

If you can afford it, I would try to buy at a retailer and use their accidental protection plan coverage. It covers everything from drops to spilling coffee into the thing. There isn't anything they will not replace.

Sorry to hear about your problems. Money is money and you should not have been made to purchase that part.

The question is, how can this be blamed on Bush?

;-)

Since I'm debating the purchase of a new computer - or repairing the old one (7 year old HP Pavilion that needs a new hard drive), I think my decision is made for me! Another year with the old computer (after spending $100 for repairs) seems like one heck of a good deal to me.

No, no, no! Gayle! Buy the new computer and get high speed internet if you don't have it.

I just ordered a week ago a brand new media center PC (I've been talking about getting for a year) with a new Intel Core 2 Duo chip. These chips are so fast and VERY CHEAP!

The system I got ...

This feels like a post. Let me put it up on the board.