Aaaack

I think I fried the CPU on my laptop.  It has been running hot for a while and I’d hoped I could stay its death sentence with Arctic Silver, but alas, it seems to have died an honorable death.  I have frequently backed up the files and programs and I’m hoping I’ll be able to move data to another laptop or something.  Unfortunately I’m now left rather un-mobile.  We have Jesse’s T40 which has been experiencing a backlight problem for many months so it is permanently tied to an external monitor.  We have Jamie’s Mac that I detest and that will not work with my school software.  We have Pike’s Toshiba which has a constant problem with the hinges and is now permanently ductaped to an open position.

When I first started noticing problems with my T30 (IBM Thinkpad) I setup both Jamie’s Mac and Pike’s Toshiba with my files and programs so I could use either as a backup.  I also made sure that all the programs I’d need were on the external drive as well as frequently backedup my files.  So, I’m pretty good to go, but this keyboard is really very different and the display is really wonky (as it is permanently set to one position).

I’m looking at replacing both Pike’s and mine with either another T30 (for me – I can get what I need for $179 and use my existing HD and RAM) or two T60’s (but now I’m worried about ATI chip issues with those) or two T40’s (T43’s probably as the T41’s and T40’s are known for GPU issues and I can’t remember what the deal is with T42’s).  I have to say that I am LOVING the USB 2.0 on Pike’s Toshiba and might not go back to the T30 (Pentium M, USB 1.0) and might go right to two T60’s (core duo).  But then I wonder about Core 2 Duo and wonder if I shouldn’t pursue that…  We’re a Thinkpad family – I’m really convinced with the durability and smarts of those machines.

On the medical front, we’ll probably head to Merida on Tuesday or Wednesday and start the process.  Jamie does NOT want to stay at the trailer park so we’re looking at hotels.  Specifically those with a pool.

It has been raining here for about 72 days straight and we’re hoping this little system will move off to Florida where they need the rain.  I don’t think I actually complained about not having rain, but I must have, as it hasn’t let up for about 89 days straight.

Oh, one thing I did lose was my Inbox (of mail) and honestly, I have to consider that a plus.    I’ve been AWFUL about responding to email, so please resend any emails (except those damn forwards ) that need my attention.  In the meanwhile I’ll answer comments directly on the blog instead of via email.