Morgan BellComputer meltdown? Targus to the rescue!
April 10th 2009 18:28
About three years ago I bought a notebook (laptap) computer online through Pioneer. It was called a "Dreambook" and I got to select all the specs and options according to what I needed. It's a similar system to Dell, cheaper than purchasing from a retailer, and they make it from scratch depending on which processor you want and how much memory etc.
My choice of Pioneer probably stems from my preference for all things Japanese. When it comes to driving, ive only ever owned Toyotas, replacement parts are dearer but they seem to last forever mechanically.
I grew up watching movies like Mr Baseball (Tom Selleck) and Gung Ho (Michael Keaton) and witnessing Japan emerge as a prolific industrial country. In the 1980s and 90s Japan gained a reputation for high productivity, efficiency and quality in manufacturing.
Is this still true today? I have no idea. But Im sure I will continue to have the same kind of faith in Japanese brands, similar to the generation before me having faith in German precision.
This week I was typing away on the computer and I got a warning that my battery was low and I should swith to A/C power. Thats funny, I swear it is plugged in . . . lets check, yep it is plugged in . . . hmmm whats going on here?
The battery drained because I was unable to get the computer to recognise the A/C adapter cord. It switched off. I was amazed. Jaw-dropped.
I got the Pioneer Dreambook in March 2006. It has never had any problems, always completely reliable. How could my computer have a meltdown? Its Japanese! This cannot happen!
I tossed it around in my mind for awhile. Its either the computer or the cord. What I need is a second cord to check. If that doesnt work I guess Im going to have to accept this is just a regular computer, and not the super-durable Japanese computer I thought it was going to be. I prepared to console myself with platitudes . . . well really you were lucky to get more than three years out of it . . . isnt that what people say?
First stop Harvey Norman, to be irritated by a condescending douche who had never heard of the brand Pioneer and claimed no cord in the world would fit it. He looked at me like I claimed to own a unicorn . . . Pioneer? Laptop? Are you sure? . . . yes Im sure you arrogant bastard.
Next stop Tandy . . . do you have an A/C adapter tant would fit my Pioneer laptop?
Yes of course, try to Targus 90W A/C Universal Notebook Power Adapter.
Easy peasy!
It came with six interchangeable ends to fit any laptop type or brand, and only cost $109. Compared to the cost of a consultation by a computer repair technician, I thought I should take a gamble and experiement with replacing the cord first - rule out the most obvious solution.
Snap, it works! Happy, happy, joy, joy! Charge, baby, charge . . .
If you have a problem with your laptop not charging, or you know you have a damaged cord, I highly recommend trying a Targus . . . not Japanese, but compatible with Japanese!
CLICKHERE to view specs for the Targus APA03AU Home/Office Laptop Adapter
My choice of Pioneer probably stems from my preference for all things Japanese. When it comes to driving, ive only ever owned Toyotas, replacement parts are dearer but they seem to last forever mechanically.
I grew up watching movies like Mr Baseball (Tom Selleck) and Gung Ho (Michael Keaton) and witnessing Japan emerge as a prolific industrial country. In the 1980s and 90s Japan gained a reputation for high productivity, efficiency and quality in manufacturing.
Is this still true today? I have no idea. But Im sure I will continue to have the same kind of faith in Japanese brands, similar to the generation before me having faith in German precision.
This week I was typing away on the computer and I got a warning that my battery was low and I should swith to A/C power. Thats funny, I swear it is plugged in . . . lets check, yep it is plugged in . . . hmmm whats going on here?
The battery drained because I was unable to get the computer to recognise the A/C adapter cord. It switched off. I was amazed. Jaw-dropped.
I got the Pioneer Dreambook in March 2006. It has never had any problems, always completely reliable. How could my computer have a meltdown? Its Japanese! This cannot happen!
I tossed it around in my mind for awhile. Its either the computer or the cord. What I need is a second cord to check. If that doesnt work I guess Im going to have to accept this is just a regular computer, and not the super-durable Japanese computer I thought it was going to be. I prepared to console myself with platitudes . . . well really you were lucky to get more than three years out of it . . . isnt that what people say?
First stop Harvey Norman, to be irritated by a condescending douche who had never heard of the brand Pioneer and claimed no cord in the world would fit it. He looked at me like I claimed to own a unicorn . . . Pioneer? Laptop? Are you sure? . . . yes Im sure you arrogant bastard.
Next stop Tandy . . . do you have an A/C adapter tant would fit my Pioneer laptop?
Yes of course, try to Targus 90W A/C Universal Notebook Power Adapter.
Easy peasy!
It came with six interchangeable ends to fit any laptop type or brand, and only cost $109. Compared to the cost of a consultation by a computer repair technician, I thought I should take a gamble and experiement with replacing the cord first - rule out the most obvious solution.
Snap, it works! Happy, happy, joy, joy! Charge, baby, charge . . .
If you have a problem with your laptop not charging, or you know you have a damaged cord, I highly recommend trying a Targus . . . not Japanese, but compatible with Japanese!
CLICKHERE to view specs for the Targus APA03AU Home/Office Laptop Adapter
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Comment by alt_ed
Alted Opinion
ArtCombat
The Inner Saintdom
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
oh please dont tell me you and David are going to join forces . . . you forgot A-theist A-human
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
you make them sound like characters in a sci-fi novel!
haha
hey theres nothing wrong with a PC . . . i just have a nomadic lifestyle so i opt for the more portable
Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
i think you will find he was mocking you
but thanks for the karma points, i can always rely on you to push my popularity up, you are by far my most loyal commenter
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Hi David, at least its not another frizzy hair post. Those are the worst.
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Know what I mean?
Easy peasy? Japanesey.
Oh, what a feeling!
Dancing on the ceiling.
Comment by alt_ed
Alted Opinion
ArtCombat
The Inner Saintdom
Comment by Wilson Pon
Health 2 Know
Adventure Toes
boxing sound
Business Rope
Fun Places 2 Travel
No matter what, I have to check it out as soon as possible, as I don't want to be the last one to know about it!
Comment by Postmodern Critic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
alt_ed has a Mac and it seems pretty good, i envy not having to restart all the time
oh frizzy hair posts, they are written as though i was in kindergarten . . . theres just no pleasing some arseholes
hi Norm
if only i was getting some cash for all the brand names i mention . . . alas, no . . . but i wish
hi alt-ed,
cash? haha
i doubt he knows what cash is
hi Wilson,
oh a new laptop is exponentially more exciting than a new cord
if i had the money to updaye, id be right there with you buddy!
hi PoMo,
i had a Toshiba before the Pioneer, it probably lasted 5-6 years, and then it started having an error that i couldnt access Windows explorer so i couldnt open my files . . . i never got it fixed because it was running on Windiws ME and had become updated, so i just bought a new one
sometimes repairing things is almost as dear as buying something new
good to hear Japan still has a good reputation
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness