Ubuntu 10.04

Simple mind = simple solutions. ROFL

Nope. Haven't explored it much yet. Mostly browsing and watching the AC indicator lights.

Might not cost too much to get a local shop to fix it.

Guess I should have started a thread just for the SatPro repair...but it's here, so....

Went online today and entered my serial number stuff at Toshiba support. My extended warranty is good till April 2012. I've got the telephone number to call, get a return authorization and that seems to be the way to go.

After hours of searching I even managed to find the original 5400 rpm drive with Vista that came with the laptop. It's back in and updated. Why take a chance if it would get lost or somebody would get snoopy. 

At least it's under warranty.

Well. I called the Toshiba repair center number tonight and talked with "John".  Strangely...I couldn't place his accent.  He had a heavy one, though mostly understandable.  But he spoke slowly and deliberately.

Quite a difference from the last time I called a computer OEM person.  That was HP and I mostly wanted to ring his neck. Smart aleck condescending know-it-all fart head!!  "John" was very helpful, respectful, and all that good stuff. (An apple polisher too. I'd ask a question and he'd go, "Now...that's a very good question to ask." ROFL)

Anyhow...I got no arguement from them, didn't have to play with it while they were on the phone. I described the problem and he said it needed to be sent in to have the power plug repaired or replaced.  I opted for the cheapest method.  If I'd taken it and an authorization number to a UPS store and let them box and ship it...it would have cost me $14.95 out of my pocket.  Or I could choose door number two...to let Toshiba send me a shipping box, pack it myself, and then either drop it off at a UPS Store, or call for a pickup.  It will take three to five days for the box to get to me. But won't cost me a penny.  I'm doing cheap.  HeeHee

I was very impressed.  (So far. I'm the eternal skeptic and will see how it turns out.)

I dropped the box off today with the laptop in it of course.  I called for a "pickup"...but no go. The customer service guy said I could either call to schedule a UPS pickup or drop it off at a UPS Store.  He neglected to say that I would have to pay a "pickup fee". (I've never sent anything UPS before...just received.) 

But...UPS scheduling found me a drop-off place 16 miles from here in the next county. Some local store called "Mail and More". UPS/FedEx/DHL service.  I think the more is because they also sell cards. nick-nacks, frig magnets, and yes....even "laundry". (I didn't inquire...it's just what the list of stuff on their store window said "laundry".  ROFL)

That's good news!  Nice touch to customer service.

Finally. UPS received the electronic billing info at 12:30 a.m. on 18 June.  They didn't receive it though until 1 p.m. this afternoon...the 22nd. Discounting Saturday and Sunday...what the hey were they doing with it all day Friday and Monday?  Maybe a Kentucky holiday? (Repair depot is in Louisville, Kentucky. Scheduled for delivery tomorrow the 23rd. (The UPS truck usually rolls past here around 4 p.m. give or take.)

 Thanks. I'm sure it will. And the turn-around time and all that actually doesn't bother me. Seems rather fast actually.

I'm just "irked" about the tracking stuff.  I think that's just a bunch  of to do that. Not just Toshiba...but any place. I know why they do it but it's still a bunch of hogwash. 

Ah...here's Toshiba's stuff:

==============================

Repairs Status: Shipped to Customer

Status Information: Your computer has been shipped back to you. To track your shipment, please click the tracking number below.

===================================

No it wasn't. It sat, for whatever reason, for 4 days waiting to get shipped.  The only thing that "shipped" was the tracking number. Grumble mumble. (I'll get over it...but I reserve the right to pout awhile.)