My laptop gave it up and croaked.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (60373)
July 13, 2026 8:23pm CST
I do like using a laptop for most things. The screen is bigger, and I just type better and faster on a regular keyboard than I do on a touch screen. I learned to type on a basic typewriter back in the day, and my fingers still want to touch actual typing keys, not just a screen. Not sure why, I guess it's just years of habit.
Yesterday, I sat down to the laptop and it was just fine--for about 2 minutes. It froze. Then it came back to normal. Then it completely wacked out and son told me to shut it down, which I did. It's only about 2 1/2 years old. I've treated it well. It was an HP, and I have always liked that brand as well as Lenovo.
Son is a computer engineer. If he can't figure out how to fix it, usually it's because it's beyond fixing. When he arrived here to stay, he had two extra laptops that were perfect. He was using an older one that he felt would die soon, so he kept both of the extra ones, as he had spent time and money rebuilding them to a new state.
I feel SO lucky that there was one for me to have. A laptop is not in the budget, and I can't just use my phone, it makes my head hurt and the migraines appear when I try to use it for too long. All he had to do was charge it up and load it with all of my endless files, pictures, etc...(he always does this when he's switched out laptops on me before, but it still makes him laugh, all the pictures I have.) I made him rest off and on while he was setting it up for me, but now it's done at last and I can do what I need to do. Yay! I don't need any more complications in my life right now.
I am just so thankful he had saved one for me. 
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11 responses
@rakski (158116)
• Philippines
10h
@MarieCoyle I haven't seen my laptop for a week now
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
11h
My laptop is used daily, I would miss it if I didn't have one. I am sure I would survive, but I might go blind trying to see everything on that phone screen!
3 people like this
@Dreamerby (10241)
• Calcutta, India
12h
Hp laptops are durable. I don't know what's wrong. My Lenovo laptop gives me trouble sometimes. I have to shut off and then put the power back on, press some keys, boot and it starts working. Although it's 5 years old now.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
11h
When he can, he will figure out the HP's ailments and no doubt fix it so it can be the spare. I have had HP's before, and they lasted for years. I had a Lenovo that made it for 9 years, too. I am just so thankful he had this one put away and I didn't have to do without--I am spoiled!
2 people like this
@Dreamerby (10241)
• Calcutta, India
11h
@MarieCoyle Yeah my previous laptop( well it is my dad's laptop but he barely uses it) Dell still works fine after 11 years. You cannot do heavy coding and all but its ok to watch youtube, use word doc..normal stuff.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
10h
@Dreamerby
Mine is mostly for personal use, but I do depend on it.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (87621)
• United States
10h
I know, they aren’t cheap, not even the cheap ones. I really hope your son can fix it for you. Two-year-old machines shouldn’t be breaking down. 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
10h
That's what he said, that he knew I didn't abuse it or spill anything on it, etc...and it shouldn't have done that. He has endless parts put away, I have faith that it will get fixed and refurbished at some point and become the ''spare''....I am just so thankful he had one for me.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
8h
As busy as my other 3 children are with work, spouses, and children, texting is often our communication. We even have to decide when it is a good time to call each other (barring emergencies, etc) they work around ball games, etc. plus two of them are on call at times. I am glad for the phone, but I am not addicted to it or carrying it around in my hand 24/7 like so many people do.
1 person likes this
@almostoveryou (5122)
• Philippines
10h
Your son is a blessing. I hope your new laptop serves you for a long time.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
10h
My son has been through a lot...and I know he struggles with a lot of things, but he has always tried to be there for me. He was so pleased that he had a laptop ready to go that I could use, and so was I. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (41442)
• Philippines
7h
It’s great to have a son who’s skilled at tinkering with computers—it can save a lot on repair and maintenance costs. However, laptops and computers do have a limited lifespan, and technology advances so quickly that in just a few years, much better machines become available. Often, upgrades aren’t compatible with older models, updates eventually stop, and sooner or later, the device will naturally give out.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (41442)
• Philippines
7h
@MarieCoyle Sorry to hear that he’s too sick to come into work. Maybe he could work from home instead, so he can avoid extra stress and recover more quickly than if he had to be there in person.
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
7h
He is a certified computer engineer. He builds computers, and sets up systems for businesses and schools, etc. He doesn't just replace or hotwire things, he makes them like new again--and he's good at it. He loves what he does and wants to return to work, but since he's been so ill, he can't....maybe someday he can.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (191322)
• Boise, Idaho
7h
How great that you have him there. My grandson is quite the tech whiz and has helped me a lot. I sure like my laptop. I use it a lot and my cell occasionally.
@LadyDuck (504447)
• Italy
7h
I use my desktop computer most of the time, I have a laptop, but with this hot temperature it's not the best option. I am glad that your son is there to help you. I always had problems with HP products, they are those who lasted only a few years all the time.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (504447)
• Italy
7h
@MarieCoyle - I have a very old ACER laptop that is still good, but I like more my desktop. In case of a problem, I take out the hard disk, put inside another desktop and I have nothing else to do.
@MarieCoyle (60373)
•
7h
HP has done pretty well for us over the years, but never has one had major issues like this one did after only two years. We didn't buy that computer, son got it as a gift...but still, it should have lasted longer.
He tries so hard to help when he feels well, Anna. He wants to be productive and it is so hard for him when he feels badly. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (384591)
• Rockingham, Australia
6h
That was so fortunate that you have a spare or two in the house.
