Laptop query

[Euphemia]

My Compaq presario CQ60 laptop is sadly now limping along and ready for the
scrapheap. How much will I have to spend to replace it? And, do you have any recommendations? Principal use is the internet and word processing. Many thanks for any thoughts you may have on this.

[vivandorron]

I would wish to help and as a starter would ask "what budget have you in mind".? At the moment I believe you have a 15.6inch screen. However, if your laptop is Not being moved from your home, I would be suggesting that you should purchase a 17 inch replacement item, costing in the region of say £400.

Please come-back on this one and I may be able to suggest an item to meet your requirements.

Incidentally, lots of CQ60s were made with different specifications.
What exact model and specs have you got.?

Ron.

[Euphemia]

Many thanks for your offer of help. My budget is in the region of £400 (maximum).
Model and specs are as follows:
Manufacturer: Hewlett Packhard
Model: Compaq Presario CQ60 notebook PC
Processor: AMD Turion Dual-Core RAM-32 210 GHz
Memory: (RAM) 4GB
System-type: 32-bit operating system
Windows Edition: Windows Vista Home Premium
Service pack 2 Upgrade Windows Vista
A larger screen is not a factor.
Tks.

[vivandorron]

Windows 8 has now been released and if you would be happy with a 15.6inch screen then it should be possible to buy a good make for about £350. Alternatively you could purchase a machine with Windows 7 for even less and update to W8 for the going rate at present of I believe £24.

It might be worth you having a browse of all that's on offer with Amazon.

Two examples:-

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Ron.

[vivandorron]

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[HowardKennitby]

What exactly is wrong with what you have now?

[Euphemia]

The worst problem I am encountering is the inability to hold a battery charge. I am getting fed up and broke with having to replace batteries. Computer also gets extremely hot.

[vivandorron]

If overheating is being caused by malfunctioning of internal components, my knowledge of computers doesn't go that far. However, a common cause is that the air vents underneath a laptop are being blocked by dust and need a vacuum hose, gently run over them. Another cause is thinking that, because it is called a laptop, it can be used whilst perched on one's knees.
Under no circumstance should it be used on any soft material surfaces. If one is sitting in an easy chair it can be used on a coffee table.

I don't know what to say about the Battery, unless overheating is damaging it.

Perhaps Howard will return to this thread and give a second opinion.

Ron.

[Euphemia]

Thanks Vivandron and Howard. I use my laptop sitting on a Belkin fan otherwise I have would have singed knees! There could well be a connection between the battery and the overheating. I am on battery no 4 in just under three years.

[vivandorron]

I am still bothered about your laptop overheating.

Ok. So you have a Belkin fan pad, which I assume is connected to your computer by a USB. Nevertheless, you should Not use it placed upon your knees; I honestly do Not think it is designed for that purpose. Surely it needs an air current underneath for cooling purposes and heat from your body is being transferred to your laptop. Furthermore, I am inclined to believe that 'cooling pads' connected to a laptop are a possible drain on batteries and shortens their life.

Try using the laptop on a solid surface and see if it makes any difference.

Ron.

[ChuckFickens]

The CQ60 and CQ61 do run very hot. I have one.

In fact they get so hot a lot of them managed to unsolder their graphics chip through normal use.

[Euphemia]

Thanks to you too ChuckFickens. I'm still giving the matter some thought.

[vivandorron]

If your thoughts are still in the direction of buying a new laptop, keep checking Amazon for bargains such as:-

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Ron.