I always run out of subject lines and end up saying Meh

[kryptonitemonkey]

Oh my. I have spent so much money on the Steam summer sale. I think it's currently around like $80. To be fair, I've saved way more than even that. So many games that were 75% off, how could I resist? Savings always amuses me though, since it's partly a lie and a way to placate ourselves. I mean, how many things would we really buy if they never went on sale? I'm fairly certain I would never have spent the money for even half the games I got had they never dropped in price. Maybe if I had endless funds, but that's a meaningless thought. Saying that one saved X amount of money by spending on way more than you would have ever gotten is just silly.

Also, my laptop has started to worry me a bit. Mainly, the fan in it has been going out randomly of late, and anyone who has had a laptop knows how hot these suckers can get. Not only has the fan just not come on at times, but when it starts to heat up, windows flashes a scary warning on the screen about needing to take it in immediately to get fixed. Having had a motherboard fry once because it overheated, I am absolutely aware of the severity of such a thing happening. Thankfully, computers do have emergency measures to auto-shutdown when it gets too hot, but sometimes it can be too late.

I popped open the back of the laptop to see if there was anything gumming up the fan, but I couldn't find anything. All I could do was blow out all the dust that I could, and that not a ton, since I don't have any canned air. It's weird now, because I can't easily tell if the fan is on at all anymore, since it's not been making the grinding noise it has been for a while now. Thus far no warnings though, so hopefully it means it's just working well for once. I do still like this laptop, but it does have some issues. The battery stopped working entirely a while back, and is not easily replaced, since it's built into the motherboard. You have to pop it all open and remove something that I was unable to when I tried.

And, since a large portion of it is used for gaming, the middling graphics card I have on it is starting to hit a wall. I've actually been quite pleased with the results of this geforce card it has, since so many laptops just have an integrated card which tends to be crap, but this card is not meant to be a gaming card. Close, but not. So there are a number of older games that it still plays well with decent graphical settings, but games from the last year or so can either only play with low graphics, or not at all. At least it can handle Skyrim at max settings with over a 100 mods beautifully.

Still, I'm starting to surf over to the alienware website on occasion, and wonder if I could finance one. I don't make a ton of money, but I also don't use much, so I could handle more than the minimum monthly payments (because I'd end up paying waaay more if I only pay a minimum).

Comments

[phaea]

oo, hope the laptop doesn't explode. >_> video games are a priority! *bangs table with fist* jk, jk. no, but seriously.... ;)

and i calculated once how much money i spent on the complete sims 3 franchise (minus stuff packs) and can i just tell you...i couldn't believe it. $40 here and $40 there......wow. it adds up fast. so here's to buying games on sale!!! LOL

[sparowe]

My graphics card failing saved me from the Steam summer sale, ironically. :/ At least, I think it's the graphics card, I already tried replacing the power supply. So, we'll see.

Having gone through that with laptops before getting help building the current monstrosity, I sympathise. My Alienware tanked hard after three years, and I was basically told it wasn't worth fixing. Then went through two MSI laptops in less than six months, which was about when I'd had enough. I hope things work out better for you!

[kryptonitemonkey]

I would actually prefer a desktop, but I move about so much, and don't have a desk, so a laptop is a much better option for me. I do miss the ability to easily pop one open and switch things out with having to deal with a million tiny screws. I have generally had a good experience with my Toshibas, though my current one has had a few issues which annoys me. For a time my wifi wouldn't work, which is a huge inconvenience.

I've always wanted an Alienware, but never had money enough for one, but a good computer really is a worthwhile investment, especially in my case, since I use it for darn near everything, so it really might be worth getting one. For right now, though, I just bought a cooling pad to rest my laptop on, which will hopefully extend the life of my current laptop. A fan is really not something easily swapped out.

[sparowe]

Believe me, I understand--I had a laptop for years, and still prefer the convenience of one. (Currently typing from a Surface, which I'm grateful to have or I'd be out a computer until EVGA gets my card sorted.) The desktop was built out of sheer desperation and multiple failed laptops. If I had to go back now, I think I'd spec one of the nicer Razer Blades, based on reviews. (Only because I had so much trouble with Alienware's proprietary back-up software after the final crash.)

Fans can definitely help, I'd say I got several extra months out of my laptop with one. Needed a heavy one because the laptop was, and it was a pain to find one blowing in the right direction (all the cheap Targus ones, for example, would've fought the fans), but definitely worth it.

And yes, absolutely, if your computer is "your thing" (it is mine, I practically live on it), it's a worthwhile investment. I hope your current one holds out until you can get one you like :)

[pixelzomblina]

STEAM SALES! UGH! I've purposely avoided even looking because I'm trying to prioritize. Hey! If you'd like to add me on there, my username is nilavae! ;) Only if you'd like. :P

Also-- YES! The heat that emits from these laptops can be terrible. Dx

[kryptonitemonkey]

Invite sent!

[kryptonitemonkey]

And I do have to say, I have absolutely enjoyed myself with all the games I've so far gotten. The One Button Death Punch in particular has given me some great mindless fun, and I think it was only like $3. And naturally Fallout 4...