Laptop Died - Considering New One!

celiotte on 02/11/2015 - 21:34

Hi everyone,

This will be a thread mainly asking for advice and suggestions !

Background Information
My laptop of nearly 4 years shutdown on me a few days ago and refuses to turn back on (I assume it overheated as cooling fan has not been working well for a while). As a result, I am now thinking of getting a new laptop ! However, I still require many documents/pictures from the old laptop.

I've briefly looked through available options for laptop repairs here in ACT Canberra and it seems to be ridiculously expensive so far (158 dollars for an hour MIN) so I need some help regarding places or people I could go to and suggestions on new laptops !

1) Does anyone have the contact of anyone in the ACT or possibly Melbourne (heading there soon) who can fix laptops or extract the harddrive information for me at a decent price?
2) If I were to get a new laptop, what are some I should consider?
* I game fairly intensively (Dota 2, occasionally trying MMORPGs)
* I am going to Malaysia soon on holiday, should I get one there?
* No budget in mind at the moment but possibly around 1.5k~
* I do like a bigger screen

Computing

Comments

  • Axelstrife on 02/11/2015 - 21:48

    pull hdd out and connect to another pc to retrieve files.

    easy as hell and costs nothing aslong as you have a spare sata cable to plug into the HDD and the desktop.

    or sata to usb.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-5-USB-3-0-Notebook-SATA-Hard-Drive-Disk-to-USB-Interface-Converter-Adapter-/251611989499?hash=item3a953e45fb:g:ZHEAAOSwEK9T5Mpe

    • celiotte on 02/11/2015 - 21:52

      This may be a bit embarrassing but the problem is that I have close to no computer knowledge especially regarding the hardware and I don't feel confident (and don't know how to) take the hdd out. I'm afraid I might damage something and also I would like someone to take a look at my laptop just in case the problem is minor and I can actually continue to use it

      • Axelstrife on 02/11/2015 - 21:55

        make and model of the laptop? maybe i could find a guide or something online.

        my HP G6 laptop for example only like two screws to remove the HDD a cover underneath comes off.

        • Wakety-Wack on 02/11/2015 - 22:50

          Ditto plenty of online step by step guides with pics.

        • celiotte on 02/11/2015 - 22:54

          some sort of HP Pavillion dv6 I think…

        • Brouw3r on 04/11/2015 - 15:06

          @kennethmzh: It's extremely simple to take out the HDD, if it is that HP you said; just need to pop off the panel (not screwed on it looks like) and unscrew the 4 screws holding it in see diagram and slide it away about ~1cm from the SATA connector. It will likely be screwed into the bracket which you can just unscrew and have a naked 2.5" SATA HDD which you could either turn it into an external HDD with a USB sata exclosure or plug it into a desktop with a SATA cable and a spare power cable from the PSU.

  • mochariffic on 02/11/2015 - 22:26

    Alienware off dell factory outlet?

  • Randxyz123 on 02/11/2015 - 23:20

    Plenty of places in Melbourne CBD start googling, read reviews etc

    This place - http://www.c1computer.com.au was recommended to me for getting my mac HD upgraded, looks like they do windows repairs as well.

    They have a "Overheating repair service" where they clean the dust out and replace maybe the fan if necessary for $120 thats a start! if it works well enough to grab your files perhaps do that.

    Have you got a backup? Data recovery is NOT cheap especially if you've f***ed up your HD.

    4 years is a good life for a laptop and a refurbished Alienware might not be a bad idea.

    Alternatively if you are a big gamer you could build yourself a new desktop (HEAPS of guides online and it's a good experience and cheaper) and grab a cheaper laptop for traveling/Uni/sitting on the couch and googling stuff etc etc

    • celiotte on 03/11/2015 - 01:20

      I don't think my hdd is f**ked up, I'm assuming its a minor-ish problem. Taking the hdd out should be sufficient to get the information off it.

      Any recommendations on where to look for a refurbished Alienware? I looked it up briefly and found the dell website but they don't have any Alienware laptops going at the moment :(

      Gaming desktops are too bulky as I move around a lot (as in move houses) and also travel frequently where I take my gaming laptop with me, I do own a Mac Air for university etc

      • scrimshaw on 03/11/2015 - 01:25

        Dell Outlet. Google it.

        • celiotte on 03/11/2015 - 01:26

          Yeah, that is the one I found which had no stock at the moment

        • scrimshaw on 03/11/2015 - 01:28

          @kennethmzh:

          Stock is generally replenished every weekday (or so it seems), but Alienware refurbs are generally much harder to get since they do not sell in large numbers.

      • Randxyz123 on 03/11/2015 - 10:31

        Well try that place in Melbourne and keep an eye out for a refurbished Alienware.

  • scrimshaw on 03/11/2015 - 00:32

    Be careful of buying laptops and PC parts from Malaysian stores. For the non-tech savvy they may lie to you about the specifications of the device, or use bait / switch tactics, or generally just rip you off. Never assume the storeperson is on your side. You're a tourist and they see you as nothing more than walking bags of money.

    If you want to score a bargain make sure you haggle and price match, and ALWAYS research the prices and compare it to Australian pricing on the internet.

    If you're unsure at all, then don't take any risks. Just buy what you need from Aussie stores, much safer and you get local warranty.

  • nish on 03/11/2015 - 00:50

    Yoga 3

  • Robbo77 on 03/11/2015 - 09:47
    +2

    As for the removal of the HDD I am in Canberra and can help you with that if you are near Civic? You mentioned Uni so I would assume there are other there also who could assist.
    As far as the rest of the laptop goes I can take a look and may be able to find the cause of the failure, if it is a fan like you say that could be any easy fix. I am guessing you want to upgrade anyway if you only currently have 4gb ram and are looking at a gaming laptops.
    Either way if you need some help or just some advice let me know and I will do what I can

    • celiotte on 03/11/2015 - 15:52

      Yes, I would love some help if that is possible !

      Is there any way to message you

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