It is amazing how much we take for granted until it is not around. Take, for instance, my laptop computer.
With the advent of microchips and Centrino processors, the lowly laptop evolved from a expensive plaything with limited capability to a powerhouse that competes easily with unwieldy desktop models. About four years ago, I made a decision to switch from a desktop to a laptop as my personal computer. I have been very happy with the decision. My computer goes with me to court, to seminars, up to Washington, on airplanes, in cars, and trains. Last February, I upgraded to a new Hewlett-Packard Pavilion Entertainment PC. It literally has most of my life packed into its hard drives.
So imagine this tranquil scene. I am sitting at the kitchen table typing on the computer. Justin and Kenny burst through the front door with a surprise for everyone. They had stopped at the local A&W and brought Root Beer Slushies home for everyone. Since it was 105 °F (40 °C ) in Fresno, the prospect of a icey drink was a welcome treat.
Kenny reached into the paper bag the boys had used to transport the drinks in the car, and grasped my Slushie by the rim of the cup lid. He then started to pass it over the computer to my right hand. Just as he was directly over the open keyboard, the lid pulled off the rim of the cup and the entire drink cascaded into the laptop!
So imagine this tranquil scene. I am sitting at the kitchen table typing on the computer. Justin and Kenny burst through the front door with a surprise for everyone. They had stopped at the local A&W and brought Root Beer Slushies home for everyone. Since it was 105 °F (40 °C ) in Fresno, the prospect of a icey drink was a welcome treat.
Kenny reached into the paper bag the boys had used to transport the drinks in the car, and grasped my Slushie by the rim of the cup lid. He then started to pass it over the computer to my right hand. Just as he was directly over the open keyboard, the lid pulled off the rim of the cup and the entire drink cascaded into the laptop!
I jumped up and quickly unplugged the computer. But the damage was done. I watched in stunned dismay as root beer slushie poured out of every port in the computer. The laptop made a sort of a sizzling gasp, then went dark.
Kenny immediately started a mantra of "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry..." as he tried to wipe up the spreading puddle. I tried to soothe him and deal with the electronic catastrophe at the same time.
The next day the computer was off to Hewlett-Packard for repair. I had purchased the "3 year - all inclusive" extended warranty on advice of my husband when I bought the computer (he envisioned that I would drop the computer, not test its capability to mimic a sponge).
The repaired laptop arrived Saturday. I plugged in the computer and opened the screen. Apparently the repairman was not amused at the sticky mess underneath the keyboard.
I spent the weekend reloading all my programs and downloading by backup disks. I’m back in business!
Kenny immediately started a mantra of "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry..." as he tried to wipe up the spreading puddle. I tried to soothe him and deal with the electronic catastrophe at the same time.
The next day the computer was off to Hewlett-Packard for repair. I had purchased the "3 year - all inclusive" extended warranty on advice of my husband when I bought the computer (he envisioned that I would drop the computer, not test its capability to mimic a sponge).
The repaired laptop arrived Saturday. I plugged in the computer and opened the screen. Apparently the repairman was not amused at the sticky mess underneath the keyboard.
I spent the weekend reloading all my programs and downloading by backup disks. I’m back in business!
10 comments:
Oh so glad you're back and that your computer was able to be fixed! I shared your story with my ubertech husband, and he cringed. That reminds me, I need to do a backup....
Wow! I'm glad its cleaned up and back in action!
I held my breath when I read about the slushies... I'm glad [and very surprised] that they were able to repair it!
I think the whole thing was replaced -- not repaired. For once a pricey extended warranty was worth it
DH got me the 3 year Apple Care and I too think it is well woth the investment. Have been thinking about one of those keyboard protectors to avoid that kind of slushie oops problem! Do you think it would have helped any?
I love the note...As if you tried to feed your laptop! ROTFL...
Sorry about what happened. It totally reminded me of that Saturday Night Live sketch from the late '70's, "The Pepsi Syndrome", in which a nuclear reactor worker spilled a soft drink on a console and caused a meltdown.
Anyway~ I missed ya!
I'm still shuddering. But...I have the exact same computer. Are we surprised?
OMG, she says as she moves her water glass another foot from her laptop!! I try to keep my drinks well away from my laptop and even set them about a foot away on the table....but I know the horrible is going to happen one day!
I'm glad and amazed they were able to repair (replace?)it, though! I never buy those warranties, but after seeing this, I'm beginning to wonder....
Glad it had a happy ending!
Oh dear, that sounds horrible! Luckily you had the foresight to back up your data and obtain a good warranty! Did you get to have a slushie anyway? ;)
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