Laptop Update

Frustration levels are still high. I picked up a firewire cable because you can start it up in target mode and use it a hard drive for another firewire capable mac. I can SEE the laptop’s hard drive on the desktop of my G4 (most of the time). Problems start when I try to open that drive. Which isn’t surprising really since it’s complaining about a bad node structure in the file system.

I have a feeling I’m going to have to get DiskWarrior or something to see if I can save any of my files on it. Each time I try to open that drive the Finder goes into “not responding” mode. Then when I relaunch the finder, the laptop’s hard drive is no longer visible, and it doesn’t come up every time I try to boot it in targeted mode.

So, as far as writing goes the past couple of days, I’ve been using my G4 again. Wow, I didn’t realize how much I hated the keyboard on this one now. I’d been worried about getting used to the one on the laptop. The machine is also only an 800 mHz machine. That’s about 1/4th the speed of the laptop and boy does it show at times. I now know why the kids scream when I suggest they Google something on this one instead of stealing my laptop.

I’ve kept up with my journal entries and I’ve even done my web goals for the week. Where I’ve been struggling has been actual writing time on the WIPs. I knew this week was going to be hectic so I’d decreased my goals drastically this week. I’ve been working about an hour instead of two each day. The past two days this has meant taking a notebook and a pencil and taking notes on what to expand upon and how to flesh out Lord Barrington’s storyline in Revealed. Yup, still working on doing that, but thanks to the workshop with Diana Peterfreund, I’ve gotten a few ideas on how to do that.

It’s not as satisfying as working in the file making changes like I had been before the laptop flaked out the other night, but it’s still productive and necessary work.

Keep those fingers crossed and thanks for all the hugs and commiseration the other day! Hopefully back with good news sooner rather than later.

4 thoughts on “Laptop Update

  1. looks like it’s time for a new computer. My oldest son is temporarily Mac obsessed, but I’m talking him down. He already has an uber computer.

    Good luck, and it’s amazing how slow things are when you use them after awhile. (and I hate my laptop’s keyboard. I have a mini usb keyboard for when I travel)

  2. Two weeks ago I completely rebuilt my PC (all new guts) because one of the kittens stepped on the power button of the surge protector and cut power to the machine. After that it would lock up at the login screen. Something defo happened to my Windows install and I couldn’t even get to the restore/repair functions.

    One new hard drive, new motherboard, new chip later I have a newer, faster PC and the parts for a computer for my kid… minus the memory it needs. Cost $300. Last time I rebuilt this thing it cost me $200, but I went with the good shit this time.

    If I ever buy another laptop… it will be a Mac. But I’ll never let go of my PC. I like being able to fix it myself.

  3. Umm. The laptop was new at Christmas for just this reason. =(

    If I had a bit more uninterrupted time this would probably be going better, but I’m not going to get that until Tuesday.

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