Recent content by kenmore3973

Can you tell me a little more about resetting the KBC? I looked that term up online. Based on what I read, it sounds like resetting the KBC has the same effect as simply doing a complete system restore (to factory default condition). Am I correct? To be honest, when this problem first began, I...

The feedback from you guys is much appreciated. I'll call around town and see if I can find an ethical repair shop. I'll pitch the KBC theory and see how they respond.

As for the origin of this keyboard problem, I have a theory. A few months ago I started using a powerful topical steroid ointment to treat a skin condition. After applying it, I always washed my hands and fingers thoroughly. But now I'm wondering if tiny particles of this chemical may have...

Well, I don't even know if the keyboard is the problem. The damage may go deeper. I won't know the answer unless I pay a tech shop a large diagnostic fee. Given that my laptop is cheap, I'm not willing to pay big diagnosis and repair fees. This laptop cost $900 new several years ago. It's just...

I appreciate the suggestions, but I noticed those machines are refurbished. I definitely won't buy refurbished (too risky). I'm looking for the cheapest new laptop available that can meet my Zoom teleconferencing needs. No special requirements beyond that. Is a core i7 processor the minimum...

Why is that? What's the downside to dealing with these online merchants? I would have thought that if the machine's new, it won't be a lemon. No?

I've got an ASUS VivoBook 15 (core i7 processor, 1.80GHz, 16.0 GB) which has done a fine job for me in the two years I've had it, until three months ago. Basically, In April, three keys stopped working for no apparent reason. Those keys are the "p", "0", and "-" (hyphen) keys. As you can see...

All I need the laptop for is schoolwork. That means 24/7 access to the Internet, including ability to watch videos (like Youtube), ability to work with Apache Open Office word processing documents and spreadsheets, and capacity to attend online classes through Zoom. That's all. I want to get...

Meanwhile, assuming I've got to replace this machine (and I think I probably will), can anyone answer my original question? I've got to identity the cheapest viable replacement laptop.

Every place I called (and I live in a large city) said I'd first have to pay a diagnostic fee of $50 or more, just to find out if the problem is my keyboard or circuit board. Assuming it's the keyboard, I was told by several computer outlets that they cost no less than $150. Finally, the labor...

Thanks for the reply. I'll explain my strange situation. By "breaking down," I mean certain keys on the keyboard stopped working. They are the "p", "0", and hyphen keys, all of which are adjacent to each other. This dysfunction started two months ago. In an effort to diagnose the problem, I...

Can anyone here give me some advice?

I need to buy a new laptop, and I am tech-illiterate. That's why I'm asking questions here. Basically, I want to purchase the cheapest laptop on the market which meets my needs. All I need the computer for is Internet surfing (including running videos), conducting Zoom conferences, and using...

But how can I tell the difference between the "very lowest" and something better? Surely the answer to that question concerns processor efficiency, number of cores, threading, etc. I don't want to slap down cash for a laptop only to discover that it's too slow by a second or two when using...

Is there a big difference between an i5 and an i7 processor? I'm someone who doesn't play games, but I do need a new laptop that enables me to keep multiple communication apps open 24/7, so I can talk to a variety of different sources. I don't want my laptop to slow down or miss a beat or have...