I’m reaping the benefits of goodwill today, boy. A Dell Latitude D620 kindly donated by reader Michael G., who went to a great deal of trouble to buy it from a university surplus sale, then shipped it to Claire, who took a good chunk of an entire day to load it with Linux and apps (and I know it was labor-intensive, just from the emails that went back and forth that day) and then SHE shipped it to one of my neighbors, who kindly lent me the use of his post office box for the purpose.
Yeah, this is one well-traveled little notebook. And it’s sweet! I mean it’s like new; the hinges are tight, the keyboard action is firm, the case looks like you could use it to crack walnuts. And it’s almost silent! Compared to my MPC that always sounds like it’s coming in on a wing and a prayer because it runs so hot the fan has to run constantly. It’s quite a bit smaller than the MPC but that’s a benefit; this one actually fits on my rolltop desk. The keyboard layout is all wrong, of course, but it always is for the first week. I wonder how much power it draws? I’ll bet it’s nothing by comparison.
I’m going to spend the rest of the afternoon dealing with the “how do I’s”, because I really hate breaking in a new ‘pooter. And I need to get whatever I need to soak off this truly obnoxious sticker the university put on the cover, without scratching it.
Why on earth did anyone surplus this thing out? It’s great! The only problem I’ve run into so far, except for all the inevitable “what’s my password” issues, is that it doesn’t seem to have a port for the camera’s memory stick.
Thank you, guys!
Glad you got it, Joel. I also thought it was a very good, clean, zippy little laptop. (Nice going, Michael!)
As to a reader for your camera’s memory stick: does your camera have a USB cable? That would do it. If not, you can probably pick up either the correct USB cable or a multi-reader for just a few bux on eBay.
Had I realized, I probably could have rummaged around in my electronics drawer and found something for you before I forwarded the computer.
#1 – Avon Skin So Soft (SOS) is just the thing for removing labels and glues. If the label has a plastic face, peel it off first and then dribble a little Skin So Soft on the residue and let it soak for several hours or over night. No SOS ,,, see your local Avon lady LOL
#2 – There are USB adapters for different USB sizes and for USB to Serial ports and so forth. I know you are not where you can just bop downtown and get one, but check NewEgg and other internet sources. If you can let me know what you need, I may have one if Claire doesn’t.
BTW, if no SOS is available, lightweight motor oil will also work.
GooGone works pretty good for removing labels. The dollar store should have it.