My Hero...

Okay, I'd been having trouble with my computer recently. I thought I fixed it, but it turned out it wasn't a software problem at all. It's a hardware problem. The fan that keeps the CPU cool and functioning has slowly become clogged with dust and can't keep my CPU cooled the way it did before. I looked up Dell (that's who I bought my computer from) and found out that it's a common problem with the model I bought. Dell has created a replacement cooling unit that works better, except I can't afford to have the repair made. I did find out that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Dell on behalf of consumers who have bought this and other model laptops that have the same problems. I figured I didn't have anything to lose, so I contacted the firm that filed the lawsuit. I haven't heard back yet, but I contacted them over the weekend, so they probably haven't had a chance to go through all the e-mails yet. If you have a Dell Inspiron 1100, 1150, 5100, and 5160, you might want to go here and learn more about the lawsuit. To learn about the overheating problem, click here (It discusses a different model, but the general principle is the same).

The upshot is that I may get recompense for the faulty model, but it probably won't amount to more than a warranty to cover any repairs that may be required as a result of the flawed design or a 100% refund if I paid out-of-pocket for the repairs. In the meantime, I need to be careful of how much I use my computer and make sure it doesn't get too warm so I can put off replacing the cooling unit as long as possible. It's working so far. Keep your fingers crossed!