Laptop Hard Drive and DVD-CD/RW Drive Dead
For the third time in the last 9 months, my laptop is on the fritz. This time it’s the hard drive and the DVD-CD/RW drive (multi-drive).
Total cost to repair and recover my data: $350
- Hard drive and data recovery: $150
- DVD-CD/RW drive: $100
- Labor: $100
Replacing the hard drive is self-explanatory. Why do I have to replace the multi-drive? It’s how all the software will be loaded back onto the computer. Without it, I’m screwed. I’ll have all my data but none of the associated programs.
I would say this is unexpected, but it’s really not. I’m lucky the hard drive and multi-drive lasted over 4 years. They usually don’t last that long. I was just hoping the hard drive would hold on until fall when I have less time to work online and more money coming in from tutoring.
Plans
As soon as the bankruptcy is over and my income stabilizes, the first thing I’m saving up for (after a baby emergency fund) is a Mac Book. They are about the same price as a Windows machine now, and I soooo miss my Mac.
Productivity
My productivity isn’t what it would be if I had my own computer in my office. I’m back working on the desktop computer until they get my laptop fixed. In the last 9 months I’ve had my laptop in working order for about 6 months. That’s 3 months of lost work.
If I’m going to make a living online, I’ve got to get a reliable computer. I’m praying that keeping the Toshiba going for 6 more months will do the trick and turn the tide on my earnings. I’ve been improving steadily over the last 3 months, but I’ve got to improve exponentially over the next several months to replace the full-time income I’m earning at two part-time jobs.
I still plan to continue tutoring part-time regardless of how much I earn with any other endeavors, online or off. I enjoy it and I would do it for free if money were no object.
