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December 7, 2004
Liquids + Computers = Nightmare
Around this time last year I wrote about the heartbreaking moment when my tea toppled over and onto my G4 Titanium laptop. The sudden and stress-inducing mishap resulted in a vow to never have liquids anywhere near my laptop again, since this disaster resulted in having to buy a new laptop. *Poof!* went files that weren't backed up, the additional gigabytes that made the Titanium a lean, mean fighting machine, the photographs I'd just transferred from the camera. Trust me. You don't ever want to go through this - EVER.
Though I'll not soon give up my caffeine while 'puting, I found a solution for my habit of having a tea or coffee cup in the proximity of the new laptop. With liquid-filled cups forever banned from the immediate area, I've got a smaller table that is nestled under my desk with enough room between both for the cup to fit. This way, if a mishap is destined to occur again, it won't cost me a dime because the liquid would simply empty out onto the table and the floor. voila!
For those of you who have carpeted floors, tea and coffee spills are difficult to remove unless you've got soap and water at the ready. That fix works - sometimes. Otherwise, the smaller table and perhaps a plastic mat under it, large enough to protect the carpeted area underneath, might be a good idea.
What's that saying again... an ounce of prevention is worth... what? Right. An ounce of prevention is worth the cost of a new computer.
Cindy
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Comments
christ, is it already a year since you gave your ex-computer a blow-job ? how time flies.
Brain matter deposited by: zed on December 7, 2004 1:18 PM
I will never drop tea into my computer. I do love tea, but I tend to place my drinks far from my reach, so the risk of accident is lessened.
cause I know I'm clumsy.
Brain matter deposited by: paul on December 7, 2004 4:05 PM
Get a little kiddie pool and put your desk and the table inside. No more messy spills!
Brain matter deposited by: Ted on December 9, 2004 7:52 PM
Next time you have the same problem call me. After loosing my first laptop (cup of coffee) I rescued 4 PowerBooks (3 Titanium, one Alu) without any lose!
The treatments isn't easy but quite efficient, based in complete dehydration before rebooting. Involves freezer bags, alcohol and a lot of self control ;-) You must be desperate to use it, but the final smile is worth the stress (not yet tested on a 17").
Brain matter deposited by: oldcola on December 12, 2004 7:31 AM
It does seem like just yesterday when I was reading about your mishap.
I don't keep liquids needs the 'puter either because I'm a klutz.
Brain matter deposited by: Kat on December 13, 2004 3:35 PM