Computer techies...

KristenAnn711

I need a router, any suggestions? We have one laptop and live in a normal sized apartment so I don't need anything fancy.

Also, I have a 2007 toshiba laptop, it hasn't worked in probably a year...I need a new charger for it. Is it worth spending $100 on a charger or should I try to buy a new one?

phenrichs

Your laptop will most likely need a battery as well if it has been dead that long. Netgear routers are very simple to setup and operate and are inexpensive.

wjkirby

I personally like Netgear or Asus routers. I would get one that is b/g/n capable. You may not have a device now which will use N but you will probably in the future. You can probably do some searching and find a charger for less. It doesn't have to be a Toshiba charger. You want to match the specs that are printed on the transformer and of course the plug end needs to match what you have.

Woodman725

Agree with the netgear routers. Reasonable price and easy to use.

As far as the toshiba laptop, I have one too and they are notorious for having issues with the power connection. If your laptop shuts down without notice, it may be due to overheating. Here's the link to fix it if you're a techie, it also has some questions to help you troubleshoot what is actually wrong:
http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/ToshibaA75/satA75_1.htm

I actually had to take mine apart and blow out the lint that was trapped inside the back, there's no easy way to do this without taking it apart. It's really just a lot of small screws, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're comfortable. I also replaced the heat sync paste with some better stuff from Radio shack while I had it apart. My laptop has a bad part on the laptop side that won't allow the charger to actually charge the battery, so it works fine as long as the charger is plugged in but will die if it comes out.

Good luck

rea1980

I agree with Netgear routers as well.

As far as any "repair" work that you would do on a computer a good rule of thumb is that if the work/parts cost 50% or more of a new computer don't do the repairs, invest into a new one.

MzBug

There are places that sell replacement cords. Google is your friend! Get the part # from Toshiba and google that #. I had to get another one for my Toshiba (years ago) and it was only about 20 bucks. If your laptop is still meeting your needs, 20 is less than 500+. If the laptop isn't quite cutting it anymore you may want to think of getting a new one.

Another vote for Netgear that is b/g/n compatible. Don't forget to set the security and hide the SSID.

hroush

I just had to replace my wife's charger and I got one on ebay for about ~$10. Hers was a dell, but it's worth looking into. I second the probability of possibly needing the battery, but your laptop can run just on the charger. This will also allow you to diagnose whether or not you will need a battery.

A while ago I dug out my wife's old laptop that was sitting in a box for quite a while, the battery was low, but still worked. So you may be in luck.

SueInAz

Give it a try and search on the internet (Amazon.com, mwave.com, and other tech sites) for the parts you need. You may find that you can find a new charger and/or battery for a good price and free shipping. Case in point, my son found a new battery for his Blackberry on Amazon for $4. The battery store here in town wanted $40! Just do a search on Toshiba and the part number within Amazon. I looked just for "Toshiba laptop charger" and almost every one of them is under $10.

KristenAnn711

YAY thanks guys!!!

shawnben

If you are running Windows 7, be careful with Netgear. Most of the resolutions I have seen to those problems have been to replace the router with another brand. And from what I can see, Netgear support is pretty much useless. Having just bought a Netgear, I can attest to my Windows XP machine, Blue Ray player, DVR amd Wii working flawlessly, but My wifes Windows 7 laptop has constant connection problems. I had a friend come over iwth a Windows 7 laptop, same issues. I'll be looking for a new one soon, maybe a Cisco, not sure yet.

jonbobfrog

I have windows 7 and a Linksys router. Works fine!

kristidem

I also have Lynksys router and have t computers, a blueray and xbox all connected to it. Works like a charm, and only needs to be rebooted 1-2 times a year (though I think it's more a problem with the modem).

MzBug

If you are running Windows 7, be careful with Netgear. Most of the resolutions I have seen to those problems have been to replace the router with another brand. And from what I can see, Netgear support is pretty much useless. Having just bought a Netgear, I can attest to my Windows XP machine, Blue Ray player, DVR amd Wii working flawlessly, but My wifes Windows 7 laptop has constant connection problems. I had a friend come over iwth a Windows 7 laptop, same issues. I'll be looking for a new one soon, maybe a Cisco, not sure yet.

Netgear usually has updates for router firmware available online. Fairly simple instructions on how to download them to the router. I usually check a couple times a year for new downloads for the router, cable modem and the cards in the machines.

KristenAnn711

Like I said, it's a 2007..running on vista haha. i haven't turned it on in a year.

shawnben

If you are running Windows 7, be careful with Netgear. Most of the resolutions I have seen to those problems have been to replace the router with another brand. And from what I can see, Netgear support is pretty much useless. Having just bought a Netgear, I can attest to my Windows XP machine, Blue Ray player, DVR amd Wii working flawlessly, but My wifes Windows 7 laptop has constant connection problems. I had a friend come over iwth a Windows 7 laptop, same issues. I'll be looking for a new one soon, maybe a Cisco, not sure yet.

Netgear usually has updates for router firmware available online. Fairly simple instructions on how to download them to the router. I usually check a couple times a year for new downloads for the router, cable modem and the cards in the machines.

Understood, router upgrades have not addressed the issue, nor would I consider that adequate support. Just wanted people to be aware I have seen and experienced a lot of issues with Netgear products and Windows 7 (I won’t get into the NAS issues).