Well, it was finally that time - time to get a new laptop. I needed a thin and light unit with good battery life, and Acer Timeline series fit the bill. I could not decide between the 13.3-in unit without the optical drive, or a 14.1-in unit with the optical drive. Finally, when I saw a sale at Staples for the larger unit (Acer 4810T-8480) @$499, it was an easy decision.
What a mistake...At first the laptop seemed great. But after two days it started...First a got few BOSDs, then the CD/DVD drive would not open until I rebooted, then I find out that Acer has in its wisdom disabled the Intel Virtualization technology, which the system's CPU was fully capable off (this is required to run XP Mode in Windows 7).
I really wanted to like this unit, and I assured myself I could get passed the few design flaws (flat keys, lack of CAPS lock light, and the single trackpad button design). After all, screen is a beauty, battery lasts 8 hours, its plenty fast for basic tasks...what more can a geek ask for?
So, I search online for fixes...no luck. I turn to Acer support (email only, phone support costs $$$). I describe the issue about the CD drive not ejecting without a reboot, I get a nice email saying to reboot the system if the CD will not eject, or to use a paper clip to open the tray. BSOD issue not answered.... Case closed. At last case closed according to Acer.
Second trouble ticket, the one regarding the virtualization is sent. Acer replies that their tech support is not trained on the issue, but that the paid support might be. Case closed.
Lucky for me, I got the unit at Staples, and I am able to return it without any restocking fee. Just as a funny sidenote, as I was restoring the factory image to the unit, and thinking to myself how sad I will be to see it go, it crashed and got another BSOD 0x9087.
My family currently owns three Acer laptops (not counting the 4810T), but I suspect it will be very difficult to tempt me to purchase another Acer unit. Furthermore, I have recommended the Acer products to my customers, something I will no longer be able to do.
Now, I am on a quest to find a replacement...ASUS UL30A is looking pretty good right now....
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
More on backup strategies, and different backup options, including Mozy backup
Often I hear people say "I don't need backup - I don't have anything that important." People underestimate the amount and the importance of data on their computers, and the difficulty/cost of replacing it once it is lost.
Anyway, here is a quick breakdown of different types of backup, with a brief description of associated advantages/disadvantages.
1. Simple Data Backup - in the simplest form, this backup creates a copy of data (like My Documents folder) elsewhere, and can be done to CDs, DVDs, external drives, USB Thumb drives, etc. It is quick and easy, and offers decent protection for data (if done regularly, such as daily or weekly). If left to be done manually, it is often skipped, so it is best to automate this task. Many different types of tools can be used, many oft free (such as Replicator). If your hard drive crashes, you need to install Windows and associated updates, install all your applications, and then restore your data. Unless backup data is stored off-site, your backup could be susceptible to electrical surges, or could be damaged by fire, along with your primary PC.
2. Image-Based Backup - this type of backup, in addition to protecting data (My Documents folder), also protects your applications and Windows. It is similar to System Restore built in Windows, but much more comprehensive. Backups can be done weekly or monthly. For example, if your hard drive crashes, or are hit by a virus/malware, your can simply restore the last image (without re-installing Windows and your applications), and can have fully operational system in about one hour. The software required for image-based backup such as Acronis TrueImage or Norton Ghost, typically costs $40-80. Unlike simple data backup, this backup takes longer since it backs up the complete system. Unless backup data is stored off-site, your backup could be susceptible to electrical surges, or could be damaged by fire, along with your primary PC.
3. Online Backup - this backup, is very similar to the Simple Data Backup, but instead of being stored on an external hard drive that sits next to your PC, the data is stored in an encrypted form in a secure data center run by a the backup service provider. Basically, any time a data file is changed, the backup software uploads it to the data center. This requires a broadband connection, and the initial backup can take days or even weeks, depending on the amount of data you have. Subsequent backups are quick and done in the background. The biggest benefit of online backup is the fact that data is secure no matter what happens to your PC (fire, electrical surge, theft, or a virus). The potential downside is that the restore process would take more time (limited by your internet connection bandwidth). The online service I found to be easiest to use and most cost effective is available at: http://www.mozy.com/?ref=3f9a896b&kbid=38923&m=5, and I just received a 10% coupon code (type in APRIL at checkout) that knocks the two years of unlimited backups down to $93.
Personally, I use all three backup types to provide the best overall protection. Specifically, I use:
1. Karen's Replicator backing up daily to and external hard drive.
2. Acronis TrueImage backing up weekly to and external hard drive.
3. MozyHome unlimited backup, backing up continuously to Mozy data center.
Anyway, here is a quick breakdown of different types of backup, with a brief description of associated advantages/disadvantages.
1. Simple Data Backup - in the simplest form, this backup creates a copy of data (like My Documents folder) elsewhere, and can be done to CDs, DVDs, external drives, USB Thumb drives, etc. It is quick and easy, and offers decent protection for data (if done regularly, such as daily or weekly). If left to be done manually, it is often skipped, so it is best to automate this task. Many different types of tools can be used, many oft free (such as Replicator). If your hard drive crashes, you need to install Windows and associated updates, install all your applications, and then restore your data. Unless backup data is stored off-site, your backup could be susceptible to electrical surges, or could be damaged by fire, along with your primary PC.
2. Image-Based Backup - this type of backup, in addition to protecting data (My Documents folder), also protects your applications and Windows. It is similar to System Restore built in Windows, but much more comprehensive. Backups can be done weekly or monthly. For example, if your hard drive crashes, or are hit by a virus/malware, your can simply restore the last image (without re-installing Windows and your applications), and can have fully operational system in about one hour. The software required for image-based backup such as Acronis TrueImage or Norton Ghost, typically costs $40-80. Unlike simple data backup, this backup takes longer since it backs up the complete system. Unless backup data is stored off-site, your backup could be susceptible to electrical surges, or could be damaged by fire, along with your primary PC.
3. Online Backup - this backup, is very similar to the Simple Data Backup, but instead of being stored on an external hard drive that sits next to your PC, the data is stored in an encrypted form in a secure data center run by a the backup service provider. Basically, any time a data file is changed, the backup software uploads it to the data center. This requires a broadband connection, and the initial backup can take days or even weeks, depending on the amount of data you have. Subsequent backups are quick and done in the background. The biggest benefit of online backup is the fact that data is secure no matter what happens to your PC (fire, electrical surge, theft, or a virus). The potential downside is that the restore process would take more time (limited by your internet connection bandwidth). The online service I found to be easiest to use and most cost effective is available at: http://www.mozy.com/?ref=3f9a896b&kbid=38923&m=5, and I just received a 10% coupon code (type in APRIL at checkout) that knocks the two years of unlimited backups down to $93.
Personally, I use all three backup types to provide the best overall protection. Specifically, I use:
1. Karen's Replicator backing up daily to and external hard drive.
2. Acronis TrueImage backing up weekly to and external hard drive.
3. MozyHome unlimited backup, backing up continuously to Mozy data center.
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