[Groesbeck Hurricane]

OK, we have two operational laptops, one moreso than the other.

Apple MacBook Pro - about six years old, maybe five. Works well, starts and runs every time. No problems I did not cause personally. Battery life of about six hours, same battery as when new. 15.25" screen, does not like the USB 10key.

Toshiba Satellite - about six months older than the Apple. Starts slow, runs slow, bogs down, battery lasts about 30 minutes. 17" screen with 10key, accepts the USB 10key as well. Upgraded from vista to XP. Mousepad buttons are starting fail, wife blew the speakers.

Both are 2GB RAM, same basic motherboard and chipset basically Intel Core Duo CPU T2350 @ 1.86GHz. Apple runs, and has from new, twice as fast as the Toshiba. Well, faster now! Both run office, Apple even reads the new versions. Cats prefer to mess with the Toshiba, color maybe?

I've grown to like the 17" screen and really have become used to the 10key! So, we are down to some basic questions.


Do I try and upgrade the Toshiba and replace the speakers?

Do I buy a new laptop?

If I buy a new laptop, what to buy?

I think Mac is out of my price range. I need to be closer to $100.00 than $2,000.00.

Do NOT even suggest worst buy, will not grace them with my presence. There are some local builders in Bloomington.

Is it a good option to wait until a specific period of time as the latest and greatest will be coming out then? (I know, if it is on the market now it is obsolete.) I've built my own computers before but have really become used to having a laptop! Besides, space is a premium and laptops can fit on the tractor or in the Porsche!

Would it be too much to ask for OBD/CAN connectivity? Hmmmmm.

Who makes a 10key keyboard? Are they any good?

Basic small business computing and finishing up a Master's program (four courses I am leisurely finishing, working on one right now). It would end up being the newest workhorse for working. No gaming stuff required. I just do not have the spare time with farming, working, schooling, Pelicaning, etc. I just need to keep the books, taxes, school, Pelican.