laptop Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Can you give me advice on choosing a new laptop?

Posted on December 22, 2025

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Question from Janessa: My company allots every employee $1000 every 2 years to buy a new laptop, and I have until January 28 to pick one out and put in the request for it.

I’ve checked out some laptops online and I’m really confused about what I should buy. Even though the company is paying for it, this laptop will be mine to keep. The problem is there are so many to choose from!

Can you point me in the right direction? [Read more…]

Here’s a great tip for conserving the battery charge on your laptop

Posted on December 18, 2025

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Like many laptop owners, you probably put your machine into sleep mode every time you shut the lid to transport it to a new location.

But if you constantly find yourself having to deal with a low battery, there is a better way. Hibernate your laptop instead! [Read more…]

Q&A: Will a computer tech be able to see my personal photos?

Posted on November 26, 2025

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Question from Kristen: The hard drive in my laptop has stopped working and I need to take it somewhere to have it fixed.

I’ve been taking your advice about creating regular System Image backups and I have a fairly recent backup they can use to restore everything once the bad hard drive is replaced.

What worries me is I have a lot of really personal photos that were backed up along with everything else. Will a tech be able to see them? [Read more…]

Q&A: Who makes better laptops, Dell or HP?

Posted on November 6, 2025

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Question from Anita: I’m planning to buy a new laptop to replace the one I have now. It has never performed well so I’d like to try a different brand.

I’ve been asking around about recommendations for a good brand, and most people seem to like either Dell or HP. The problem is there doesn’t seem to be a consensus.

I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I really trust your judgment. Which is better in your opinion, Dell or HP? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can you put a DVD drive in a laptop that didn’t come with one?

Posted on September 26, 2025

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Question from Devin: A few weeks ago I ordered this Dell laptop and found out after I got it that it doesn’t have an optical drive.

Is it possible to add a DVD drive to a laptop that didn’t come with one from the factory? [Read more…]