Laptop screen replacement cost in the Philippines

On my last blog, I wrote about my desktop pc which I revived from neglect will be used when something happens to my laptop.  It happened, my laptop was broken in the sense that my screen cracked.  Never happend before on my former laptop, which I bought locally.

Having a broken laptop is a predicament indeed, since I was expecting to replace my laptop in 5 years time.  And my current laptop is just almost 2 years old.  This is just an unexpected expense.  I was thinking of holding out a bit, for a few months, until I can replace the screen.  But I can't hold out any longer on having its screen replaced.  I need to have my screen replaced right away, since I always use my laptop, instead of desktop.

My laptop is a Dell model 1545, and it has a 15.6 inch screen.  I found out the hard way, that a replacement laptop screen costs a lot.  From now on, I won't drop the darn thing.

I was researching on the internet on how much will a replacement cost, the usual 14 inch screen cost on average on the following range:

• P3,500 (about $80) for a second hand 
• P5,000 (about $115) for a brandnew

My unit uses a 15 inch and on average cost the following:

• P7,000 (about $160) for a brand new 
• P5,000 for a second hand 

Although some repair shops advertise online they cost P3,500 for a 15.6 inch second hand, but when you contact them, they have no current stock on hand.

It took me 2 days, before I gave in to the need of having my broken laptop screen replaced with a working one(either a brand new or a 2nd hand screen).  I was in a hurry to have my laptop fixed, since I can't rely on my desktop, it is already old also. 

I had to pay the repair shop P6,500 for a brandnew LED 15.6 inch screen.  The price could have gone lower, I guess, but I am the type of person who don't try much on price haggling.  At that price, there is only a 3 months warranty, since they say it is brand new.  I just hope this screen last more than 3 months and will last more that 3 years, since my target for a laptop replace/upgrade is 3 more years.

I agreed to have my laptop fixed by a non-Dell accredited repair shop, since a Dell repair shop cost P9,000 (about $205) for a laptop screen replacement.  Since, this was an unexpected expense, I have to go towards the lowest price.  So far my laptop screen replacment is working, although, I'm not used to the new screen, there's just something different about the color it produces.

Until, next time.

Bios password protected Desktop

Happy Chinese New Year, Everyone.  It's 2012 and it's the year of the Water Dragon, they say.

Today, I was trying to revive my old desktop.  I haven't  been using it for quite a while, almost a year, it has been neglected and unused.  I know you would say, what has it have to do with development.  Well, for one, I could use it as a test PC.  Two, it's my back-up PC in case, my laptop has a mishap.

Ok.  I think, I placed the password myself as protection before, but have completely forgotten the password itself.  I was in a dilema on how to remove it, on Chinese New Year.  I have been searching around, and in my particular case, the way was to clear the password by using the board jumper and selecting clear password on the bios itself.  Remember to save the settings, password will not prompt anymore when you boot your PC.

Here is the solution I got from a forum:
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Locate this jumper as show in the bellow image !!!



there are 3 pins, like * * * the pin would cover 1 and 2 pin which is the default config... - - * so take the pin out and put it as 2 and 3 cover like, * - - start the system the BIOS should revart back to the default shipping factory settings... !!! now power of the system and restore the jumper to default 1 and 2 cover settings start the system once again to do you work

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Solution pictures and words between the lines are in no way mine.  I just want to show the solution, without you scrolling or looking around the forums.

The solution and the full forum descussion can be found in this link:
http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/cpu-motherboards/79611-bios-password-intel-motherboard-d945gccr.html

Well, that solved my password problem, but not my unreadable master file table.  Currently, my solution to the problem is to have retrievable data backed-up and reformat the OS partition.

This is due to the fact that my hard disk is more than 5 years old.  One of them is already gone.  The hard disk that is acting up, had an issue a few months from the time I bought it.  I'm never buying from "PC Options" computer store again.  A hard disk, a year older than the one gone is still working.

Disable Dell Inspiron 1545 quick set buttons (revised)

Dell Inspiron 1545

I wrote at an earlier blog, a way to disable media quick set buttons, but this does not disable the entire shortcut buttons on the top.  The buttons that usually are function keys are by default for media, battery meter, wifi, brightness, extension monitor or projector, etc.

I thought I already solve the problem, by disabling the Quickset on the msconfig.  But that wasn't the solution, since I again accidentally pressed the wifi on/off key and I was again cut off from the network by accident.

The solution is in the bios of the laptop.  Do the following:

1. Access BIOS upon start-up of the laptop
2. Look for the 'Function Key Behavior' setting in the System Set-up (BIOS) utility.
1. The following are the options in the Function key Behavior settings:
1. Multimedia Key First - This is the default option. Press any media key directly.  For function key, press <Fn> + the required function key.
2. Function Key First - Press any function key directly.  For Multimedia, press <Fn> + the required multimedia key.

Note: Multimedia key first option is active only in the operating system.  During POST, press <F2> or <F12> directly.

Source of this solution is from the dell community (USA).  Here is the link of the forum: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19281847.aspx

Problem was solved, I was able to press the function keys directly no more need to press <Fn> key.

Apple HQ 2.0 ( the mothership)

Apple HQ 2.0 (image from digitaltrends.com)

You have to give Steve Jobs credit for being a visionary.  He proposed to build 2nd Apple HQ in Cupertino City, California.  The building will be covering a large area, most of which is open air.  The building is almost like a coliseum, but at the center is an open landscaped space full of trees and  jogging paths.

It is designed to accommodate 13,000 employees.  It is said the roof will be covered with solar panels to generate some of its electricity needs.  The building will be designed to reduce energy demand, that is why the building has glass on outer walls, light comes in no need for florescent light during daytime.

Parking is said to be build in the main building while an auditorium and fitness center will be built on a separate building structure.  Wow.  A fitness center, just what every corporation need, to take care of their employee's health.

It is said that the building will be ready by 2015.  Wish we could see it for ourselves when it is finished.

Disable Dell Inspiron 1545 quick set buttons

I happend to own a Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop and accidentally pressed off wi-fi on the quickset button.  This happend during an intense MMO game... I was trying to press 2 on top, but I think I accidentally pressed F2 which is by default the wi-fi toggle. 

At first, I thought the internet connection is down since it was raining hard.  But I tried another device that has wi-fi and was able to connect to the internet.  So, I thought my wi-fi card could be dead or need replacement which is a bad thing since, replacement for a Dell could cost me money.  Good thing Dell also has a diagnose tool for wi-fi and asked me to press the wi-fi button.  It worked, I have now wi-fi connection.

I didn't want that to happend again, and searched for a solution to turn it off, since I rarely use that quick set buttons provided by dell.  In fact, since I'm a developer, I often need to access the function keys; which is a hasle since I have to press 'Fn' (function) button to use it.  Anyway the solution is as follows:

1.  type on the run line in Win 7 "msconfig".
2. select the tab startup
3. look for Quickset checkbox, un-check it
4. click apply button (system will ask you restart to implement changes)

Remember, to save your files before doing this, the system will ask you to restart after making changes.

After the restart, my quick set buttons don't function anymore which is what I wanted.  I can still activate it thru the same process of running 'msconfig'.  I may just need to restart my computer again to activate it.

Samsung Galaxy Y review compared to Galaxy S

Samsung Galaxy S on the left, and Galaxy Y on the right

Recently in the Philippines, Samsung launched their more affordable Galaxy android device.  I was fortunate enough to get one and try it for myself.

Samsung Galaxy Y (Young) is nice to look at, it almost has the same features as the Galaxy S version or any of the Galaxy (Android device) line from Samsung.

I was able to install all apps that I have in Galaxy S on the Galaxy Y, except for 1, which won't install or download on Galaxy Y.  It does run Angry Birds, all 3 release of the game app.  I had FB, skype, dictionary, lighter app (ubermind lighter app was not available in my country now & doesn't want to be downloaded or installed in Galaxy Y), Jewel, and whiteboard app.

Galaxy Y runs on the latest Android Gingerbread OS.  I was able to download a live wallpaper and set it with no problem.  The first thing you will notice from using a device like Galaxy S then trying to use Galaxy Y is the huge difference in screen size as seen on the picture on top.  First time android & Samsung users will definitely like Galaxy Y.  I myself, like using Galaxy Y, but Galaxy S having a larger & amoled screen does have a favorable advantage. 

The Galaxy Y screen is very responsive, I find it easy to tap and create messages and notes.  The voice search I used on the dictionary was good... 2 out of 3 tries on different search did give me the word on the selection I want.

Here are the pros and cons for this device, based on my usage right out of the box.  I have been using it for a couple of days.

Pro:

1. latest android OS
2. fast response on screen taps
3. wi-fi & bluetooth available.
4. almost same thickness as Galaxy S
5. it is a smartphone (access the net, email, text, and call)
6. Easy to use and learning curve is average.
7. micro SD card slot available comes with 2GB micro SD (on the place I purchased it).

Con:

1. could not play large video file that played in Galaxy S
2. no flash on camera
   (Galaxy S also doesn't have, but Galaxy Y was release after Galaxy S II which has flash)
3. not super clear display, but good enough for everyday use.
4. screen size is compact, angry birds was too small for me to enjoy the game.
5. screen could get scratches, unlike a tough screen of Galaxy S (high price = quality in this instance)

It's a good android device for people who want adroid device but have low budget for a new phone.  It's 6 times less in price as Galaxy S, but is smaller.  If you need a new phone right now, then Samsung Galaxy Y is good enough for everyday use as a smartphone.  If you're not in a hurry, I suggest wait for the next version with higher megapixel & camera flash at the back.  I often find myself at a disadvantage when I want to take a picture in a dark concert venue without a flash on a phone camera.

I give it 4 stars out of 5 stars for being a small smartphone that could, at a reasonable budget price.  I find little fault with this device.  I'm satisfied with Galaxy Y and I can live using it, when I don't have my Galaxy S.

I know, this blog is a bit off topic.  I should just create tech watch blog for this, but this is a journal of a Developer.  I have to blog on devices that is related to development.  At work we have plans to also create apps for the android market.  So yeah, I may put something on android development in my future blogs.

I had to write a review for this phone, since I get lots of friends praising the product & people should know good products out there.  And Samsung do create great phones, never met a Samsung phone that is hard to use or not worth using.

First...

We often see comments, such as people posting "First".  First in what? posting a comment? which is not even a valid comment in the "First" place.  I titled this blog as "First..." since it is the first blog I will post here in blogger or blogspot.

It's 12:43 in the morning Philippine time.  I was checking FaceBook and stumbled upon a post with a link to blogspot.  Heard of blogspot before, read a blog in it.  It was interesting to see how well it can be searched in google.  So, I hope, blogging here on my programming problems and solutions will reach more people and help them solve the same problems I have encountered.

I have another blog site in tumblr talking about my problems and solutions related to my programming related development work, but wanted to try other blog applications.  So I will try from now on to post in blogger, and see if it`s much better here, than tumblr.