My Dell Latitude X300 has been a trusty, small laptop computer. It is pretty bare bones; relatively slow; limited memory; and no built-in cd/dvd drive. Plus, it's old and now can be bought for cheap (less than $350 online). That all said, it has last 4 years now with no problems, except a replacement hard-drive that was under warranty. I have been told that this is old-old by computer tech folks.
But recently, I have come across a persistent problem. I have not been able to get a wireless connection at home or elsewhere. The first couple of times that this problem occurred, I called Dell, Qwest (DSL provider), and Belkins (wireless router). After lengthy phone calls and all sorts of clicking on this and that, it would eventually work again and then eventually not work again. Hm....
Working on papers at CRC coffee shop nearby my home the other day, I again had trouble connecting to the wifi. Argh. So what do I do? I consult B'Rose who was working the counter at CRC. B'Rose is a bike mechanic and all around nice guy. He assessed the situation and said, "Have you tried Fn-F2?" WHAT?!!! I had never heard of this function command sequence (those blue colored keys). Well, apparently, this command will enable (or disenable) the wireless receiver on the laptop. Amazing. A simple action led to an easy fix. Something that took the Dell, Qwest, and Belkins folks hours to do through more indirect means.
And what of the cats? Well, I have surmised that this recurring problem is due to our two cats! They love to sit on my laptop because it is (a) in a prime spot by a window and (b) warm for their furry bodies. I suspect they are somehow pawing the Fn-F2 command as they settle their plump bodies over the laptop.
Thus, the moral of this story is that there is none except to keep my laptop closed when not in use. Thank you.
Posted by richlee at May 31, 2008 07:36 AM