Looking for some help and suggestions

[imperialreign]

Again, another odd post that oesn't exactly fit anywhere, but . . .

Considering what all has been going on (refer to this post: http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154375), and in light of the numerous hospital stays I've been through, as well as those coming up (the stem cell transplant might be anywhere from 1 week to 1 month), on top of surgeries, doc appts and all the other medical hoopla . . . I've been trying to find a company that might be willing to donate a laptop so that I can keep in contact with the outside world whilst being in-patient. I've looked into simply purchasing one, but I truly can't afford to take on any additional monthly payments ATM, not with how quickly these medical bills are pilling up and with how much my income has fallen due to days I've missed from work for treatments and appointments. I'm not exactly one to go looking for hand-outs, but the thought and idea of being stuck in the hospital again with my next chemo cycle for almost a week with books I've read for the umpteenth time (that I simply have no desire to even pick up anymore as I know the story so well), with no cell reception, and knowing that wifi is available but no means to access it might just drive me insane.

I've tried lokoing into various charities and such-forth, but I don't exactly qualify for most due to my age (and that my medical condition isn't critical nor terminal). I've also tried contacting various tech-related companies directly, as they seem to be much more willing to get involved with charity and cancer related work and organizations, but by myself I've simply gotten the "we're sorry" response . . .

. . . so, any ideas or suggestions of other companies or organizations I might be able to contact?

 

[Lazzer408]

Where are you located?

 

[imperialreign]

Virginia.

 

[Lazzer408]

If you haven't already I would suggest contacting all local nonprofit organizations, churchs, schools, scouts, or civic groups. Hit the phonebooks. Many of them have a community computer recycling program and accept computer donations as part of such programs. They may be able to help or at least point you in the right direction. Also, check your local scrap yards. Most of them take in electronics and computers. You could let them know your situation and ask that they set aside laptops for you. I get them for $5 from the yard by me and scored a few really nice ones like a DV6000 (which ironically worked for that plagued model). Some people just don't value used electronics once they get a nice shiny new one. Also look specifically for electronics recyclers. They get laptops and computers by the pallet load. They may be willing to part with 1 out of the 1000s they get to help you out. Often times you can offer a service to them like advertising for them on your facebook page or something. That way they don't feel like they're giving it away for nothing. That's against corporate policy. lol

What about Craigslist? Keep your post simple and honest (so you don't look like spam) and you might find someone to help you out. I've helped out random people off there when they needed something I had just sitting in a box collecting dust. Good deeds come around somehow. I've had people here send me things for free just to help.

I'll keep an eye out myself. I'm hitting the yards again Monday. Would they let you hook up a small desktop with wifi? Like, small enough to stick on the back of a 15" monitor? Then use one of those small wireless keyboards with the touchpad built in? It would only need a power cord ran to it no different then a laptop. Just a though.

 

[imperialreign]

Thanks - I hadn't really given much thought to checking out the recyclers, defi worth looking into.

I'm sure the hospitals wouldn't mind an uber-small desktop, but not 100% sure. As long as it doesn't get in the way of their equipment it should probably be alright. WIth my first stay at the beginning of Oct, I was told I could bring my computer in . . . but, they didn't seem to happy when I described the size and weight of my home rig, lol

 

[BlackOmega]

Man sorry to hear about your situation. Hospitals stays are never fun. Great suggestions by Lazzer408 though. Definitely call around, you'll be surprised at what may turn up.

Wish my old netbook still worked, I would've sent it to ya.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

What part of Virginia? I'm in the Norfolk area. I don't have a laptop I can "give" you, but I do have one I can loan you for acouple weeks while your in the hospital if we can figure out a way to get it to you. BTW, this is the laptop I offering to loan you. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12165719

 

[imperialreign]

What part of Virginia? I'm in the Norfolk area. I don't have a laptop I can "give" you, but I do have one I can loan you for acouple weeks while your in the hospital if we can figure out a way to get it to you. BTW, this is the laptop I offering to loan you. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12165719

I'm out in VaBch. I appreciate the offer, and I'll defi keep it in mind . . . I'd prefer to not have to borrow one, simply for that fact that if something should happen to it, y'know? But, it's still another option to keep in mind if other routes fall through. Either way, it's appreciated!

 

[Lazzer408]

You've been a member for years. I don't know the legalities of doing this or if it's allowed but maybe TPU could start a fund for you? If you found only 50ppl out of the 1000s of members to chip in $5 you could get yourself a basic lappy at Walmart. Just a thought. It's only 5 bucks. I'm in. I have a feeling they might not want to out of fear of everyone and their brother trying to start "funds" but it's something I've done in the past with local hobby groups.

I didn't make it to the yard today. Some things came up. I do have a GX280 I could give you. It's a Dell SFF 2.8ghz (P4 HT) with WiFi in it. Small enough to hide behind a monitor. With the computer/monitor being cordless on a table or something it would be easy for the nurses to roll it out of the way. This is what I was thinking for a keyboard.
http://www.howardcomputers.com/accessories/detail.cfm?id=S8199553

Maybe it's just me because I've been in some real hard times myself but the hearts of others can go a LONG way. There has to be something we can all do.

W1z you watching? You still have your hands in the TPU soup?

 

[imperialreign]

It's a thought, and I'll keep it in mind, too