Thanks, Brian.

I just checked the batteries america web site, and it looks like a
replacement battery for this laptop will run me around $150.  So, it does
become a real question of whether it's worth it.

I also need to solve the problem of replacement keys, and getting earphones
to work right.

Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message -----
From: "K5IN" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 5:06 PM
Subject: Re: resurrecting an old laptop computer


> Hi Tom,
>
> I recently bought a Dell CPI-266 p2 lap top offof qth.com with cd-rom and
> floppy drive.  The costs of replacing batteries and all it sometimes is
less
> expensive in the long run to buy an older used lap top.  I was looking for
> serial port access for programming radios, scanners and a couple of
repeater
> controllers.  $250.00 and I got everything I needed plus some extras plus
> everything works.  I know money doesn't grow on tree's hi hi but sometimes
> in the long run you might be better off.  Anyway, just a suggestion!
>
> Brian, k5in oh yes, check Mr. Nicad and/or Battery Tech for possible
> replacement batteries but they probably will be in the $150.00 range.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 8:38 AM
> Subject: resurrecting an old laptop computer
>
>
> > Hi, folks:
> >
> > I fully realize that this e-mail may be somewhat off topic for this
list,
> > so
> > if someone wants to respond to me privately, please feel free to do so
at
> > my private e-mail:
> >
> > [log in to unmask]
> >
> > Anyway, here goes:
> >
> > I am in the process or resurrecting my son's old laptop computer--a
> > Compact
> > Presario 1215US.  The computer has sufficient memory in it so that
Windows
> > XP and Jaws 5.0 seem to work fine.  The problems  with the computer lie
in
> > some
> > nagging issues, which I could use some help with.
> >
> > 1. I am trying to get a pair of stereo headphones to work with the
> > computer
> > so I can use it in a meeting setting.  When I use the headphones with
the
> > usual stereo plug, I only get sound out of the right-hand side--kind of
> > anoying.  If I use a stereo-to-mono adapter, I get soft and distorted
> > audio
> > with lots of background computer noise.  Do I need to make some
> > adjustments
> > to the audio settings in Windows?  If so, can someone give me some
> > directions as to how to go about it?
> >
> > 2.  The battery in the laptop is completely dead--won't accept any
charge.
> > The folks at Best Buys say a new battery costs between $150 and $200.
> > Does
> > anyone know of a cheaper source?  A re-conditioned battery would be
fine.
> >
> > 3.  There are some missing keys to the computer (e.g. the right-hand
> > control
> > key, and some others.  Does anyone know of a source for missing keys?
> > Best
> > Buys says a new key-board for the computer would be at least $150.
Kinda
> > pricy, if you ask me.
> >
> > Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ, Big Rapids, MI
>