Without you reading anything yet, I'll say this. I have not abused this machine. I bought it this way.

This is by far the saddest piece of equipment called a computer. Anyone can tell it has had a hard and painful life. I purchased my Gateway Solo 9550 online via the [H]ard|OCP Forums for 400 bucks shipped. Originally, we had agreed on 500 bucks, but he never disclosed the extent of the damages. It was stated that here was "some" paint on it and a few scuffs. Nothing too exciting going on there. When I recieved the laptop, I had shockingly realized that there was a fine mist of light green and hot pink over a majority of the case shell. It looked as if someone had attempted to take the laptop apart as there were gouge marks near the power socket...which also appears to either be melted or super-glued together. Both hinges are cracked from "falling books." He said the battery was dead and that his warranty was still good...he'd get me a new one RMA'd...that never happened. Purchased a new one for 120 bucks and was backordered due to an industry wide shortage. Now since it still operated fine and I care little for appearances...I told him 400...take it or leave it. He took it.

Now since it has been in my possesion, things have deteriorated. From constant packing and unpacking from my laptop bag..the screen has shorted somewhere. This is causing large columns the whole height of the screen to span the screen. I'm up to 5 now. Somewhow recently, the power plug is now extremely loose when plugged in to the point that a slight bump to the cord or the laptop itself will "disconnect" the power cord. Now since my above mentioned replacement battery has now died...my power plug is my only source of power...it shuts off rather quickly. I had attempted to remove the wonderful paint applied by the previous owner with first mineral spirits. When that did not work, I moved directly to acetone. This did take off the green and pink paint...however it also took off some of the silver factory paint. This in turn produced a polka-dot sort of design on the top cover. Classy. The mouse buttons are having hinge problems.

So why not get a new laptop? I don't have that much of a need for one. Most of my work is done on my workstation and I cannot find a cheap enough replacement with at least the same power. But if you have one for sale...give me a jingle.