POSHVICE

I have a desktop computer, and while I definitely prefer it that way (owning laptops has never worked out well for me - they either get stolen or break in some exclusive-to-laptops way, or… both - yes, i’ve had a busted laptop stolen, haha) I can’t deny the irrefutable fact that sometimes, laptops are just handier. For vacations, when you’re moving large distances and your desktop is all packed, or any other set of circumstances that pop up that require you to have a computer or internet access without having your normal, at-home computer at the ready.

So I thought it was really clever when I came across this website offering laptop rentals (though they offer quite a bit more - desktops are also available, as is a lot of various audiovisual equipment, flat screen/big screen televisions for the big game (a WAY better idea than buying one on credit and returning one the next day, which I’ve seen some people do… ew) and even VIDEO WALLS and computer kiosks). You have to fill out a form with valid contact info to get a quote, and since I don’t actually need to rent a laptop right this moment, I didn’t want to waste their time, so I’m not exactly sure of the prices… but I still thought it was a really cool, useful idea & service that some people might be interested in. If anyone does rent from them, shoot me a comment here and let me know how it went.

I recently upgraded to my very own dedicated server, as I was having problems with my sites disappearing when the mysql databases would overload. My hosting service claimed that moving from a virtual to a dedicated would eliminate the problem. I’ve been on my dedicated for a little over two months now, and it’s unfortunate to say but… there have still been problems. My sites have still gone down for unexplained reasons, and even when it’d get fixed, it was still like pulling teeth trying to get my hosting company to explain WHY I was having downtime in the first place. At one point, I was on hold for OVER AN HOUR while the tech “worked on finding what happened” until I finally gave up and hung up.

Needless to say, I’ve since been on the lookout & reading reviews in an attempt to find the best web hosting company. Right now I’m paying $100 a month, and while that’s pretty moderate for a dedicated server, it’s not acceptable for my websites to randomly vanish every so often. I make my living by running websites, so finding the best web hosting for my needs is crucial.

I recently found this review of a few big-name hosting companies (visit site), and it seems like Kaushal is pretty happy with Host Monster thus far, so I’ll definitely be looking into their prices & services. Anyone else have any good suggestions for affordable, reliable dedicated hosting providers?