Update
UPDATE:
All,
I made arrangements with Mark's dad to get the laptop to him before he visits Mark during visitor hours that start after noon. I'll be working or would have done it myself. I taped a note on the box that indicates it's from "His Friends at AudioKarma" (see below). If you feel all warm and fuzzy sometime after noon (CST) you'll know you played a part in all this.
Mark only knows we are "trying to fix the broken hard drive" on his ancient laptop. I hope to help in that effort once I get my hands on the old one. Thanks to all who volunteered to help either fix it or extract any data from it. I'll be in touch.
Thus far, my PayPal account has over $1,200 in it and the donations sent by mail have not yet begun to arrive. I'll tell Mark's dad that he'll be getting that surplus once the funds have all cleared to do with what he sees fit.
The computer was $686.69 for a Dell, 15.6", wireless, I5, 8GB, 640G HD and a two year Costco warranty. Sales tax here in Cook County is 9%. It was the consensus choice among 3 knowledgeable coworkers and I stressed about the choice a great deal. I know it's probably overkill for what he needs but it's one I would have bought for myself and hope it serves Mark well on into the future. I'm glad the choice has been made and that part is over.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the donations, support, well wishes and prayers for Mark. I know he'll appreciate them.
If I missed contacting any of you with payment information (or didn't send a thanks), please let me know
