How My Laptop Died and The Grieving Process

"Like how much probably?"

"You won't spend less than a grand."

My college friends' addresses, pictures of my daughter, babysitters’ phone numbers.

"But they will be able to get everything back?"

He shrugged. "Maybe." He ordered the part he would need to fix my computer, regardless of whether I gambled on the data retrieval experts. He typed in my phone number and promised to call when the part arrived. I left in shock. I wandered into the mall, which was getting crowded with Christmas shoppers, and then outside, past the Salvation Army bell ringer, toward my car. I cradled my damaged computer in my arms. Phone numbers for friends and colleagues, a paper trail of memos to editors, due dates for assignments. I got in my car, then placed the computer carefully in the passenger seat. I buckled my seatbelt, stuck the key in the ignition, and started to cry.

Epilogue: I took my laptop to a data retrieval shop that afternoon. I was quoted a price of $950 and told it would take five to seven days. I was thrilled. However, my emotional roller coaster ended several weeks later when the gurus told me all the usual fixes had failed. I ultimately got a new hard drive at the Apple Store under my warranty and started the new year with a blank slate.

What you can learn from me: Dan at the Apple Store (much more helpful than the first technician) explained to me several options for backing up. I could spend $150 or so on an external hard drive. Then, I would simply drag anything I wanted an extra copy of into the icon for the external hard drive. Cheaper options, he said, include "a big stack of blank CDs" or a memory stick that can be plugged into the USB port.

"Is there anything I could have done to avoid a hard drive failure?" I asked. Not really, he said. Hard drives are like tires. It doesn't matter how much you spend on one, it can still get a hole in it. You need at least one spare at all times. I certainly will be backing up from now on. You should, too.