Computer problems SUCK!

Most of the time I REALLY take my computers for granted.
I have a Compaq laptop, and an eMachines desktop. Both are very low end, cheap computers, I think I paid $300 for the laptop, and $500 for the desktop with monitor and printer (YAY for almost a $100 discount from BestBuy for buying all 3 pieces at the same time!)
The desktop just turned 3 years old this past May, and the laptop turned 1 year old this past March.
The battery on the laptop hasn't worked in months, so it always has to be plugged in- and a replacement battery is close to $100. But it's still not worth it to buy because my Streets & Trips GPS doesn't work on it! It downloaded the free trial, but when I purchased it, it won't accept the license number. (Yay Windows 7) I called a troubleshooting place, but they want $300 to talk to me. Yeaaah.... I think it's going to be more cost effective for me to just buy a new one.

Now the desktop is starting to have problems. I believe it's just a cable issue from the monitor to the desktop - at least I HOPE that's the problem, because otherwise it's something IN the computer not sending the signals to the desktop to make it work. Occasionally the screen just freaks out and jumbles up, other times it stays black and reads "no signal". Really, I only need to replace the tower, so that's probably what I'll do, if replacing the cable doesn't fix it.

In the mean time, I'm struggling with the desktop working sporadically. I can't print off the laptop, so I use the desktop to print postage. And I also use it for my embroidery machine since they're both stationary, I just keep the embroidery machine ON the desk and leave it hooked up- it works GREAT this way. But, if I can't see what I'm doing, I can't upload anything to the machine to embroider!!
It all just sucks.
And going up to the library to use their computer isn't practical. Not with 5 kids in tow. Plus it's not a secure network, so printing postage from paypal isn't the safest thing to do.
So my other option is to write down the address and go to the post office- which is what I always used to do- always. But now I'm spoiled. I like printing out the postage and just taking it up and dropping it off. It makes me happy.

I'm pretty anti-technology. We have the 2 comps, an ipod, and a pay as you go cell phone that CAN get on the internet and text, but I've only started actually using those two functions in the last couple of months.
I just don't NEED a ton of electronics. I don't need a $4000 computer with the best graphics card, cause my brain can't see a difference anyway. I don't need a $5000 laptop that has 500 gig of memory! I just don't use it.

I did buy my first thumb drive last week lol :) I needed to get some of the pics off my laptop to free up some space cause it's been moving sluggish lately, so I'm trying to clean it up in hopes it will help get it back up to speed.

I can't imagine someone who is technology hooked having something go wrong with their stuff... as little as I have, I'm insanely frustrated with the troubles I'm having. Maybe that's WHY I stay so far away from electronics... more gadgets that can break!

Are you a technology-aholic? Or fighting the gamma rays with me? :)