and very, very fragile.
Games, console or a big ass PC.

Big ass PC ftw.

mouse > any other "controller"

Thumbs up.

False.

The mouse doesn't do it all by itself unless you keybind everything to one of those gaming mouses

mouse + keyboard < one single controller

Ok so Dad reckons I should just get a desktop hard drive and use my laptop as the monitor. Eventually I'll get a big ass flat screen TV to use as a monitor. That's suits me. Gaming ahoy!

You mean the entire desktop computer (sans monitor), right?

The fact that a controller has all the functions on one object doesn't even begin to make up for the fact that you have far more control, accuracy, and customization options with a mouse + keyboard.

Most mice have plenty of buttons too. I have a standard Microsoft wireless mouse and it has seven, and they can all be mapped to any key or command. Coupled with the WASD keys, the only other button on the keyboard I use is the space bar. Having all that on one physical object is irrelevant.

I see your concerns are about FPS games which I don't care about but yes mouse would be better for FPS games.

I still prefer a controller though. My accuracy sucks when I use mouse + keyboard compared to when I use a controller but that's just my personal experience. I'm more used to a controller so I know how to get the best out of it.

I am desperately in need of help. My favorite laptop has bit the dust, and I no longer want to share a computer.

What I'm working with:
Dell inspiron 1420
Windows Vista

I have lost my installation disk. And here is my problem:

The thing won't start up! (Windows won't open).

I turn it on - Dell start screen with option for F2 or F12

Then Windows error recovery. My options are:

Launch start-up repair (recommended)
Start Windows normally

When I launch startIup repair, it shows the loading bar for a bit, then goes to a black screen (although still backlit). It stays this way infinitely, as far as I can tell. I've given it an hour before.

The latter option: loading bar, then - brief flash of BSoD, then cpu restarts itself.

Really - is there anything I can do? :/