Laptop Shortages due to COVID-19

By 81 commentsCategory: StartMeStick BlogTags:

With September around the corner, many students are making preparations to start a new academic year. In these times of COVID-19, the back-to-school season will look very different for many.

For one, with so many schools embracing remote or distance learning, technology such as laptops have been in high demand. As a result, many retail stores and computer sellers are facing a shortage of laptops.

Supply Chain Issues

2020 hasn’t been an ordinary year. With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc around the world, disrupting everything from festivals and travel plans to work goals and schools. It’s also affected the supply chain in many sectors of manufacturing, including computers.

In China, during the country’s New Year’s holiday closures and virus-related slowdowns, many supply chains have been disrupted. Laptop manufacturers have been hit the hardest during the first few months of 2020. If you tried to purchase a new laptop in the past few months, you may have noticed delayed shipments and slow fulfillment times.

This is due to the unique situation we are currently in. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many individuals to work from home and many students to learn from home. This has resulted in an increased demand for laptops. This coupled with the lower manufacturer supply due to factory disruptions has made finding a computer difficult and expensive.

Related Products Also in Short Supply

If you were part of the shopping frenzy during those initial days of the Coronavirus shutdown, you’ll remember that new computers aren’t the only products in short supply.

Besides common household products like toilet paper being out-of-stock at local grocery stores, related electronic products such as computer screens, batteries, processors, and webcams were also in short supply.

For example, due to surges in demand across American schools, Acer America is “not even close” to stocking enough Chromebooks according to company president, Gregg Prendergast.

So what do you do if you need a new computer?

We have some solutions for you!

While laptops are hard to find, if you’re willing to work off a desktop you may still be able to find some, but keep in mind you’ll also need to buy a screen, mouse, keyboard, and webcam.

Or you can invest in a more expensive device. It is often easier to find the higher-priced devices than the lower-cost models.

But not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a new computer right now. That’s where we come in! Consider breathing new life into a computer you have laying around or you’ve picked up second hand! That’s exactly what we designed our StartMeStick for!

The StartMeStick is perfect for:

  • Breathing a new life into your old computers. Maybe they’re slow or they boot to the ‘Blue Screen of Death’ – the StartMeStick can help!
  • A computer that is running slow or misbehaving. Maybe you’ve run a FixMeStick scan and it came back clean but your computer still isn’t fast. It might not be a virus related issue – try the StartMeStick!
  • If your operating system is no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft or Apple. This makes them dangerous to use online. So just plug in the StartMeStick to have a fast, private, and secure operating system!

The best part? Your kids can’t mess up anything! Designed to never slow down, break down, or become infected. The StartMeStick can be used by anybody to win against frustrating computer issues. It is like brand new every time you use it.

Keep your computer, save money, and reduce waste with the StartMeStick!

Try StartMeStick for 30 days risk-free and satisfaction guaranteed! If you don’t like it we’ll refund your purchase! Don’t wait, revive old computers TODAY – click here!

If you’ve already tried it please share your experience using StartMeStick with us in the comment section below.

81 comments

  1. Marty Travis -

    I have a Dell laptop bought from QVC many years ago.
    Will this fix me stick help my computer?

    • Linda -

      Hi Marty, we designed the StartMeStick to give a second life to older computers. You can definitely try using StartMeStick on it first, we have a satisfaction guarantee so if it doesn’t work out you can get your money back.

  3. Richard Lennon -

    Need price also. Might make a
    difference. !
    I too am interested

    • Linda -

      Hi Richard, the StartMeStick is Private Computing device currently available through three different subscriptions:

      1) The Full Year StartMeStick subscription costs $69.99 USD, $79.99 CAD or £69.99 GBP with free shipping and a 45-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to use the StartMeStick an unlimited number of times on an unlimited number of computers.

      2) The 2 Year StartMeStick subscription costs $99.99 USD, $99.99 CAD or £99.99 GBP with free shipping and a 45-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to use the StartMeStick an unlimited number of times on an unlimited number of computers.

      3) 1 Month Trial StartMeStick subscription – a 30 day subscription for $9.99 USD, $14.99 CAD or £9.99 GBP. This allows you to use the StartMeStick an unlimited number of times on an unlimited number of computers. There is an automatic renewal of $64.99 USD, $74.99 CAD or £64.99 GBP at the end of the trial month, which allows you to use the StartMeStick for another full year. The automatic renewal can be opted out of by contacting us at support@startmestick.com.

  4. Michael Swift -

    I do not like my start me stick because I can not use my computer with it plugged in! It has been longer than 30 days,however.

    • Linda -

      Hi Michael, unfortunately the StartMeStick is designed to work as an alternate operating system so you may not be able to access the files on your host computer when you are using StartMeStick. This is to protect the host computer from being changed or attacked by viruses. For orders placed directly from our website there is a refund policy of 45 days, so feel free to contact us at support@fixmestick.com if you’d like a refund!

    • Linda -

      Hi Kathy, yes – if the computer’s hardware are generally in good shape (ie. working screen and keyboards etc.), then StartMeStick should work!

  6. Marian Gurnee -

    Since I have moved I do not have internet hookup. The covid-19 pandemic did not allow me to have someone come in and look it up either. also I am limited on money because I’m on social security. I have a new FixMeStick I want to use but I’m not sure if it will work on my computers that do not have an internet feed right now.

    • Linda -

      Hi Marian, if you do not have an internet connection available, you can still scan your computer by skipping the virus updates during the scan. Your FixMeStick will just not receive the latest virus updates.

  7. Willie J Jackson -

    Will this work on lab tops with window Vista. That’s how old my labtop is. If yes I want to try it right away.

    • Linda -

      Hi Willie, our products work on Windows Vista computers! If the computer’s hardware are generally in good shape (ie. working screen and keyboards etc.), then there shouldn’t be any issues.

  8. Anonymous -

    I have FixMeStick what kind of deal do I get to switch over. I still have time on my FixMeStick. Is startmestick better then FixMeStick?
    vern lam
    vlam54@gmail.com

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi there,

      The StartMeStick is our second product and different from the FixMeStick you have. The FixMeStick is a virus removal device. If you have viruses or malware on your computer, the FixMeStick will remove it. What we learned though is that often computers act strange for non-virus related issues. That’s why we created the StartMeStick! It is a fast, private, and secure operating system on a stick. Simply plug it in and it reboots your computer to the StartMeStickOS which gives you a fast and secure browsing experience. You can see it in action here: https://youtu.be/cjyW41nY-_8

      Best,
      The StartMeStick Team

  9. KMLynch -

    Reading Swift’s question causes me to ask why would I not be able to access my files on my computer while using Start Me Stick? Isn’t that part of the purpose?

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi there,

      One of the key design objectives of the StartMeStick is that it never changes your computer.

      You may see, but not modify or delete, the files on your computer. You may copy your files to an external drive plugged in after the StartMeStick has started. The files on your external drive will be technically editable but the StartMeStick doesn’t contain the types of programs (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel) used to edit these types of files. However, the StartMeStick is a system for using the Internet, and you can upload these files to the cloud and edit them there.

      Let us know if you have any other questions!

      Best,
      Keegan

  10. keith -

    I bought one 6+ months ago and tried it and have not used it since. It’s fine if all you want to do is go online but you can’t do anything else with it. so for me it was a waste of money.

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi Keith,

      Thanks for letting us know! The StartMeStick is designed to revive your old computers and make them fast, secure, and private. It is a system for using the Internet. I’m sorry if that wasn’t more clear.

      If you ever want to try it again, we’re here to help!

      Best,
      Keegan

  11. Annette Lockett -

    I have several files on my computer that I need access to and the ability to change and download information. Will the StartMeStick allow this?

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi Annette,

      One of the key design objectives of the StartMeStick is that it never changes your computer.

      You may see, but not modify or delete, the files on your computer. You may copy your files to an external drive plugged in after the StartMeStick has started. The files on your external drive will be technically editable but the StartMeStick doesn’t contain the types of programs (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel) used to edit these types of files. However, the StartMeStick is a system for using the Internet, and you can upload these files to the cloud and edit them there.

      Let us know if you have any other questions!

      Best,
      Keegan

  12. john -

    I purchased a fix me stick . It worked twice and that’s it . So what is the difference?

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi John,

      Use a FixMeStick to clean an infected computer. If your’s is no longer working please email us at support@FixMeStickc.com so we can look into this for you!

      Use a StartMeStick when you want to turn any computer into a fast, private, and secure one for browsing the Internet.

      Best,
      Keegan

  13. Paula & Shaun WAY JOYCE -

    Hi this looks like it might work for me someone looked at my old laptops years old and the operating systems windows has gone one also he said dont link to internet as it wont work. so i have vista, windows 7, windows 8, might still have windows 2000 and possibly windows 95 as i am frieghtened to death to ditch my old pc’s due to all the information stored on them.
    also we have old clickfree (Back up) which i loved, due to it saved everything and sorted it into sections ie pictures, letters,, movies etc. but it wont work on my windows 10 is there anyway that i might be able to rescue all backed up stuff. i am fanatical about backing everything up so have purchased another product 10 tb.
    We have watched the demo on qvc and just wanted to get a few more answers we already do have the virus remover works perfect, chuffed to bits with that one.

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi Paul,

      The StartMeStick would be perfect for your old computers! When you plug it in and reboot it to the StartMeStick OS it will allow you to use these old computers on the Internet again. We have a 30 Day Trial that would allow you to test it out and make sure it works for you. If you have any other questions feel free to email us at support@StartMeStick.com and someone from our customer support team will be happy to help!

      Best,
      Keegan

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Awesome! Glad the FixMeStick could help you.

      Best,
      The FixMeStick Team

  15. Douglas -

    I have an old laptop and I can’t remember the password. Will the start up stick by pass it and allow me to create a new password?

    • Linda -

      Hi Douglas, yes! You can still use StartMeStick by booting it outside of the Windows OS. Here’s how. Unfortunately, you cannot get your password back or create a new password with StartMeStick (you can only boot into StartMeStick without the password).

  16. Joanne -

    My computer was hacked. I used the fix me stick and I think it got rid of what ever they did, but I can’t use the computer because of my password. It won’t allow me.
    Will the new stick get me on the computer so I can use it.
    Thank you,

    • Linda -

      Hi Joanne, yes! You can still use StartMeStick by booting it outside of the Windows OS. Here’s how. Unfortunately, you cannot get your password back or create a new password with StartMeStick (you can only boot into StartMeStick without the password).

  17. Manuel E. Fernandez -

    I have an old laptop that I could use during these uncertain times. However, I have complete confidence in your other product. I have been using it for at least three years without a problem. My concern with this new product is that I will use the old laptop, Vista O/S computer in a <>. As a volunteer catechist, I will NOT be permitted to access the parochial school internet system in the classroom. I have previous MS Office installed on the old pc. Evidently, I will be able to use The Start Me Stick at home. My goal is to use the old computer as a backup pc for the student’s classroom assignments. Please assist.

    • Linda -

      Hi Manuel, thanks for your interest! You can definitely try using StartMeStick as it works on Windows Vista systems. If you are not satisfied with the results or if it does not work for any reason, you can get a refund within 45 days of purchase (for orders placed directly from our website only) and you don’t need to return the stick to us to get a refund!

    • Linda -

      Hi James, thanks for reading our blog and sorry to see that you did not have a great experience with our products. If you’d like us to look into this issue further, please email us at support@fixmestick.com with the serial number printed on the side of the stick so we can better assist you.

  19. Mary B. -

    I own a 10 to 15 year old Vista .
    It has a broken part and it can’t access the internet. So I use it for my data files. An external hard drive corrupted my computer and I had a blue screen with no mouse.
    I was unable to even turn the computer off. I tried to take the battery out that didn’t work. I then drained the battery. That dident work. I have an old fixmestick. Even though I can’t access the internet I used the fixmestick and I got my computer back. I was very upset about my computer because of all my data reports going back all that time. Plus there are programs on that computer that I can’t put on newer computers. Thank you Fixmestick. I justed wanted the people how good your product is.

    • Linda -

      Thank you for your positive feedback, Mary! If you ever require assistance with anything, don’t hesitate to let us know!

  20. Olivia Lewis -

    I need reliable internet to teach online. Will your product help me?I do have internet service, but it is very slow.

    • Linda -

      Hi Olivia, good question. Unfortunately, the StartMeStick does not replace your internet service provider. You will need a working internet connection to be able to use StartMeStick to go online.

  21. T.J -

    HELLO IS THE STARTUPSTICK THE SAME AS FIXME
    I HAVE IT AN REALLY LIKE IT ??????????

    • Linda -

      Hi T.J, The StartMeStick is not the same as FixMeStick. The StartMeStick is a plug-in operating system that revitalizes computers that may no longer be fully functional. The FixMeStick removes viruses from your normal operating system.

      Further, the StartMeStick resets to factory settings after each use, meaning it never slows down, and it doesn’t collect the junk that causes frustrating errors, crashes, freezes, and slowdowns on your regular operating system. To learn more check out our FAQ article.

  23. Audrey Konie -

    I have a old FixMeStick, have never used it, and wonder how it works. When plugged in, how long does ittake to do its job – on average. How often should I use it?

    • Linda -

      Hi Audrey, thanks for your interest! A FixMeStick scan usually takes around 2-6 hours. We even created a detailed guide on how to use FixMeStick here. If you are still having trouble starting a scan, we can be contacted at support@fixmestick.com! We recommend running a scan on your computer once per month.

  24. Pete Pegelow -

    I now have a ACER chromebook 15-got Jan 2020.My lifetime 3 pcs FIXME STICK is no good now(this is MY 2nd computer).WHAT DO I DO NOW?; Do you have a FIXME STICK yet for My ACER?

    • Linda -

      Hi Pete, unfortunately the current version of the FixMeStick was not designed to support tablet use. Presently, the FixMeStick is optimized for use on both PC and Mac computers, depending on which version of the FixMeStick the customer has (PC vs Mac version). In the meantime, here is a guide that details how to manually clear settings on your tablet.

  25. Lyn -

    When you do banking online and emails can you make copies on your printer with the Startme stick?

    • Linda -

      Hi Glenn, good question. The StartMeStick is designed to boot from an alternate operating system to allow you to use the computer again. It will not fix any corrupted files or fix the existing operating system.

  27. Nigel Penn -

    Sorry, I bought the startme stick off QVC a month ago and I will be sending it back as it doesn’t do what it says.

    It took a long time to set up, my computer a Sony Windows 7 laptop still was painfully slow to start after downloading the software, but since clicking F12 repeatedly on the switch on, it boots into Windows as before, I have even tried the other keys mentioned and no Joy. I have tried it in an old Dell laptop and a Sony Windows 8 laptop again with no success. It is a lovely stick but a useless product and will be sending it back. It all sounds good, but it doesn’t deliver.

    • Linda -

      Hi Nigel, thank you for sharing your experience and sorry to see that you did not have a good experience with StartMeStick. Since it didn’t work on multiple computers there could be an issue with the stick. If you are interested in troubleshooting the issue further with one of our support agents, we can be reached at support@fixmestick.com.

  28. D Jackson -

    How many times can you use a FixMeStick on a PC using Windows Vista and how many times can you use it on a laptop….. I’ve used it once so far on my Windows Vista… So far it has worked very well… Very nice product my name

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi there,

      You can use the FixMeStick an unlimited number of times on your Windows Vista computer for the length of your subscription. If you’re not sure about your subscription please email support@FixMeStick.com with the serial number from the side of your FixMeStick.

      Best,
      The FixMeStick Team

  29. D Jackson -

    Lookin forward to trying the startmestick someday…..seems to b a worth while idea….plz let me kn about the fixmestick

    • Keegan Anfield -

      To learn more about the FixMeStick, or the new StartMeStick, please visit our website: http://www.FixMeStick.com! Please let us know if you have any questions.

      Best,
      The FixMeStick/StartMeStick Team

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Yes! The StartMeStick is compatible with all Macs made between 2006 and 2017. It requires 1 GB RAM and a USB port to plug into. Please note you can connect your Bluetooth devices to your StartMeStick. However, the StartMeStick requires the use of a wired mouse/keyboard for Bluetooth device setup each session.

  31. Carole Times -

    I just purchased the StartMeStick. After reading the questions and comments, I am beginning to realize that this product is not what my computer needs. My computer is slow as molasses and freezes up every chance it gets and I need something to fix that. I do much more than browse on my computer. My website does a lot of heavy lifting (accounting, blogs, article writing,etc.) and the StartMeStick, as I understand it, cannot be used for that. Will the FixMeStick be a better choice?

    • Linda -

      Hi Carole, we designed the StartMeStick for all your online browsing needs. The StartMeStick is a plug-in operating system that revitalizes computers that may no longer be fully functional. The FixMeStick removes viruses from your normal operating system.

      Further, the StartMeStick resets to factory settings after each use, meaning it never slows down, and it doesn’t collect the junk that causes frustrating errors, crashes, freezes, and slowdowns on your regular operating system. To learn more about StartMeStick here is a FAQ article.

  32. Carole -

    Well, I do not think the StartMeStick is for me. How do I return.

    • Linda -

      Hi Carole, no problems with the return. We can simply deactivate the stick and refund you from our end so no need to send the stick back to us either. We’ve sent you an email with the next steps in the return process, please check your email! Thanks.

  33. Terri Matheson -

    I bought the Start me stick some months ago, but didn’t use it till recently and it doesn’t seem to do much for me ( I have a Sony laptop with Windows 7). It doesn’t seem to be the product for me. However, I have been using the Fix me stick for a few years, and am very happy with its performance.

    • Linda -

      Thanks for your feedback, Terri! Glad to see that FixMeStick is working well. If you have any questions or specific issues with StartMeStick, feel free to send them over to us using this link here. It’s still a new product and we are always trying to make improvements to it.

  34. ronelda smith -

    my computer is old ie. 6 years!! and crashed a bit ago I bought the stick on TSC BUT somehow I lost it it was very small so no idea what happened I had to pay to have it working again love to have one

    • Linda -

      Hi Ronelda, to better assist you with this issue we’ve sent you an email. Please check your email, thanks!

  35. Anonymous -

    I got the fixMeStick and used it on my computer. I’ve had more trouble with my computer since I’ve used it on it. Also I thought my computer was slow before now It is just ridiculous.

    • Linda -

      There are a number of factors that can contribute to a slower computer speed. The FixMeStick is a virus removal device, and if there are viruses on your computer that are causing a slower performance speed, running a FixMeStick scan can definitely help speed up your computer’s activity.

      However, if your scan results show that your computer is clean of viruses, then the speed of your computer is more likely caused by an issue unrelated to viruses. Contributing factors could be how long ago the computer was purchased, the number of programs and files you have on your computer, and your computer’s memory. If you have further questions about this, feel free to send an email to support@fixmestick.com!

  36. Lorraine Griffin -

    I received my Start Me Stick several days ago, but unable to navigate the system. I have BSOD on my other computer. I would like a refund, please contact me.

    • Linda -

      Hi Lorraine, to better assist you with this issue we’ve sent you a follow-up email. Please check your email, thanks!

    • Linda -

      Hi Donnell, you can leave the StartMeStick plugged in all the time. But if you do not press “reboot and start StartMeStick”, then it will not do anything in the background of your regular computer.

  38. J H SEATE -

    I already own a start me stick which I have never used to date. When I purchased it last year I thought it was good forever and I would only have to pay for updates if needed. I suspect that it may not be working now since I have not paid for additional time. What is the story on keeping it current and available if I need it. I sure don’t want to have to buy another if I don’t need to.

    • Linda -

      Hi John, I can confirm that your FixMeStick is still active and you don’t need to pay for any updates. If you are still having a hard time getting it to work, please send us an email at support@fixmestick.com and we’ll look into it!

  39. Donald Robertshaw -

    The startme stick gives you a clean operating system for doing basic things like going on the internet but functions you do with a computer are not possible such as basic word processing (build one into the startme stick) and the big program many are using is zoom. Why can’t some of these programs be put on the stick to give it more functionality. If something needs to be accessed an external usb stick can be used.
    Don

    • Linda -

      Hi Donald, thanks for your feedback. We are always looking for new feedback on our products as they are being updated all the time. We actually installed the Zoom application onto the StartMeStick during a recent update. If you are having trouble accessing the Zoom app on StartMeStick, please send us an email to support@fixmestick.com!

  40. Anonymous -

    We bought StartmeStick and used it on laptop that had vista on it. Vista is no longer supported so the laptop had not been used for five years. The StartMe Stick got it running we are able to access most of important Data on the computer. The only problem I have had is getting fix me stick to run to clear the malware etc.

    • Linda -

      Hi there, thanks for reading our blog and sharing your experience. We’re glad to see that StartMeStick helped with reviving an old laptop. If you’d like to troubleshoot your FixMeStick with us, please send us an email with the serial number on the side of your FixMeStick and our agents will assist you.

  41. Anonymous -

    I sent a comment/questions late November 2020. No reply as of this date (Nov. 30/20). When might i see a reply? thanks. Ed

    • jonathan.st.michael -

      Hi Edward,

      Our apologies – your question has been viewed and responded to!

      – Jonathan

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