Milo:
Thanks for the info. Bad capacitors does seem quite likely. However, I'm not about to open the thing and try to figure out which capacitor(s) is at fault. I guess I'll just learn to live with the fickle beast. Normally I would just get rid of the thing or leave it on a shelf somewhere to collect dust. But I really like the machine for several reasons the primary being the display: it's a 17" display and crystal clear. Very easy on the eyes.