This isn’t the first time a computer has tried to die on me.
I remember my computer’s struggle after I got married and the last valiant attempts to fix it.
And the hard drive full of pictures that had to be pulled from it.
Then we bought a gaming computer, fast and with cool gadgets on the front- the blue light and temperature gauges were companions late at night.
That and a comfortable chair meant hours of entertainment.
I played World of Warcraft- Mr. Wonder played first-person shooter games on Steam.
We centered parties around games of Worms on the desktop.
They got brutal.
Life changed, things changed, and it’s hard to pay attention to a video game while taking care of a young child.
My computer became full of bookmarked blogs and folders of photos.
The hours of entertainment have been changed to email, blogs, Facebook and Pinterest.
Amazing what a couple of years and a kid can do to you.
My computer has endured about six years of constant use and abuse, I think it may be time to change the scenery in the office a little.
I definitely have different needs now, and while I am lucky to have an iPad that helps fill in the void of interneting, it is not the best for a long term option.
Also- I can’t upload my pictures to them from my DSLR.
I’ve already cobbled together blog posts between my iPhone and iPad ( goodness, I sound like such an iFan) and at least that is a system I can work.
And with all of this usage I am realizing I have never written about my family’s relationship with the iPad.
Is this process a lasting one in my blogging career? Probably not, but it’s a system that works, and one that can travel with me, since I have posted once entirely from my phone.
It takes forever to write an entire post on that tiny keyboard.
However, unless I can find someone to repair my computer, I will be in the market for a new one.
And a new life with a computer means new priorities and new options.
I can stick with my big desktop or go for a laptop.
Stick with a PC or go for the Apple trifecta?
Decisions, decisions.
What are you reading this post on right now?
What kind of computer do you have?
If you are a blogger, did that impact your decision?
Budget was a big consideration in buying my last computer. I had longings for a laptop, but did I really need one? No. I do my writing on my work PC on lunch, and at home. The thought of writing in a coffee shop, etc., is insane (to me), and I don’t travel enough to really NEED a laptop. In terms of computing power, a PC is much less expensive and offers more bang for the buck than a laptop, which meant I had more $$ for the new software programs to go with the new computer.
Likewise on the Mac vs PC issue. I know some people really love their Macs, but I also know people who spend aeons waiting for them to be repaired when they break. They cost more, there are fewer programs written for them… I do work on them, from time to time, trying to help business clients with QuickBooks and Quicken (of which Mac versions are AWFUL)- for all that they’re supposed to be “easier and more intuitive” I don’t see it.
I also was extremely underimpressed when I took my 15 month old iPod to an Applestore and they told me it couldn’t be repaired, because it was so old and obsolete, but I *could* have a 10% discount on a new one or an iPhone. Luckily somebody in (the very long) line gave me a referral and I was able to have it repaired by a non-Apple vendor for $40.
My advice: make a list of what you absolutely NEED(including the costs of new programs), then make a wish list of what would be fun to have, and see what best fits your budget.
I have a cheap Toshiba that my husband bought from Fry’s for $399. Other than being kinda ugly it does the job.
It’s not like anyone on the web can look through your blog and see your comp, right?
exactly.
I recently switched to a Mac; I’m not complaining, merely adjusting to the OS and keystroke shortcut changes…