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Lately I've given some thought to an inexpensive "something" to write on, exclusively. Something to keep me from dabbling in email, social media and blog reading when I should be writing. I've thought about a cheap (maybe refurbished) laptop in at least 15", an ultra-notebook, or even a tablet with a detachable (or wireless) keyboard. As a last resort, I picked up a couple more three subject notebooks and some colored pens. ;-)
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So, does anyone have a second computer....just for writing? What about wireless keyboards and larger monitors? Inquiring minds and all that....LOL!
interesting that you mention this Donna because I only have a laptop - and I'm grateful that I have it! Just over 15" screen; however, more and more, I seem to stay late at work so I can use the desktop with the keyboard and the 21 inch screen. It's easier for these tiring old eyes. I also have to say that I feel differently when I write there...like I'm in my seat of power (lol) or something. If I had the money I would buy a desktop for home too with a big ol' screen.
ReplyDeleteI have a laptop, but rarely use it outside of work. The iPad has a wireless keypad, but I spend more time reading and playing games on it than anything else. For writing I need a desktop. The multiple monitors help me keep research material up while writing, and I have more than enough room to store my stuff.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, it's stationary, comfortable, and just 'feels' right. It's the only place that I can type a story with ease, without most of the distractions that come from other devices.
We bought me a notebook computer for *business* (fully tax deductible that way) which I use for my writing, bookkeeping, marketing,(this is considered marketing, BTW, even if I do enjoy it), web site building & maintenance. I really need to install NetNanny (or similar) and set it to block Twitter and Facebook. Then maybe I'd get more writing done!
ReplyDeleteDonna, the device doesn't matter. The device isn't making you read all of those blogs and answer all of my emails. It's the person using the device that determines how it is used. So, just go ahead and buy a new iPad, but then mail it to me and I'll waste my time on it instead of you wasting your time on it.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteNot long ago I went through this same process, mainly because I wanted something I could take outside, etc. without using my main laptop which has all our important info. on it and is used for in our work.
I got a new battery (cheap) for an older Dell laptop we have and it is now my primary writing station. The only Web bookmarks on it are related to writing. Whatever I produce/create related to my WIP is also saved on a stick in case I want to play with it on my main laptop, a Lenovo.
I rejected the iPad idea due to the differences in OS between the iPad and my laptops. I wanted a seamless transition of documents between the two laptops.
Do whatever works for you! :)
Actually, I think desktops are now cheaper than laptops...well, except for the mega monitors. Used to be everything was bundled. Not anymore.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I'm thinking I should have kept my old laptop for this but thought the grandkids needed it more than me. LOL!
ReplyDelete[giggle-snort]
ReplyDeleteI just don't think my typing on the iPad would work for me...and then how to balance it in my lap with a keyboard. Not a pretty picture...
ReplyDeleteI think I'll be watching for a cheap, lightweight laptop to pop up.
I would be soooo tempted to buy a notebook thingy BUT I strain my eyes enough with a regular laptop screen. Now if someone would invent one that's laptop size but as thin and light as an A4 spiral-bound notebook - then I'd get one!
ReplyDeleteI have two desktops and a laptop... one of the desktops is designated solely for writing.
ReplyDeleteI have a desktop and two laptops. The desk top rarely gets used. The old laptop has word 2003 and is really too slow for internet beside it doesn't have a wifi card so it's my writing computer and the newer laptop I don't have word but it is newer and great for internet. But when I first start writing a new story, I start out with pen and paper.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if they still make them but I've read some rave reviews of something called an AlphaSmart Neo, I think. It's basically JUST a word-processor. Almost like an electronic typewriter. Lightweight with a long battery life and good for just writing and nothing else. I don't think you can use it for editing. People who love these things seem to REALLY love them.
ReplyDeleteBarring that, there are two great programs: Freedom, which blocks your Internet, and Anti-social, which blocks certain sites. I started with Freedom but loved Pandora too much to cut off my Internet altogether. Both work pretty well, requiring that you reboot to get your time-wasting access back.
Donna, typing on an iPad was the other issue for me, too. Think it would drive me batty. Okay, battier! :)
ReplyDeleteI only use a desktop because.. umm... that's all I have. LOL But I keep hinting, stronger and strong as time goes on, to my husband that I'd really like to have a laptop. I'm not sure that I would switch over "fulltime" to using a laptop as my main writing computer, but I would really like to have something that I could take out of the house.
ReplyDeleteI'd so be there, too! LOL! I'm even looking at refurbished Mac Air notebooks. I figure if all I'm doing is typing, the smaller screen is okay. ;0
ReplyDeleteI'm more and more leaning to something designated solely to writing.....
ReplyDeleteI outline with pen and paper, make character notes, etc before I move to the computer. I love writing on paper...just getting harder and harder to read my own handwriting. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI had an AlphaSmart back in the late 90's. It was nifty for sure. Might have to see what the latest iteration looks like. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I will definitely look into Freedom and Anti-Social. Great ideas! Thanks for visiting and posting.
My laptop is too big and ungainly to lug around much. I used to have a little 13" laptop, in fact it traveled on my motorcycle with me in 2005 when I toured the country. It was SOOO portable. Yeah, I'm spoiled....LOL!
ReplyDelete