Wednesday, March 05, 2008

LAPTOP ADDICTION

Remember I mentioned having purchased a laptop? Although it has solved a lot of practical issues I used to have as a teacher, discovering the advantages of wireless connection is becoming some sort of addiction to me. Right now, I've just finished answering my students' emailed homeworks and updated my class webpage while lying comfortably flat on my belly and watching tv. I've just found myself tempted like ten times to take out my laptop at the oddest places and try to find an unsecure wireless connection. It might be the delight of having a new toy to play with, but I noticed the fact, though.

Could I be turning into a web-addict?

(oh, my gosh!)

4 comments:

Miao 妙 said...

I'm planning to get a laptop now, because I'm beginning to find myself having difficulties coping without one.

I have 4 essays to rush this semester, and I share the computer with my 2 elder brothers. This translates into not being able to immediately type out my ideas and do research to support them when either of them is using the computer. This also means having little productive time to work on my essays. (Funny how our schedules now often clash when I have assignments to complete - this never happened when I was just happily idling away and doing useless things like blogging).

I've also realised that there is an overwhelming amount of notes to take during philosophy lectures, especially when the professors say something thought-provoking and I desperately need to record it. Having a laptop will make everything so much easier because I can type so much faster than I can write (I kind of hurt my right wrist 2 years ago, and unfortunately I am not ambidextrous. A typing test revealed that I can type an average of 60 words per minute).

There is an IT fair this weekend, and I am wondering if I should get a laptop. I really regret not getting one at my university matriculation fair last year, because there was an amazing discount, and purchases were bundled with free gifts. But I don't really want to wait till this year's matriculation fair, because with 4 essays awaiting completion, I need my own work station urgently. But my mum says that dishonest sellers may use inferior parts for their laptops and worries that I may not get my money's worth.

I'm really in a dilemma now. Any advice?

YosoyineS said...

Actually, happens a lot when you have a laptop, that you seek for WiFi in the area.

And it actually exists software that hacks security WiFi LAN, so you can use a free conection anytime you want, hehehe.

Laptops are really expensive around here, but i could use having one :(

See ya!

The Usual Stuff said...

Look for a good brand sold by the authorized representative. It's the only way to go safe. Wheter it is Toshiba, or Apple, authorized retailers will be glad to show you the most suitable options, and they're less willing to risk getting an angry costumer.

On the other hand, typing on a wordpad sheet is definitely faster, cleaner and less complicated than trying to jot down everything a teacher says, unless you're familiar with short-hand writing. A journalist-type portable recorder could also do the trick, but it doesn't save you from taking notes anyway. I know 'cause I've been there myself, trying to figure out a way to keep record of everything with scarce resources.

As a lecturer, I can also tell you that laptops allow you to prepare better presentations, if you remember not to saturate your slides with text.

However, good old notebook is still around, just in case there are no outlets, laptops are not allowed or snoopy studends look over your shoulders. Although the laptop may not be absolutely mandatory, for sure will save you a lot of pain when there is only one PC an several students in the same household. Good luck!

The Usual Stuff said...

Hi,Ines.
Is that software available free online? I could certainly put it to a good use!

Don't think laps come cheap in Mexico. Anything below $10,000 Mexican pesos (around 914 USD)is not considered reliable. Certainly you can get something cheaper in the informal, not-so-legal market, but it is very likely to receive reconstructed, stolen or, in best case, smuggled equipment, with no guarantee nor support.

I've tied myself up with the credit for almost a year, but legality is certainly worth it.