43 Folders

Insanely great.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Thanks, Steve.

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Laptops: A blessing or a curse?

When I got my first laptop, I loved the exhilarating freedom of whipping it out anytime I "needed" it. No matter where I am, I could work on a project, balance a budget, or play a video game. Years later, despite its "convenience", I'm dangerously married to my laptop.

It's with me virtually everywhere. On the bus, at work, at home, in bed. And yes, it even goes with me to the toilet--the perfect time for multi-tasking, right? According to my estimate, I spend twice as much time looking at an LCD screen than high-definition reality.

My laptop, supposedly handy, is now just an easy excuse to work (or procrastinate) at any time, all the time. I need help, and it's time for an intervention.

Do you have an unhealthy marriage with your laptop? Have you switched back to desktops? How have you coped? Please share.

midwinter's picture

Re: Laptops: A Blessing or a Curse?

A recent bout without my laptop—during which I could only check email, surf, and IM on my old iPaq—got me seriusly rethinking whether or not I needed a laptop. As an experiment, I picked up an el cheapo Nokia 770 internet tablet for $140 and have been trying to use it instead of the laptop. Works great, does 95% of what I need, and keeps me from goofing off too much.

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


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