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Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

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”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.

phillipingham's picture

Falling asleep with laptop!

I'm working away from home a lot just lately and find sleeping in hotel rooms difficult, waking not feeling refreshed to start a new day on site.

Using another Merlin favorite I got into pzizz some time ago and now set it going on my laptop in the hotel room (in the sleep configuration). I wake from an undisturbed nights sleep feeling much better (although still not as well as being at home!)

It did strike me that my laptop is the last thing I see at night and the first thing I see in the morning though!!!

 
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