Writers, please tell me I’m not alone in my emotional connection to my computer. Whenever it’s ‘time’ to upgrade to a new computer, I hesitate. This device is my connection to everything related to writing – I’m nearly never without it! (My trip to Italy in 2014 was the first time I had been away from my computer since 2012 when I went on my volunteer vacation in Maine.)
Upgrading to a new computer makes me nervous. I worry about downtime in between setting up the software I need and transferring files. I don’t mention it too often here, but where we live out “in the country” – we’re on DSL. Yes, DSL! As an example, with my new computer, it took nearly 8 hours for me to download Microsoft Office. Although I bought my computer in early January, I owned it for more than a week before I made time to turn it on and start the setup and transfer process because I knew there would be a long transition.
I’ve mentioned my previous computer before in my Computer Behind the Freelancer post. It was my favorite laptop I had ever owned – the Lenovo Ultrabook. It still works fine, but it’s four years old and takes close to 10 minutes to start. I was due for a new model.
We went to your run-of-the-mill big box electronic stores to test out different models. Friends and family all tell me I should switch to Mac, but I just don’t feel it. After test-typing on all the laptops that caught my eye in the stores, I settled on Lenovo again: The Lenovo Yoga 710.
This is basically the newer version of my last laptop. Like most modernlaptops, the screen can fold back and the computer can act in tablet mode. My love picked out all new cables for me, so it hooks up with my projector for conferences/classes, and with my desktop screen for everyday use. I’m already feeling attached to it.
However, I’m still attached to my old laptop. What do you do with old computers? Wipe them clean and donate them? Hold on to them indefinitely?
Write Naked 
I believe in donating, once the computer is wiped clean. Maybe even check with a local school to see if they can use it. I tend to appreciate each level of technology, and move on. So much to learn!
Good idea about gifting to a local school. I am going to check with my friends who are professional ‘white hat’ hackers and see if they can wipe my old laptops clean. Would be nice if they could be of benefit somewhere, instead of collecting dust!
My last one went to the local senior center. I recently bought a Yoga is that what you are using now? Is it the one with the bending hinges that turns it into a tablet as well? It makes for a nice stand when its time to take a break and watch some Netflix 🙂
Nice donation! Yes, I’m using the Lenovo Yoga now and it does bend back into tablet mode. I use it exclusively as a laptop though. Seems redundant to have another tablet and I’m concerned I would drop it or treat it too casually as a tablet. My breaks are currently spent with ‘chicken Netflix’ (watching out little flock). 🙂 Good idea though–I’ll probably turn it around when traveling!
I’ve never had a laptop survive me to donate. I use them until I do something dumb like drop it in such a way the battery doesn’t fit in anymore.
Aw! Any service contracts? Both mine and my husband’s will be replaced if destroyed within 2 years–almost an incentive to drop!
No, I never have the good forethought to do that.
Does it have a name? Mine is Igor, my faithful servant 😛
I take the hard drive out of my lap tops and recycle them at the scrap yard. It’s easier than you think to remove the hard drive. There’s lots of you tube videos to help you. Best of luck on the new lap top. I’m right there with you on a new purchase soon!
In my ten years as a freelance writer my computers have lasted no more than two years. The only decisions I’m faced with is how to throw the thing away and which one to buy next. This time, just a month ago, I switched to Mac. Here’s to a longlasting relationship with my new friend. 🙂
Before I became a freelance writer, I went through 2 computers writing my doctoral dissertation! One simply wore out because of old age (over 3 years old) and the other was damaged during a flight. After removing the clearing and removing the hard drive, I donated both to laptops to recycling business. For these computers, I was attached to the Toshiba brand. Now, as freelancer, I am more attached to portability and performance (which may or may not be the Toshiba brand). I anticipate at least a 2- 3 year use for my laptop for business
I can totally relate. I love my laptop. I fee like a newbie on other laptops. My keyboard knows me so intimately and I know it; it’s like we’re connected in some higher life. I get anxious if it takes my laptop longer than normal to load. Such a relief to know I am not the only one out there so attached.
Yes–the delayed starts scare me! I immediately think, when did I back up last?! My husband stores everything in the cloud, which I’m not ready to do yet. When his computer died he didn’t mind as much because he knows he didn’t lose anything. Do you notice parts of your keyboard wear away in the same spots? Every computer I’ve owned has a blank spot on the right side of the space bar and the enter key. 🙂