If you read my last post, you'll know what the following cryptic statement means:
I'm going with Option 1.
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| I Am Not Buying A New Computer... |
My old laptop is nearing (or past) the end of its useful life. I considered several options to replace it ranging from a tablet computer, a Chromebook, a Windows 10 laptop, and even a Microsoft Surface. I threw out an other option just in case: Option 1. Option 1 means to do nothing. While this option does not improve my computer situation, it is the least expensive. That, of course, is the only reason to go with Option 1.
What does this mean for you, a reader of Penny Pincher Journal? You may have noticed that I haven't posted in a few months. I was pretty frustrated with my computer and I was planning to get back to work on the blog after I got a better computer situation. I also got distracted by some paid freelance writiing opportunities and ended up getting articles published on places like Time.com, Kiplinger, Business Insider, etc.
But now my computer situation is resolved in a sense. I have decided not to get a new computer. I went to Best Buy about five times, and looked around on Amazon and Ebay many nights to check out computers, and decided that a Microsoft Surface would be just right for me. But in the end I decided not to spend that much money. I just couldn't bring myself to borrow money and make payments on a computer when I have so many other bills to deal with.
Typing articles on a cell phone is possible. I timed myself typing a passage of text on my cell phone and found that I can type about 20 words per minute. This is about half as fast as I can type on a computer keyboard.
Back in May, I found myself on the road with an article due and only my cell phone with me. I bought a bluetooth keyboard for about $20, so I can type articles on my phone with a keyboard. That gets me back up to around 40 words per minute. And my old laptop still sort-of works. So I have some options to keep working that don't cost anything.
I am going to try to get back to work on Penny Pincher Journal using the equipment I have. Sure it would be nice to have a newer computer, but I am not going to wait for a year (or more) to be able to do anything.
I think the point of this post is not to overlook the benefits of Option 1 (Do Nothing). I can avoid spending money and keep doing everything I want to do, even if it is not ideal. But nothing is really ideal anyway.
When you face a decision of whether to spend money or not, don't forget Option 1 - do nothing... Sometimes this is the best option, especially if you make the best of it.
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The question you need to ask is "what do I need to do that I can't with this computer?". The answer to that informs you about your next step.
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