I got myself a laptop a couple of weeks ago in preparation for University, and it seems to have confirmed to me what I’ve always suspected. The mobility of a laptop really seems to help with writing! As mine is very compact and has a very decent battery life, I’ve just started taking it all over the place with me. I’ve found writing so much easier than it has been in the past. A change of scenery really seems to help with the flow of things. I know it’s awful to never really want to actually write with a pen and paper, but I’ve been like that for years - so getting a laptop has been a very liberating experience in terms of how I write. I’m now in America for a week or so, and here especially I’ve got so much done! Does anyone else agree that the mobility of laptop can make a huge difference to the flow of writing? I don’t think I’ll ever go back to working at my desktop!
Also consider a digital voice recorder. Smaller than many MP3 players, you can use it for quick notes on ideas you have wherever you are, or even to dictate a few pages worth of story. If it has a USB interface, you can even read it into your laptop with a speech to text program.
I love my laptop for writing, but I still enjoy writing with pen and paper. I must have at least 30+ legal pads stored in boxes. When I write on paper, I type it all out later and keep the handwritten work. I should probably throw them away, but I just can't bring myself to get rid of them. As for a desktop computer, I gave mine to my son. I just don't use it.
I love having a laptop. I can write pretty much anywhere and anytime. Before a laptop, I was jotting stuff down in random notebooks. With a laptop, all my writing is in one place. Plus, if I really want, I can write during class.
The recorders range from $25 to over $200. I saw a really good one for about $150 at the store last weekend. It had an extra USB slot for extra space and seemed pretty reliable.
I've been wanting a laptop for a while now, as my pc is quite old and having the mobility of a laptop would greatly encourage my writing, rewriting, and just general organization of all my scrap notes. Plus I wouldn't have to sit, as I have a back injury that inhibits long periods of sitting. Until then I got my pad and pen.
I don't bring my laptop w/me to school -- too heavy w/my other stuff. I really want to get a netbook soon, though. That size & weight I could manage.
Yes I have bee eying the Dell netbooks, as I would only use it to write. I best be saving my scant pennies.
i'm completely the opposite. i have to write using a notebook and pen, and i usually re-draft everything at least once before i even think about typing it up. i'm not a techno-phobe, i don't have a fear of computers and am very competent on them, but i'm quite old-fashioned in my ways despite only being 22. i don't have a laptop, i use the desktop computer we all share. eventually i would like to invest in my own laptop, possibly in the near future so i can have everything of mine together ready for when i move out, but even then i will still always write with my good old pen and paper. i love buying notebooks with pretty covers, and i love hand-writing. i write so much better that way, and i think it completes my experience of writing. writing using my computer is very official and objective to me. i do it for essays for university, so it reminds me of the conformity of education. whereas with a pen and paper i feel as though i have a lot more freedom.
I stood on my laptop and cracked the screen But I'm looking to get a netbook thingy... they're almost as small as a Game Gear now. And with better batter life. Great for my fat hands. Hope it will come with a dialling wand.
Why did you stand on your laptop exactly? I have a laptop, but I can't write outside, or anywhere with people around. Makes me far too nervous. The only way I can write is barricade myself inside my room and just sink into another world. But laptops are useful in general. I don't know why I'd do without mine.
bleh I'm unique. The only scenary I can write in is at home or at work - in both cases, I don't need a laptop. If I go out for coffee with friends or such, on vacation, I would want to enjoy it. If an idea comes along, I jot it down on paper or make a mental note.
Writing, the main reason (excuse?) I bought my laptop. It's convenient and encouraging to have one. I usually turn on the music & open some pictures to instill/encourage inspiration while writing. I don't put much game in it as to reduce the possible distraction. Laptop, don't know what to do without one.
Oh god, you guys are killing me! -doesn't have a laptop but will soon- I hope I experience the same wonderful liberation that has happened to you. ;] Writing with pen and paper for the last two months has nearly depleted my sanity reserves.
I totally agree that laptop and a change of scenery is a great thing! I got stuck in the middle of writing one day, and I pulled out the old dusty Compaq and sat in a different room, and the words flowed...that is until I got the message of doom and a blank screen. haha
I got my Mac mini almost 3 years ago now but I don't think I'll ever by another desktop. Laptops only for simple fact that it's an "all-in-one" computer. Big bulky dinosaurs are a thing of the past for me.
