TOP is unfortunately overdue for a new computer. My AppleCare ran out last February, and that's what sets the pace for my computer replacements.
I don't know when I'll actually be able to buy a new computer, but I do know that I haven't really liked trying to write and post from the road using the iPad. It's one of those things that I could get used to if I had to, but being away from my usual computer has been a big annoyance. Small posts take three times as long to write, and I haven't sat down to learn how to add pictures or links to the posts. I'm sure it's simple, and I'm sure I'll figure out exactly how to do it just as soon as I get home and no longer need to know.
I think the next configuration of the TOP computer will be a good laptop connected to a 27-inch screen and my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. Then, when I want to travel, I'll just disconnect the laptop and take it with me. If I'm driving, like I have been this trip, I'll take the big keyboard along, and if there's room to set up the keyboard wherever I'm staying, I'll use it; if there isn't, I'll just use the keyboard on the laptop.
It's easy to back up the laptop at home as usual, and I wouldn't bring a drive on the road with me to back up to, but then, most of what I'm doing on the road is email and blog posts, neither of which are really critical to back up. At least on a short-term basis.
The old 27-inch iMac can be used as a working computer for a part-time temp and as a printing station for the new printer.
The question then is which laptop to buy. Ctein has pointed out that Apple has lately been confusing it's line more than it did in the past. That seems true to me when I try to figure out which laptop is best for me. Air? Pro? Don't really have any idea.
I did purchase the long-planned sit-stand desk, a Jesper – they just came out with an economy model. That's going to be an interesting experiment – to see just how much of the day that I can spend standing, and whether I can discipline myself to do it at all.
I also owe you a Sunday Open Mike car review of my current car, which now is not so new anymore. It's an Acura ILX 2.4 with a manual transmission, the Acura based on the Honda Civic. By the time I get home, I will have logged about 2700 miles on this trip. That's a good chance to get to know a car.
As far as the computer is concerned, an interesting feature of computers is that I don't like buying them. With cameras, I'm a kid in a candy shop. Of course that does mean that I waste a lot of money on cameras. I'm much more sensible when it comes to buying computers.
And there's one more huge cost advantage of buying computers. They don't need interchangeable lenses! Lenses, even more than cameras, is my addiction. :-)
Mike, from central New York State
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