Why My Broken Laptop Led to Improved Productivity
I’ve written about using a laptop at least ten times on this blog, with good reason: I believe that a portable computer lets me get work done almost anywhere at any time.
But recent events have led me to question this assumption. My clumsy self recently dropped the laptop (feel free to wince here), and currently I’m forced to adjust my work around the availability of a computer that’s, more often than not, as immobile as the Blob.
At first, I found myself worrying: without the freedom of mobility, would I still be able to quickly adapt to my work requirements? Would the lack of my own computer limit what I could do as a writer and designer? Turns out those fears were unfounded.
Granted, having to work on a public workstation is severely limiting, as I found out during the first few days of my laptop-less existence. But if you have friends and family members willing to loan their equipment for a few hours or even minutes at a time, it’s quite possible to get practically anything done. More often than not, these kind souls are willing to let you install the necessary programs and save the files crucial to your work on their computer.
And, a surprising side effect for me was the fact that I found myself more focused than ever. The fact that I wouldn’t be able to work on the computer at my leisure was always stuck in my head, and I adapted by intensifying my concentration, finding ways to work faster than ever, to make full use of my limited time. Articles were written faster (this took me less than five minutes to create), visuals were composed more quickly, and less time was spent on dealing with the email barrage.
So I ask you, fellow freelancers: should I even bother getting my laptop fixed, when the productivity benefits of borrowed time are becoming more clear to me?
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Ramblings of a Freelancer
10 opinions for Why My Broken Laptop Led to Improved Productivity
IrreverentFreelancer
Jan 11, 2008 at 8:43 am
Interestingly enough, I bought a laptop because I assumed it would lead to greater work productivity. The problem is, I almost never use it for work. My goal with it was to be able to work outside in the warm weather, but I can never see the darn thing in the sunlight, even with a shield. I also don’t like the scroll pad and smaller keyboard, plus I tend to get more distracted when I’m outside my structured working environment. I know laptops work for a lot of people, but they just don’t seem to be my “thing.”
Rico
Jan 13, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Ah, you’ve cited a problem common to most laptops: not all screens can shine through bright sunlight (although some do a merely decent job of it).
So what do you use your laptop for? Casual surfing? Gaming? :)
IrreverentFreelancer
Jan 17, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I’m afraid it mostly serves as a file backup and a holder of all my digital photos. I do use it for casual surfing and personal writing fairly regularly. It’s my upstairs computer, so it mostly only gets used at night. I’ll keep a laptop around, however, just in case I ever decide to do any traveling. Right now, that’s the only advantage I can see to owning one.
Marijke
Jan 19, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I’m an avowed laptopper. I have two desktops in the house and my laptop. I actually used the newest of the desktops just this morning but didn’t like using it; I prefer my laptop.
The irony? The desk where I do most of my work, with my laptop, is where my desktop is too.
Rico
Jan 19, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Irreverent: At least I think that setup lets you separate business and pleasure when surfing
Marijke: Perhaps the laptop’s neatness (no wires connecting stuff together) is what appeals to you?
Why Mobility is Dead
Jan 20, 2008 at 12:53 am
[…] like some perceptions, the concept that mobility contributes to productivity is actually not true. Losing my laptop was practically a life-changing experience for me, given that I wasn’t able to use a computer […]
Why Mobility is Dead | money news blog
Jan 20, 2008 at 9:30 am
[…] like some perceptions, the concept that mobility contributes to productivity is actually not true. Losing my laptop was practically a life-changing experience for me, given that I wasn’t able to use a computer […]
Shaine
Jan 22, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I have found that the freedom a laptop would have afforded me is often met by the use of a smartphone. For the more involved things like writing a blog post, I still need to go to a computer. But, simply using a phone is pretty powerful in itself for getting things done. I Jott myself frequently for stuff that I will do when at a computer. Therefore, my computer time is now focused to churning out stuff.
Rico
Jan 23, 2008 at 12:36 am
Shaine: I’m curious: what phone do you use? One of those thumb board models? It’s definitely easier to write their than on your typical numeric keypad. :)
Is the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC the Perfect Laptop for Eternally-Mobile Freelancers?
May 31, 2008 at 1:08 pm
[…] that the HP 2133 could tie freelancers even more to their work. And at the same time, be even more hurtful to productivity than a “normal” laptop. I can already imagine procrastinating work since I’ll be […]
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: