RIP to my computer…

That computer really was used from the beginning.  Hubs got a new computer last Christmas and gave me his old one to replace my other one that had bit the dust (it had also been sloppy seconds from a few years prior).  I think part of the problem with the thing was that the processor couldn’t handle my constant over-use of having a million tabs open WHILE uploading pictures WHILE running a few programs.  :-/  Oh well.

SO I made the decision yesterday to purchase a Samsung Series 5 Wi-Fi Chromebook.  I got the white one.  Last December, I received the prototype model of the Chromebook (The CR-48) to try and I really liked it.  I’m excited that it has the webcam, that I can still upload pictures and such to Picasa, and that it has great web security and personal security, too, as you have to log in specifically to your own account (and others onto theirs), so there is no worry that if you leave it running or leave it out that someone will be able to mess with your stuff.

The one problem I had was that my kids took out a connector center piece and it never went back in very well… which made it uneven when trying to close it, so it closed wonky.  The battery really does last the 8+ hours, the boot up process literally takes 8 seconds, and it’s a breeze to use… and really secure.  I love it.

The CR-48 had the 3G capabilities through Verizon and I did use it sometimes when I was out doing a huge batch of mystery shops and wanted to input reports between shops instead of having to print out and fill out and THEN input shops (my prior method).  Other than that, though, I don’t use a computer when I’m in a place with no internet.  That’s why I opted to purchase the Chromebook with no 3G.  It’s $70 cheaper.  (I will say, though, that the $70 pricetag is not bad considering you get 100mb of free Verizon 3G each month for I think 2 years with that model – not great for power use away from a wifi network, but perfect for occasional or emergency use).

I should be receiving my new Chromebook sometime in the next week.  (I ordered through Amazon because I had $27 leftover in gift certificates from using Swagbucks.)  I’m going to put some duct tape (I’ll probably get one of the new designed kinds) over the gaping hole that the kids have left in the crease of the CR-48 and give that to them as their own computer to use.  I’m planning on putting the Zoodles (Kid Mode) app on there so they can play safely through the web.

I’m excited about getting a new computer!  The other one has been on its way out for a while now and it makes me SO glad that I backed up all of my videos and pictures to Picasa Web Albums.  Now I don’t have to worry about having just lost tons of stuff – because I didn’t.  WHEW!!!!

Do you need a new computer or love what you have?  Tell me about it!