Smaller is Not Always Better

Recently, I was asked about writing while traveling, and how some of us do not have laptops or notebooks to carry everywhere (and besides, they are cumbersome!). But last year the mini-version of a laptop came out called the Netbook. My husband, being the techno-savvy that he is—immediately devoured as much information as he could about the little, portable brain. He convinced me to buy one because it would help me to take notes in class or write anywhere I wished to write. So far, though, my husband has used it 99% of the time, while I have preferred my larger home PC in the armoire. In September 2009, however, we did bring it along on a weekend camping trip.

We got to the campground in only an hour and a half, and set up a quick camp with our self-contained trailer without full hook-up, and the water came out of a faucet close by. No problem with a two-day visit, though. Anyway, after setting up camp, I pulled out a camp chair and searched for an even, regular terrain in which to plant my seat supporter. There were plenty of smooth spots without shade, and my eyes grabbed onto a small stream flowing close by with trees gracing overhead. The stream was a good dip in elevation, and I found a spot and teetered on a semi-even ledge with my Netbook. It was a little uncomfortable, but I soon swung into motion on the keys. Unfortunately, the keys were a little too close to one another, and I discovered a lot of mistakes I was making. I realized the Netbook is best used for small ideas and thoughts. After a while, I gave up trying to utilize the small keyboard for a jog through story land. But maybe I needed to practice at pulling in my fingers closer together, I don’t know. I still like the idea of using a tiny computer for other things like email, watching DVDs and online movies, catching up with homework, and somewhat for note-taking. I guess it could be okay for the small fingers of children.

Today, Netbooks have gotten larger, a little more useable for the writer in you. Maybe I’ll run out and buy one? Well, I don’t see a need yet to replace the old one, and I’m not going to school right now, and our present one will have to do for traveling or getting alone in a sanctuary, garden, library corner, or whatever. I have a park bench in our backyard shaded by an assortment of trees, with ivy and bark coloring the ground beneath its place, and on a cooler day I’ll venture out with my Netbook and cover some more “ground” tapping out more of my story.

Happy writing to you all! - Linda