The Perpetual Tourist

I’m typing to you right now from the very tiny keyboard on my very tiny new computer, an Asus Eee PC 900 Series. I’m by no means a technology wizard, but I do want to review this computer from the point of view of a frequent traveler who has internet dependency issues.

I started shopping for a new computer a few weeks ago. There’s nothing terribly wrong with my existing laptop, which is a regular-sized (15″ screen) 2-year-old Compaq. The real problems were all mine, really, being that I’m a big klutz and I’ve dropped the thing a few too many times.

I definitely wanted something sturdier, but I also wanted something smaller. I’d been coveting all the tiny laptops I’ve seen other people using, especially at airports, thinking MAN, that would be so much more convenient! But when I went shopping for my new 12″ laptop, I had a rude awakening. Those machines were generally about twice as expensive as the bigger ones, and I just couldn’t make myself spend that kind of money. Then I saw the Eee. The one I eventually bought has an 8.9-inch screen and weighs less than the contents of the smallest pocket in my purse. And it was much, much cheaper than those enormous 12″ computers!

I had reservations at first. There are definitely some cons with this computer:

• It’s REALLY small. Its size makes it super convenient for travel, but it’s not the easiest keyboard to use. My hands are small and I still fumble with these keys much more than on a full sized laptop.
• There’s no CD/DVD drive. That means I can’t use it as a DVD player, which is one of the primary functions of my old laptop.
• It’s got a Linux operating system. I’ve only ever used Windows, and I wasn’t sure I could handle learning a new system.

I weighed these doubts against the pros:

• It’s so cute!
• It’s under $300.
• It does what I need it to do. I only really use my computer for surfing the internet and blogging, so I don’t need a bunch of fancy extras.
• It will be very easy to travel with.

Then I got rational with the cons.

• There are people in the world who can text on a cell phone as fast as they type. I’ll get used to the tiny keyboard.
• With the money I save by not buying a $1000+ laptop, I can totally afford a portable DVD player, or at least an external drive.
• Everyone says Linux is better than Windows anyway.

So I bought it. I’ve had it for about a week now, and here’s my honest opinion, so far:

• The setup was a little bit confusing, but didn’t take very long and everything seems to be in working order now.
• I’m still not entirely comfortable with the keyboard, but I’m adapting, and I’m sure I’ll get there. If not, I can always buy a larger keyboard that I can connect to one of the three USB ports (which is one more than my old laptop has). There are some funky things about this keyboard that bug me, though. Some of the keys are moved around for space purposes, and if you hit [SHIFT]+[SPACE], which I often do inadvertently, ｉｔ changes the font to look as if you’re using a 1980’s word processor， 　and it took me a long time to figure out what was making that happen and how to make it stop.
• The mouse touchpad isn’t very precise, so sometimes that is a bit frustrating. Again, though, I could always buy another mouse to use with the computer if I don’t get used to this.
• The battery life is excellent. I get close to three hours of battery power.
• Linux is pretty easy to use.

All told, the flaws and inconveniences of this machine are really no big deal. I’ll definitely get my money’s worth out of the Eee PC, and I’m not sure the same would be true had I invested in a more expensive, larger machine. In my carry on luggage, this computer will take up about as much space as a book. It will definitely make computing on the go much easier for me.

I am not a political blogger.  I have opinions — strong ones — about the upcoming election, and I will be casting my ballot on October 15th to make sure that my opinions get the weight they are constitutionally entitled to.

Yes, October 15th.  I’m not going to be home on Election Day, November 4th, so I’ll be casting an absentee-in-person ballot at my local voter registration office a little bit early.  If this is available where you live, I recommend it.  It’s much less hassle than a mail-in absentee ballot, in my opinion.  I’ve done this several times now.

If you do require an absentee ballot, most states have application deadlines.  Do a Google search for “absentee voting + [your city or county]” to find application guidelines and deadlines.  They are fast approaching, so don’t hesitate.  Remember also that Monday, October 6, is the deadline to register to vote, so please get moving if you’re not registered yet!

If you are overseas currently or will be out of the country on Election Day, the Overseas Vote Foundation is a great resource for you.

If you think that voting is too much hassle, and you don’t feel like your vote will count, think again.  I’ve been following the polls closely, and there are still lots of swing states up for grabs.  The numbers change daily, and several states have shifted from blue to red and back again over just the last few days.  Every vote matters.  In my home state of Virginia, the 2006 Senate election was of huge consequence, and it all came down to a handful of votes.  When Jim Webb unseated incumbent Senator George Allen, this seat gave the Senate majority to the Democrats with a one seat lead.  That race was so close that a winner couldn’t be officially declared for a full 24 hours after the polls closed.

Given the current far-reaching financial crisis, what happens in Washington will have a direct impact on ALL Americans.  You have a right to help choose our leaders, so make sure that you’re registered to vote by Monday and that you apply for an absentee ballot now if you’re going to need one.

Can you believe the election is just a month away?