Weekend Quick Tip: Update your Equipment if need be
When I started my career as a freelance writer I made a few big purchases. One of the most important was a new computer and printer. I knew that to succeed that I needed to the right equipment from day one. But that was many years ago. Since then I have upgraded my equipment a few times. Listen up: if you need new equipment, such as a computer, you should buy. Of course, this does not mean that you should recklessly spend your money just because you have been craving the latest and greatest technology.
I use my computers and printers until they pretty much die or become so obsolete that I need to upgrade. Some of my units have lasted a few years, and some have disappointed me and hit the wall much sooner. At this time, I have two computers: one is a laptop that I purchased to start my career and the other a newer desktop.
You need to draw the line between knowing when to update your equipment and spending just to spend. If you have the money there is nothing wrong with splurging from time to time. But that being said, making a change, especially to something like your computer, is not always necessary.
To be honest, I hate changing computers. This means that I have to get used to a new setup, transfer all of my files, and take on other tedious tasks. For this reason, once again, I try to keep my computer and other similar equipment for as long as possible.
If you need to upgrade the equipment that you use on a regular basis, go for it. Just remember, there is a fine line between buying something that you need and buying something that you want.
September 21st, 2008 at 11:13 am
I’m actually buying a new laptop this week. My desktop works fine, but I am in constant pain from sitting hunched over my desk (I’m short, so I have a hard time finding good adjustable furniture). My productivity suffers, so it will be well worth it to have a laptop that I can sit comfortably with and enjoy writing.
September 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Leigh - Great point. You want to make sure that you are comfortable at all times.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Chris-
Great post. I know of many people who blame the lack of their success on not having the right kind of equipment.
I am a big fan of having both a laptop and a desktop. I do the bulk of my work in my office on the desktop, but sometimes to get the creative juices going it may take a change of scenery, when that situation arises I can just take the laptop and go to the park, this great bakery downtown, or even just out onto the patio.
(feel free to delete this next portion of the comment)
You left a word out in your third sentence of that post: “I knew that to succeed that I needed to the right equipment from day one.” I think you meant to put the word “have” in between “to” and “the”.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Mark - Great point! I agree that having both a desktop and laptop is beneficial. Also, thanks for catching that error. They tend to pop up from time to time on my blog!