I spend a good amount of time in front of my laptop. I also spend a good amount of time on my cell phone, sometimes even making a phone call. It seems like nowadays, those 2 items are the tools of the trade. Which trade is that? You name it. Most any profession requires one or both of these “tools”.
For me, I rely on these 2 things so much that I want my tools to be the very best that they can be, not just settle for something that might become buggy or not function properly. Therefore, my standards are pretty high in this area. Some have accused me of being a snob in these kinds of things, which I used to deny. At some point along the way, I embraced the label and life is so much better now.
Hi, my name is Jim and I’m a Tech Snob.
There, I said it. This whole fiasco started back when I was wanting to get some sort of MP3 player. Back then there were many choices and today there are even more choices. After quickly glancing away, I came back to the iPod, price was less of a factor, I just wanted iPod because of the name.
Later, I went and bought a decent laptop but it wasn’t the one that I knew I wanted, it was a lesser brand name. Therefore, I wasn’t content with it but used it because it was what I had. When I was able, I went and bought a Dell laptop because that is the brand I wanted.
By the way, that second rate laptop that I bought has been a rock and as stable as can be. Now my daughter uses it for school and it’s a trusty backup when necessary.
Recently, I decided to upgrade my phone to a smartphone and I went in to get a Crackb…errrrr Blackberry but walked out with a Treo. Both devices are at the top of their class and I’m actually very happy.
Unfortunately, I’m not rich enough to be able to buy the best of everything, my Dell laptop is refurbished and smartphone prices have dropped quite a bit and certain carriers can be motivated to keep customers that are at the end of their contract.
The whole point of this is to say that I bought a domain a while back and honestly forgot about it. It is TechSnob. At the moment, I’m not using it for anything and it is parked at JimWalton.org, which is essentially my online resume showing my heart for tech ministry and my church resume.
I probably need to update the site because things have changed a little and they are getting ready to change some more.
What should I use TechSnob for?
My father was one of the supermen who provided for his family through the Depression. He was a great farmer and a fine carpenter – very valuable skills for that time. Since I inherited his love of building things, I (occasionally) listened when he spoke of carpentry or woodworking.
One of the maxims I remember him saying was, “Buy the best tools you can afford and use them well.”
Interestingly, that has carried over into my computing career. I try to get the best buy for the money and use it to its fullest extent. (Actually, that may be one of the explanations for my fascination with Linux…)
My advice to you is to not apologize for the machines God has given you. Just use it like it was his. Then when he provides for better tools, be grateful and use those well, too.
ha ha ha – you sound so like me Jim it’s frightening. However I take these things a step too far and buy the best product not necessrily the best name – so no iPod or Dell here.
TBH I can’t ever look at anything Dell and see a decent product, especially their laptop range. In my 25yrs working with hardware Dell has pulled out of the laptop market four times – citing various reasons but from my hardware perspective only one … poor quality.
As to what to do with TS … get a collaborative blog going discussing just what the name suggests.
Jim…
I agree with Wayne James (and his dad!)…”get the best tools you can afford and use them well!”
Quick question, though…you said you went in to get a Blackberry and walked out with a Treo. I’m at the end of a cell phone contract and am considering a smartphone. What made you choose the Treo over the Blackberry? Any tips would be helpful! Thanks!