Karen Foley
Lynn Raye Harris
Ellen Hartman
Diana Holquist
Samantha Hunter
Shirley Jump
Dee Tenorio
Jeannie Watt
We're all Techies
I love technology. I think my eyes get a weird kind of glow when I see sleek little laptops or the like. I glommed on to the internet and web back in the late 80s, and never let go. Mike has been teasing me the last few days that I am accumulating more gadgets than him, though for the most part, I think of our toys as community property. But it hits me that while he is certainly more expert than I, and I depend on him to help me configure and figure out how to use all the new stuff, I do have sort of a jones for new tech.
In this day and age, to whatever extent, I think we're all techies. Everyone uses something.
But I don't like technology just for the sake of it. I'm not a collector, I am a user. I don't like useless kitchen gadgets, or things that make my life harder instead of easier. The best technology makes life better. Like TiVo -- that was one of the best things we ever did, it truly does make TV viewing more convenient.
Like my new sewing machine, the Babylock Espire, which is a computerized machine. It's changed my whole sewing life, and for the better.
In the last month or so I have accumulated a Kindle2. Love it.
I notice that when I have technology I love, I do more of the thing it facilitates. I watch more TV with TiVo, I read more with the Kindle, and I sew more with my new machine.
Yesterday my new Dell Mini 12 arrived. Cherry red, just like this one in the picture, it's so cute and light you can barely feel it when you pick it up. I also got a great deal. I do my research, and I am a good shopper. I never buy anything until I find the absolute most product I can get for the best money. While I don't read reviews on books, I will read exhaustively on any new item I am considering purchasing. It's my thing.
I am also kind of geeked out to learn Linux (Ubuntu) and have an option to Windows. (Mike assures me that using Linux increases my cool factor). I just learned about Foxmarks, which will automatically sync all of my bookmarks between my two laptops. Sweet.
I don't have any Baby tech, but my niece had a little girl last Nov, and I am agog at the technology made to help parents these days. And then there is Pet tech -- invisible fences and ID chips...
So, what technology do you enjoy the most? Do you consider yourself a techie? Why or why not? What kinds of tech do you think make our lives easier or more interesting?
Share over the next few days, and I'll be doing another backlist bonanza to make more space on my shelves downstairs for the incoming author copies I expect in May or June. So I have around 25 books or so to get rid of -- post here over the next few days and you could win one. :)
»
So let's talk sewing machines...
I'm avoiding the computer sewing machines. It seems to me like more stuff that can break. I'm considering spending some major bucks on an ALL-METAL machine that's as simple as pie. Mistake? What makes you like the computer?
I still have a cell phone from six years ago that I almost never use. My kids are horrified, but I think I'm old skool.
Peace out.
Knowing what you want
Hey Diana. :) I nearly killed myself trying to find the right sewing machine last fall, and my instinct was similar to yours. I looked at simpler models that were very straightforward, and considered the Bernina 910 or 930, for the very reason you say, all metal, workhorse machines that people love (and I still might grab one at some point). However, I went everywhere, tried all of them, and nothing was really convincing me to buy until I sat down at the Espire, and I knew within minutes that I wanted it. I hadn't considered a computerized machine at all until I sat down at this one.
For me, I love that I can select easily among 300 stitches (this is not an embroidery machine, tho, it will do some basic monogramming, but very limited) and it also will autoselect pressure and tension based on stitch, tell me what foot I need, and the thing knows automatically if its not set right, etc.
The thing that sold me was that free motion was incredible -- very easy, and important since I do a lot of free motion quilting. Also, it has extra leverage on the foot -- it raises up to 1.5 inches, so it will fit and sew very thick layers. This was important since I do a lot of bags and home decor, quilts, etc. My very favorite feature is the stop/start button on the front -- no foot pedal (it comes with one, but I don't like them -- hard on the back and legs when sewing for an extended time) and the stop/start w/ the needle up/down makes things like sewing on a zig-zag binding very easy. I had a machine I had to do that manually with -- no fun.
Also, stuff like the automatic thread cutting -- you would be amazed at how fast that makes work. Those few seconds add up on a long project, and the computer allows me to very easily set a backstitch/cut thread/raise foot with the press of one button. I also have the dual thread/bobbin winding, so I don't have to unthread and rethread the machine, and the alert that tells me when the bobbin is running low. These are all little practical things that make sewing life much easier. ;)
The Espire also came with a huge extension table, much larger than any other machine in its class, and I got a nice deal on 12 month, no interest. So you know, all in all, it was a good thing. The shop where I bought it is local, and offers a lot of support, maintenance and lessons, so all important.
So, for me it started with knowing what I wanted, but even then, I discovered more about what I really needed the more I used the machines. There was a learning curve and getting used to the new machine, but we get along famously now. ;)
Sam
Also...
As for breaking, anything can break. My mom had an old Singer that she loved, but it broke all the time and made sewing miserable. I think the reason I grew up hating sewing and convinced I never would was because of that machine and machines like it. Sometimes, the old stuff is more complicated, breaks easier, and is harder to fix, really. With some basic maintenance (cleaning your machine) and buying a voltage regulator (about $50) there's no reason a computerized machine is any more breakable than an old style one, and really, it can prevent some mistakes that would lead to serious breaking (mine will shut down, or won't turn on, for instance, if it detects the wrong throat plate is installed, etc).
So, I don't know that I would always assume that older style is less breakable. In some ways yes, others, not so much. But a good warrantee and research into any product also helps, and knowing what you will use it for. People break machines because they often don't buy the right machine for the task, they try to push a machine to do something it isn't built to do, etc., you know?
Sam
Sam, I am so not a
Sam, I am so not a techie...
I was really proud of myself when I bought a wireless printer/scanner and managed to set it up by myself! But that's more a testament to how easy the manufacturer made the process, than to any super-techie skills that I may have. We don't have Tivo, so we watch commercials and stay up late to watch shows that we would otherwise be able to download and watch at our convenience. I have a Blackberry, but hate it and even had my IT folks at work threaten to take it away unless I began using it. It's not that I'm unwilling to learn new technology, but it seems that no sooner do they come out with something new, then it becomes obsolete and replaced with something newer and better! I can't keep up...
I forgot to say
I forgot to say congratulations on your new computer!! It's very pretty...I have a coworker who just bought a Dell mini and she loves it.
I think you are a techie
I think if you aren't using something, it's because you don't need it, you know what I mean? If you had a real use for what the Blackberry does, you'd probably be more interested in using it. That's how I am anyway...
I mean, you managed to fix your Dyson! That's pretty techie. It's because you love your Dyson. ;) If I am motivated enough, I can learn anything. LOL I got quite savvy about solving some of the network problems very quickly when my router died with Mike out of town last Nov. It didn't help much b/c in the end I had to wait 3 days for a new router, but I learned enough to check things out, talk to the guy, and order the new router for when Mike got home (then promptly turned it over to him, LOL).
Sam
technology
I don't go for a lot of kitchen gadgets either. I have a very simply coffee maker. It doesn't even have a clock. There are three kitchen gadgets I love. My indoor grill(so quick and cleanups a breeze, and I even have a timer on mine), my magic bullet, and a small food processor that has a spout on the side so things getting chopped or shredded can go into a bowl. The container is only 3 cups so it's perfect for just me. I love grating cheese in it, so now I always have grated cheese on hand for galic bread, omletes etc. I don't have TIVO it's not available in Canada. The other day my friend wanted to watch a DVD and we couldn't figure out how to make it work. I haven't used it in so long. I would eventually like a laptop. That may be it for technology for a while. I don't even own a cell phone. I find the buttons too small.
Magic Bullet
Okay, Christa, I have to ask...what is a magic bullet? Something you shoot your husband with when he cooks something really bad?? Doesn't kill him, but keeps him from ever cooking again... ;) Hey, I love my guy and he has lots of amazing talents but cooking is not one of them!
magic bullet
it's an idivual serving all in one blender. You have your cup(mine came with 4, 2 3 cup, 1 15 oz, 1 8 oz)you put what you want to blend and liquid, screw on the blade attachment, then it gets turned upside down onto the blender base and blend. Then once blended take off base unscrew blades and then you can screw another attachment(ring) to top so whatever you blended can be drunk from same cup. I love mine for making a quick shake or smoothie without having to drag a big bulky blender out and then having to wash all those big parts. I think my sister uses hers for breakfast shakes
Would be cool if your magic bullet could turn him into a great cook LOL
Similiar to this http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3609512. I have 2 cups that size, a 15 oz container, no handle, an 8 oz container, no handle, 2 blade attachments, two rings to so that you can drink from cup, two to go lids
Hmmm
This is one item I have never been able to find just right, a food processor. The ones that do what I want them to are huge with too many accessories, the others are too small and I end up having to do batches. So, I gave my Cuisinart one to my niece. I'll have to look at this Magic Bullet. :)
Sam
that's why
I love this little food processor.I gives the option of spitting the food out the side or shredding tio container below. loved it when I had to shred 4 cups carrots for carrot bread. If I have to shred it by hand the carrot bread wouldn't have gotten made. Plus I don't have a lot of room here. Guess mine isn't the brand name Magic bullet but very, very similar here is Magic Bullet http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3611642
I love kitchen gadget that make life easier and are used more than for one thing.
Technology
I am always slow to embrace new technology but once I do I am not sorry. It was only a few months ago that my daughter insisted that I learn how to send a text message. I think I enjoy having a computer the most. It is amazing to me that it only takes minutes to look up information on almost anything.
I would be lost
Without my computer and the internet for daily life... like just now, I needed some purse strapping accessories that no one in town sells. So, I found them on the net in about 20 minutes. Done! :)
I'm a slow adopter to some things, too, but that's because I usually only go looking for it once I have a need for it, not just when it comes out.
Sam
I am so not a techie!!! If
I am so not a techie!!! If anything goes wrong with my computer I call my son who is.
I hear you
That's what I do with Mike, too -- there are a few things I can fix on my own, but largely, I just go ask for him to fix, please, LOL.
Sam
I am one of least technology
I am one of least technology savy people on the planet. Even children know more than I do. I can use a computer to read blogs and answer questions, and to do research but anything more technical confuses me. As far as cell phones are concerned I can make calls and answer it when it rings and I've even learned to get text messages read. I would never even try a computerized sewing machine.
Really?
For some reason, this surprises me, what with you being a technical writer, and all...
Sam
Wrong Ellen -- this is
Wrong Ellen -- this is EllenToo
whoops!
My bad! LOL
I usually look for Ellen H's last name there, but missed it this time.
Sam
It's OK
I forgive you. LOL It's been amazing how many Ellen's I've run across since I started reading blogs online.
I am SOOOO a techhie
I'm currently eyeing the best option for my HDTV, as my DVD's look heinously crappy once we got this tv. (I'm cheap, it came with the cable, and cheap and techie don't go together much) I froth at the mouth for a Playstation3, because it has HDMI AND awesome games. But the XBox360 does too and I can get Netflix on it. Whine!
Of course, can't afford either, but I love to dream.
There's that
There's that motivation thing again, LOL. I think when it comes to the stuff that tickles our interests, we can be very techie, indeed.
I hope when you sell your paranormal, the first thing you buy yourself is that game system...
Sam
I am not a techie!
I am not a techie! I am one of these people that if the old way works why change things. I don't like change, a little old fashion! I have a computer and they are all over the house because hubby and son love to mess with computer, so when I have problems I just call to them. I still have just a plain Jane Kenmore sewing machine, and read paper back books. Also I don't own a cell phone, although I have borrow my hubbies before but always have to ask how to use it.
oh so true, I am not a
oh so true, I am not a techie. I let dh do everything; it is so much simpler for me. But where is my independance? I have lost it.
But here you are!
On our blog! So you are at least a *little* techie! ;)
Sam
Oooh, I love my Sony reader.
Oooh, I love my Sony reader. I love my laptop. I love the internet. I'm seriously addicted (and sometimes it hurts, rather than helps, when I need to be writing). But I think it's mostly a good thing. I can update my own website, understand enough html to write my own code when I need to. I can blog, twitter, facebook and myspace with the best of them. It's opened doors for me that I never dreamed of, and I put all of this technology to good use every day.
In non-writing related areas of my life, I like the new smart cell phones (although I don't have one). I like my Onstar system in the car--the idea that I can have access to emergency services who can monitor me by satellite if something should happen on the road.
J.K. Coi
Immortals To Die For
www.jkcoi.com
I completely forgot GPS
We have had various kinds of GPS for a few years, and the Subaru doesn't have Onstar, but it does come with GPS on the dash, and that is very nice. But this is one area where I find limited use, and sometimes better to go the traditional way (maps, etc), because I have had GPS fail me a few times, where maps or my own knowledge of an area was much better (must be the geographer in me, I don't trust technology to map for me). But I have also noted that the GPS's tend to send you longer routes, and aren't always up to date. They have done some really cool stuff a few times, for us, and then other times, like using them to navigate anywhere (cities, etc) where you have overpasses or tunnels, forget it...
Sam
I Love My Computer
Hail to the Redskins!
My computer had a virus last week and I went crazy having to share with dd. DD went crazy having to share also. LOL. My dh ended up having to stop doing taxes and fix my computer. I kept telling him I could take it in to be fixed, but he fixed it himself. I also can't live without my cell phone. I'm a visiting nurse and rely on my phone to call pts, MD's and the home office from the road. Also good for taking care of messages to and from work. I work 12hr days on the weekends. Also good for communicating with dd on the road as to when I'm picking her up from school, etc. I'm not good at texting, but just having the portable phone is nice.
Still like the printed page for books. Can't get into ebooks at this time. Reading about the sewing machines is great. I don't sew, but my mom does, and will ask her about the computer programming, etc.
BTW, does that magic bullet help husbands get a clue about us wives and find stuff around the house? LOL If it does, I want a few!
Teresa
I think you show that we really just use the tech we need. I know a few people who are gadget junkies, who just buy stuff because they can, but that doesn't interest me. I have to have a need, or a desire for it, like you.
Though I bet if you tried the Kindle2 you might get hooked. We're astounded at how much we like it, and it's not much different, visually, than looking at a regular page...
Sam
Can I be a techie hybrid?
I love the advantages technology gives us, but like you Sam, I also call hubby over. If you can believe this - it took me 5 hrs to load the Brenda Novak banner over on the Chicks site. Sheesh.
That's quite a Baby you have there. I went over to the Babylock site and checked it out and I can see how you'd pick that one. I have 3 machines not counting Gramma's old Singer. My first sewing machine - a Sears Kenmore - was bought with my very first income tax refund. It's just your basic machine. When I expanded beyond maternity and kids clothes, I picked another Kenmore - plastic - with 30 different stitches. And it was great, but I was working on a baby quilt at the time and it wouldn't do the applique/satin stitch as close as my old metal machine. Around the same time I discovered sergers and bought one - yes - a Kenmore. All I can say is I bought what I could afford since I don't make my living sewing and we needed the money for other - toys. :) I still have those 3 machines and for the amount I sew now, they'll do. But your Baby sure looks nice...
I love my iPod Touch. It's my PDA, eBook reader, toy, booklist, and yes, even my Bible since I have that app, too. Sure makes it easier to carry the Good Book. I don't use my Touch for music much, and not at all for video (takes up too much room), but I think I have 150 podcasts on it including the ones from Harlequin and Jordan Castillo Price, as well as the complete audio broadcast of every workshop from the ACFW writing conference last fall. I only have 1 complaint about my Touch - it doesn't have a microphone! I loved that about it's predecessor - the Sansa Fuze with which I could record a convo across the room.
Like Christa, I don't have TiVo here in the Sask prairies. But we hooked up to the internet via satellite last fall. Before that it was landline. Very restricted and expensive. Satellite is awesome and I get the wireless link to my Touch so I can use my Touch anywhere in the yard within 200 ft. :)
Absolutely!
I am a "hybrid" too, LOL. For instance, I like to do hand sewing and embroidery as well -- I will probably never buy an embroidery machine, because it looks too machine done to me. I like hand embroidery. I also have some hand-quilting in my home, and so forth. And I like maps and my own navigation better than any GPS, but dh loves the GPS...
I despise bread machines, LOL. I make bread with my hands and a wooden spoon in and old yelloware bowl.
And see, it's so interesting what different folks use -- I don't use my PDA, and I liked it enough, but it was too small for me (which is why I ended up getting the mini Dell -- still small, but bigger, LOL). The Kindle is bigger too -- but not too big (I guess I am Goldilocks... not too small, not too big...)...I
Sam
bread machine
my dad loves making bread but would hate a bread machine. he usually make a half dozen loave to a dozen at a time
Techie
I'm definitely not a techie, but I do appreciate technology. I'm amazed that we can get all sorts of info or see a music video in a matter of seconds. I also love how we can watch full episodes of our favorite tv shows whenever we want and buy music and books and get them instantly.
Speed
Speed is a huge factor -- we've gotten so used to things being fast, and I love it (agree, love getting books on demand, etc) though, sometimes we forget how to do slow. Like when a computer link takes more than a few seconds to load, we get impatient! LOL
It's worth remembering that some things are still slow, and appreciating that, too, I think. :)
Sam
Technology!
Well, amusingly I was technically a "techie" in college (being an engineering major and all) but am horridly technologically challenged these days. My husband tends to be more of an early adopter while I'm dragged there, kicking and screaming and clinging to my 8-track player and corded rotary-dial princess phone... OK, I don't actually have either of those (anymore), but I'm not exactly on the cutting edge either.
That said, I don't think I could easily live without--our computer, digital camera, and TiVo. How on earth did we manage to watch TV before that? All those commercials! Amusingly, my kids now assume that this DVR model of life is the norm--if we're at their grandparents' house, they can't understand why Dora the Explorer isn't on at all hours.
I might love an e-reader, but I'm not there yet. And I don't think I could live without our microwave... Hooray for instant reheating ;)
Oh yes...
Microwaves are for us like TiVo to our kids, LOL. Of course, computers brought on the technological explosion, more so than ever. I'm like the kids, when I have to sit through commercials, it's appalling! LOL
Sam
New computer and book giveaway
I love your pretty computer. Have fun with it. And a bookgiveaway. Yay!
Happy rest of the weekend to all.
Techie
I do not consider myself a techie. Before my grandaughter was born I bought a digital camera and got instructions how to use it from my friend as well as how to do diff stuff my my cell phone that I hardly use. Not mechanically inclined so that goes hand in hand with the techi thing - in my mind any way.
And the best techie thing is the cell phone and computer. Made secretarial chores so much easier as well as access to the net which I love.
I enjoy..
my computer and online communities the most. I love e-books. I have a Palm, but it got to be a pain to download/upload and the screen is so tiny. I want a Kindle, a new laptop, a better cell phone so I can text my kids. That's sometimes the only 'conversations' we have with my schedule and their schedule. I'd love a Tivo. But with three teens other uh, necessities (clothes, gas, their entertainment) are coming first. Someday I'll get all of the cool gadgets.
I use the computer and phone the most. I still like a real book with paper pages. Don't think I'll ever give up real books. But the convenience of having them electronically is a spacesaver. Microwaves are great for quick heating up of veggies/snacks/leftovers. Jeesh, imagine the precious time we took when we had to turn on the oven or stovetop to warm up something. And a tv without a remote? The bad thing is children in society are not use to waiting for anything. Convenience, convenience, conveniece. The art of being patient is becoming a lost art form.
I'm a techie, but I wanna be more of a techie!
microwave
Even though I like my microwave for reheating/cooking some thing I love cooking/reheating in my toaster oven. Since it's just me here most of cooking is done in the and the stove top. Can't remember the last time I turned on oven. Oh yeah yesterday when I made a shepard pie ok can't rememer when I turned it on before that. :-)
how spoiled we are
Hail to the Redskins!
I remember waiting in gas lines. Now if there's more than one car in front of me at the gas station, I get impatient.
My teen wanted a new ipod because hers "only held 12 albums". Dh and I remember having to change cassette tapes on our tape player. We tell her about TV before cable and before remotes and she just rolls her eyes at us. BTW, she saved her money for an ipod.
I remember life before computers and the older visiting nurses tell us about life before cell phones and GPS's and mapquest. YIKES!
Thats life in the pioneer days! LOL
Okey-doke
Everyone who posted here as of this post, send your email to me at samhunter@samanthahunter.com and I'll send you a book. :) No specific requests, please, I'm just sending out randomly what I have left of backlist copies...
Sam
Awww...
You're such a generous soul, Sam--thanks a bunch! And books are a technology that will never go out of style, at least in my house!
WOW
What a wonderful thing to do.
Thank You...
TYTYTYTYTY very much!
PS I still need a bag from you ;)
How generous
of you. Thank you so much
Thanks
Thank you, Samantha.
I'm BAAAAAAACK!
Hey, Sam!
LOL on the techie stuff. I fall more in Karen's category. I got a new cell phone a few months ago but only because I'd left the charger for my old phone in a hotel room (no, it wasn't like that) and I couldn't get a charger. But I could get a new phone for free. I desperately want an iPhone but can't cough up the cash for the plan...yet.
I hear you on the sewing machines, too. My local Bernina dealer almost had me ready to plunk down $1500 for a machine, but I held out - maybe in a year or two. Same thing for the Kindle...maybe in a little while!
Sounds like you've gotten some super-cool stuff recently (the sewing machine rocks)!
Yay, she's back ;)
We have had a little tech boom here... but we also realized on our walk yesterday that it's been about 3-4 years since we have bought any new tech, so I guess it was just time. ;)
It's worth holding out if only to know what your needs are, what you really want, etc. I think buying a sewing machine is like finding the right mate, worth waiting for, LOL. It's so funny to me what aesthetic leads people to the different brands. I had a very bare bones Janome that I loved, until it wasn't enough to do the jobs I needed it to do. I know folks who LOVE Berninas, but I honestly didn't care for them, or Pfaffs. I thought maybe I was Goldilocks and there was no sewing machine for me, LOL... but the Babylock was the right one, though I also liked several of the Elnas. There's so much to think about with that kind of purchase. To me, computers, phones, etc are much easier, LOL.
Good to see you here...
Sam
Separated at birth?
Every time you post one of your personal posts, I find myself saying 'me too'! I am also a gadget head and I am envious of your new toy.
I have a Roomba, a TiVo, a Wii and some other assorted gadgets. My husband is a TechnoLord so, he is more than happy to feed my addiction with new toys. I was thrilled when my husband got me a Scooba for my birthday. He got me a Palm when my son was born so I could read while holding him in the dark. I think that's called enabling. :-)
I checked out the pics on your site, I would like to see more of your purses. You've got a way with a pattern!