It would seem that, when I look around at my friends, everyone around me has a laptop. Their reasoning for having one varies from it being their main/only computer, to something which is more convenient than a desktop, through to no reasoning at all. My mum recently acquired one, and I said I’d set it up. A quick download of Xubuntu, Gutsy Gibbon, (it’s an old laptop!) and it was up and running. Web surfing is accomplished by Firefox, dial-up access and wireless networking worked out of the box. Whilst it is in my possession, I figured I might as well use it, so Pidgin, Xnest and Gnomesword/ESV were installed which enable me to chat on MSN/GTalk/ICQ, open XDMCP sessions on my Fedora 8 box and read the bible all from the comfort of my bed. (Where I am now :))
Eventually I’ll return the laptop to my mum so she can use it to check her email and browse the web. The question I’m left with now is; Do I get a laptop? Sure, it’s nice for blogging from bed, or instant messaging in front of the telly, but do I really need one? It would be useful when I’m on holiday to copy photos onto so my camera doesn’t get clogged up, to watch DVDs, to make blog posts and email, but do I really need it?
I’m not sure I need it, but it’s sure nice. We’ll see I guess…
I had a friend who spent far too much on some hi-fi, felt guilty about it, and so made an extra-large donation to church to make up for it! phariseeism or what?
A better approach: http://www.legg.uklinux.net/after_sinning.html
I too have this urge to buy things sometimes. I suspect it is a kind of idolatry. I subtly think that the object will make me happy, and it might, of course, a bit. But, the thing is not to be depending on the object for happiness. God gives us good things to enjoy with thankfulness. If the object produces thankfulness in us, that is a good sign, if we fear its loss or depend on it for happiness, those are a bad signs.
😀
Well, it’s possible there’s some idolatry lurking in there somewhere, but I’m more worried that if I buy it, I’ll use it while the novelty factor is there, and then I’ll never use it again. I’ll see if my mum’s laptop gets continuous regular use over the next few weeks. 🙂