HOME OFFICE TOUR - 5/10/07

Every now and then, I like to take stock of my office setup, see if it's conducive to getting work done, or if something can be improved. I often do this after changing my computer set up, for example, after I add a new piece of hardware. I recently added a Wacom tablet, a model Intuos3 6x11 (widescreen), which prompted me to do some re-arranging.

Right now, I use a Dell Inspiron e1705 laptop as my primary computer, running Windows XP on a wireless home network (cable ISP). I have a second monitor, a HP f2304 23" LCD monitor, that I use to watch DVDs and for graphics programs like Photoshop and Corel DRAW. I also have a standalone scanner, an Epson Perfection 3490--a pretty basic scanner, but it's never given me any problems.

The reviews of the Wacom are pretty much on the money (expensive, but makes working with Photoshop much easier than with a mouse, takes some time to get used to, takes up a lot of desktop space, etc. etc.). It's footprint is larger than my 17" laptop. Like many others, I haven't really found a use for the mouse it came with and prefer my old bluetooth mouse. I find I use the tablet most often with Photoshop, which is one of my most used programs. That alone makes the small investment in the tablet worth while to me, as my wrists have started to give me problems lately. I have the tablet tucked away in an under-desk pull-out tray.

For a printer, I use an HP color Laserjet 2600n hooked up to our home network via cable. I still remember ten years ago when I first started personal computing and color lasers ran a few thousand. The technology and market changes are enough to make your head spin. I got the printer for $280, which is actually less than the print cartridges alone.

LIBRARY TOUR

Here are pictures of my actual bookcases. I figure it's easier than giving you a bibliography. The left bookcase are mostly non-fiction and reference books I use for schoolwork (cultural and literary theory). The right side are mostly fiction and other books I read for pleasure. When a book can go on either side, it's a damned good book.