the case for an analog notebook
In the times of laptops, smart-phones and netbooks, I would like to make a case for the good old fashioned notebook - those archaic tools called paper and pen. And yes I first wrote all this down in one of those notebook things that I carry wherever I go. So here is my list of why a notebook is better than a netbook in no particular order - that is how my brain works…in no particular order.
- Portable
- Does not require batteries or electricity - no reason to purchase those pesky carbon credits (what does that really mean anyways?! - is it like confession for earth plunderers?)
- Retro is IN people!
- A piece of something real - analog in an overly digitized world
- Get to practice the lost art of handwriting and rediscover what a hand cramp is
- Don’t have to turn it off on a plane
- Always “on” for impromptu moments of brilliance and the never ending grocery list (no more “God Dammit, I left the grocery list on the fridge”
- A place to store your dreams
- It’s quiet - doesn’t ring, beep, zap, tap, etc
- No direct light from an electronic screen beaming into your eyes (like me right now as I type this)
- Survives getting wet if you drop it in a puddle or have it out in the rain
- Always has service! No wi-fi needed - no “do I have enough bars” up on a mountain
- Impervious to hot or cold
- Very lightweight
- No viruses/malware
- No upgrades needed
- No pesky power cords to haul around
- It’s a “classic”
- It’s frugal, simple, and cheap
- No bulky pockets - stuffing a laptop in your coat pocket doesn’t work so well - trust me
- It survived the end of the world in 2012!
- Can still use it when the power is out
- Can also be used for multi-media without expensive programs like Photoshop
- Single-tasking vs. Multi-tasking - Live in the NOW
- Can draw a treasure map
- Great for love notes - more meaningful than a text message or email
- Minimal chance of being jacked or stolen - like who wants to steal your innermost thoughts and grocery list?
- Can’t be copied and pasted - yes this can be a positive
And last but not least:
There is just something about the transference of emotion and ideas from your soul and mind through your body to your hand in a way that is as unique as you are - this cannot be duplicated by pressing a key on a keyboard
