writing device: laptop or pen-paper??
By solrani
@solrani (43)
Indonesia
July 19, 2008 3:51am CST
we live in busy-and-hurry world.
we live in the world in which energy and environmental crisis accompany us.
laptop/notebook is easily found today.
does it make pen and paper an obsolete apparatus for writing?
so, imagine that you're a novel writer, what kind of device you use, and why?
thanks for responding.
6 responses
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
20 Jul 08
I can actually use either one. I like to write with pen and paper, but I find it easier to use the laptop. The tools programs like Microsoft Word or WordPerfect provide make editing and revising a lot easier. I also like the fact that you can store thousands of pages of writings on disks, without wasting paper. I also like the fact that you can use the laptop for online research on the topics you write on. I don't mind working the old fashioned way, but the laptop is easier, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. Less paper used equals more trees saved, and that is something we all can benefit from.
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
23 Jul 08
you can actually reduce the amount of electricity used by the computer. I use a laptop, so I can run my computer off battery power, plugging it in only long enough to recharge the battery. I don't always do this, I do run it off AC power sometimes, but the option is there. I usually try to run the battery down at least a few times per week, though, just to make sure the battery is still good. I am a big fan of saving both money and resources any way and any time I can.
@solrani (43)
• Indonesia
23 Jul 08
Dear, goldeneagle,
I'm sure you do know the difference between writing and editing-revising.
I do appreciate your concern on environmental impact coming from the usage of paper and pen.
But what about the energy crisis?
Computers, cell phones, and other high-tech devices increase the amount of energy demand. Hmm...pros and cons are found in everything and everywhere.
@soham1357 (187)
• France
20 Jul 08
Since my typing speed exceeds my writing speed,I use the computer to write. But to keep notes and jot down ideas, I use a notebook.
The additional help a computer provides is that the problem of poor handwriting is non existent . And if you need a hard copy, just print.
But don't forget to back up your files in a flash drive or something.
@solrani (43)
• Indonesia
23 Jul 08
Thank you, soham.
You said that the problem of poor handwriting is non existent.
Indeed, you're right.
And it leads to another "problem."
Do you know what it is?
Computers have revolutionize graphology, the study and analysis of handwriting especially in relation to human
We only need a hard copy.
But we get more difficulties while trying to understand one's characters through his hard copy....
How do we solve that??... :-)
Thanks for responding, soham
@gunslinger (184)
• Philippines
19 Jul 08
Ever since I've tried out writing using a computer, I know that I've found out what I'd want to use. There's still no problem for me if I write down using pen and paper. It's just that using a computer is much more convenient. If I write, I usually edit my own work after a while and it's much easier if I wrote it in the computer. Less hassles produces a much clearer work. :)
Pen and paper is still ok, and I wouldn't mind using these in case I'm in a place where there is no computer.
Cheers solrani!
@Wolfechu (1193)
• United States
19 Jul 08
Pen and paper has the marvellous facility of being 'instant-bootup'; there's no waiting to load up your previous documents. It's reasonably waterproof, works in strong sunlight, and fits in your back pocket. If it stops working, replacement parts are usually less than a dollar. Battery life is virtually infinite, and a typical notebook stores around 200Mb of information.
As a novel writer, I use both.
@RhythmWalker1 (825)
• United States
19 Jul 08
When thoughts hit my head I tend to find a pen and paper wherever I am at. Most of the time there is a pencil behind my ear! Ideas fly by and unless I make note of them, I have been known to lose them!
My home PC notepad stays full of my "Scattered Unfinished Thoughts".
