Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

I must remember that when you buy a new computer or any other new electronic device these days there is a learning curve. You simply can’t assume that the new item is a replica of the old, only in a sleeker chassis. What you have to realize is that the new item is a totally different product from your former model.

Case in point: In the past couple weeks, I’ve gone from a desktop Dell® that is probably less than two years old to the current laptop Dell®. Now I’ve never been a devotee of laptops in the first place, but I must admit I’ve finally come around to the advantage of taking my computer with me when I’m on the move. Which is often. I’ve also purchased the most recent PALM model, not because I wanted it but because my older model died a slow death in December. And I can’t be without my address and calendar program.

So we copied my files from my desktop to my laptop, because my old desktop was going to be reincarnated as Earl’s new desktop (since his current one is nine years old, the equivalent of a centenarian in human years). We installed the programs we wanted, hooked everything up to the Internet, and crossed our fingers. It’s this last bit of chicanery that’s really important.

So far, we’re batting about .500. I’ve had to install the PALM program three times; I’ve had to tell Google to leave me alone with its requests to be my Internet provider (I think this is the right term). I’ve had to put up with McAfee and Microsoft sending annoying messages telling me about how to protect myself on the Internet. And, I’m trying to learn to love a small monitor, the one on my laptop, as opposed to the larger flat-panel version I loved a couple weeks ago.

But that’s how it goes. And just when I become accustomed to my new computer, I’ll have to start all over again. It’s the nature of the beast. But it’s also no wonder I’ve not tackled DVDs and iPods and MP3s with enthusiasm.