How Convenient Is Your Laptop ?

A few years ago I upgraded from a desktop computer to a laptop at work.  It was all the rage (as much as that is possible in a call center) at the time, especially since our building had just been upgraded to have WiFi available everywhere within it.

The first few weeks took some getting used to, but I eventually loved the convenience of having access to everything on my work computer anywhere in the building(s) where I worked.  It was also much more convenient to work at home, although that was very sparingly (it's kinda loud, er, busy with 7 kids).

This portability has been of even greater use to me in my new role at work as the Training Supervisor.  I spend a fair amount of my work hours in conference rooms (for meetings) or training rooms (observing trainers from my team).  Having the laptop allows me to stay accessible to others while primarily focusing on something else.  I've even gotten used to the smaller screen size (which I'm sure is HUGE compared to laptops of just a decade ago) and using the smaller keyboard and mouse-pad square.

What I haven't gotten used to is "re-connecting" when I get back to my desk.  Including the new phone system we just upgraded to (which is a VoIP system), I have 5 cords to "re-connect" when I want to use my laptop at my desktop.  I also have to open the laptop to do a quick "restart" so the connections reset and function properly.  While this is a little inconvenient, I will gladly suffer through it, as the benefits greatly outweigh the drawbacks.


Song Of The Day:
What better re-connection song than "Connected" by Stereo MCs.
Good tune that has nothing to do with wires or WiFi or laptops, but at least the title works here.  :)

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When Would You Ever Use This ?

When I first got my work laptop some years ago, I noticed that there was a little button just above the screen.  Naturally I pressed it and a little light popped out that shined on the middle of the keyboard below.

At that moment, and forever afterward when I saw the little button, I wondered to myself (and sometimes out loud) the title of this blog post.  I am a rational person and tried to contemplate any of various scenarios under which a keyboard light would be useful.  I could come up with no logical reasons.

Until today.

Sitting in a dark classroom at work today (I was observing one of our trainers and he was using the overhead projector but needed the lights off so everyone could see the screen), I opened my laptop to send a few emails.  I quickly found this task to be quite the challenge.  I am a three-finger typist, so I still need to look at the keyboard (most of the time) when I type.  It was really dark and I couldn't make out the letters or other keys ... and then a light went off (in my head).

I pressed the almost never used button and VOILA!

I can see!

Many emails were sent.  The small light was not even a small distraction to the members of the class.  Everyone wins.  And I finally know when to use that handy little light!


Song Of The Day:
Sometimes new information comes to us and we can hear hallelujah choirs singing.  Today, I thought of the song "Shine" by Collective Soul .  It would have been even more amusing if I'd broken into the chorus in the middle of the class and, while pushing the button, sang loudly "Come on and SHINE!"  But I didn't.  The thought did cross my mind though.

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Ever Get To Work From Home ?

I love my job.  Progressive is a great company to work for, but my specific role within the company is even cooler!

You see, I have not been feeling well all weekend (my weekend consists of Sunday and Monday) and when I woke up this morning I just knew I would not be able to make it into work today.  I also didn't really want to go in because I don't want to spread any germs, etc. if this is more than just a little nasal congestion.

Enter: my work laptop and some pretty cool technology.

I am sure for many people in this day and age, the ability for me to virtually logon to the network at work and complete a full day's work from the relative comfort of my own home office is not that impressive.  But for me it always is a blessing!

I met with my boss (talked on the cell phone about a few urgent matters), reviewed calls for members of my team, completed WBTs (web-based training courses) for our new main system, IM (instant message) chatted with over ten different people (some on my team, but most from other work departments), reviewed attendance, updated performance management info for two team members, coordinated plans around a schedule change for one of my team members, scheduled meetings and a host of other items.

All while sniffling and sneezing and trying to stay hydrated.

How cool is that ?!  For me, VERY cool!

Song Of The Day:
Once again, this is a bit of a stretch, but I've always liked the song
"Unbelievable" by EMF and it applies for today.  It is just quite unbelievable to me that I could complete a full day's work from my own home ... and for most that work with me, it was no different than my being in the office.

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