TURNING 2 TECH

I think it’s a sign of the times that I’m contemplating my tech needs around my career change plans.

I was at an antiques and collectables auction a couple of weeks ago and low and behold amongst a box of unexplained junk, artefacts and curios was a brown leather zip case that I thought would be the perfect retro addition for when my iPad mini may arrive.

I’m in my 30’s now, so what can I say… I’m at a time of my life when you feel all confused about blending old a new. In my mind things need to be offset, the equation of tech acquisitions needs to be balanced, to prevent serious glitches in the matrix of old and new.

Needless to say I didn’t bid, as I haven’t committed to my provisional purchase yet…

The context:

I would like to change my day job. I am interested in becoming a writer and journalist. My passion is the countryside and I really enjoy seeing new media used to report on country side issues and developments. I adore the wondrous variety outside has to offer and appreciate everything from HD video reviews of the latest tractor in the field to new ways of protecting expensive gadgets when you are climbing mountains. I also like to see new mobile apps to up productivity for farmers and country side practitioners alike.

For some reason though (insert relevant pop psychological condition here), I feel I would only be comfortable making this transition with the right tech.  

*This also includes associated logistics like relevant protective/retro/stylish carry cases.

As you can see, I am dabbling with my next step right now, teetering off the edge ready to jump, but my tech needs and indecisions are keeping me back

To an extent I already have some good tools for this work already. They are

• iPhone 4
• Lumix DMC-FS35
• Sony handicam HDR-sr12
• Macbook pro 15 inch 2 Ghz i7
• Tucano Work Out Bag carry case

The iPhone probably gets the most use. The muse hits me fairly often throughout the day and I am usually working on 2-3 different creative things at once. I find the notes app on the iPhone amazing for this. This app just seems to work for me. I had a similar app when using Android, but it wasn’t quite as simple and care free.

The only issue I have is typing: I have big fingers!

I like actual writing but taking electronic notes looks cool and can get you form A to B a lot quicker. The new iPad is quite heavy and just slightly too big. (Although the more powerful chip in 2012’s second variant could be useful). The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is five hundred quid and I really don’t want to go back to Android. So before I get out into the field this winter I deduce that I will need an iPad mini.

The smaller size shouldn’t affect the keyboard size. – It should be the same as its larger cousin. Not having Retina is a big deal for me though, but the battery performance should be a real plus for productivity when undertaking work tasks. My mobile journo computing right hand man needs to have the key functions of a bright colour screen in dark conditions and a good camera for impromptu tractor porn. What can I say, when I feel the urge you cant beat a bit of hi def agricultural voyeurism?

I literally won’t feel happy about taking the plunge until I have one of these

And a retro/vintage style case for it too.

Am I the only one who feels like this? Are there others stopping themselves form excelling due to their tech needs? What if a doctor refused to practice until he was at the rains of the latest MRI scanner?

I guess I will just have to man-up correct my typos shrink my thumbs and push on with my iPhone in the meantime.

And I'm not going anywhere  in the countryside until I get one of these.