I have written many times about how I was trying to simplify my computing setup, and I have finally finished. I sold my MacPro Tower for $1,000, and have consolidated everything down to my MacBook Pro laptop. This includes every single CD I own – all my music is now inside the laptop as well, and I have gotten rid of all but my favorite physical CD’s. I now have 1 computer, 1 external monitor, and 1 backup drive. Done. No more trying to move files from computer to computer, maintaining weird syncing of contacts and bookmarks, and no more trying to remember which computer held what information. Plus, my sole computer can now come with me no matter where I go, so I always have everything I need.
I have a new wireless Bluetooth mouse, the Apple wireless keyboard, my Western Digital Passport Drive, and my Dell external monitor. No more 50 pound computer sitting on the floor! Having a single portable computer, with wireless peripherals, has definitely cleaned up my desk and simplified my daily life. Hurray for simplicity!
Fantastic! Way to go.
I have done something similar last year and in the past 2 months i’ve been making digital copies of all my movies and music so I can get rid of those as well.
Fantastic setup.
This is one of the best minimal setups I’ve seen, and this is definitely inspirational for my own setup.
Right on David –
Just having one computer is definitely the way to go, and with your monitor, keyboard etc…it’s not like you’re going to miss the 50 lb paperweight!
Once my desk shows up (theoretically next week) I’ll get some pics of my new space up, should rival this for simplicity!
Looking forward to it Jesse!
Hi David! I’ve been subscribed to your blog now for a couple weeks and just today discovered your “10 Things Challenge.” Awesome idea! I’m definitely going to start my own challenge today. I’ve been on a mission to de-clutter and go 99.9% paperless for over a year, and I’ve sort of fizzled out lately. So, the challenge will get me going again!
Anyway, I love this post on how you simplified your computer setup. I’m curious how you handled getting rid of all your CD’s. Did you just rip them into iTunes or something?
Also, what about backups? I see you have an external drive, but do you also use an online backup service? Are you concerned about your WD Passport failing, or God forbid, getting caught in a house fire since it’s not off-site?
BTW, I’m heading out to get myself a wireless keyboard and mouse! 🙂
Thanks!
I ripped every single CD I actually still wanted into a lossless format inside iTunes, yes. And I backup here on site and also online using BackBlaze.
Thanks for sharing! Looks very simple – I think, my workspace should get a makeover.
🙂
I’m also storing my music completely digital now. This is truely liberating.
Oh my gosh! I found a link to your site from The Everyday Minimalist and wow!
I am a geek. A big one… To reduce to owning a single computer… whoa.
I have two computers I mainly use: a laptop for everyday work and a desktop where I store the bulk of my files, my music and movies, plus keep my printer connected to. I must admit it does not get turned on everyday…
Uh, that’s not including my kid’s laptop. And the spare desktop in case of computer failure. *cringe* And the netbook we use when traveling when battery life and size are essential….
Oh wow… You rock! I’m going through computer withdrawal just thinking about it!
my setup is:
an 11 inch macbook air and headphones.
=)
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Hmmm. Not sure getting rid of your CDs is a good idea if you’ve still music your ripped to them on your computer or media player. If you’ve replaced them with purchased downloads, fine, but keeping a copy but not the originals could be breaking the law.