Figured I'd ask...
For those who aren't already well aware, I am working toward a less technology-centric lifestyle. Let me be clear in that I am not opposed to technology, I simply find that I am personally happiest with less of it in my life, and less high-tech when I do use it out of necessity in the modern world. Though I guess I should really say "computer-centric" as technically something like a blender is technology, but I do not mind using a blender (or for that matter a toaster, electric fan, or heater). I also have an iPhone, which is probably the fanciest and most high-tech type of cell phone in existence, but which I own mostly for the internal GPS (I am notoriously bad with directions and would get lost and be late very often otherwise), budgeting app, and "things" app that allows me to store and organize and carry with me multiple lists. To-do lists, shopping lists, whathaveyou. I am list-happy; they rule my life. And of course I use it as a phone. ;-) But I don't really do anything else with it. I deleted the internet from it (yes, you can do that!)
Ok so yeah, that was a bit misleading and hypocritical, so let me start over. ;-) Computers are (unfortunately for me) pretty necessary to being a college student nowadays, so I will hold on to my laptop until I graduate. After that, I do not want to own a computer anymore. The only things I have found use for in a computer are word-processing and the internet, for the purposes of social networking/communication (Facebook, LJ, and email to be exact). The internet can be found in many a public place however, and knowing myself and my tendency to lose track of time online, only having access while such public places are open and allowing me to use their computers (because public computers usually have daily time limits) would be a very good thing indeed. Word-processing on the other hand is very useful (in my case mainly for job apps and journaling, for which I'd rather type because writing by hand at-length makes my hand quite sore and sad). I see this continuing to have a useful place in my life even after college, and most importantly it doesn't really do any harm.
So really this is just a very roundabout way of asking if a machine exists that just does word-processing. No internet, no photos, games, or anything else a computer can do. Like a typewriter only with editing and storage capabilities. Perhaps typewriters have evolved since I last used one in the mid-90's to the point of having these capabilities and I just wasn't aware of it. In which case I really just want a typewriter ;-), but would appreciate recommendations of good companies and models. Though if not, does the machine I am describing exist, and if so what is this mysterious and magical object called and where can they be acquired? Ideally it would also be cheaper than a computer, as I see no point in paying the same amount of money to get less in return.
In the meanwhile (while I'm still in college and so still need ready internet access for research purposes), it would be greatly appreciated if I could be pointed in the direction of internet filter software. Specifically, said software would need to screen some sites permanently from my use, and automatically shut down other sites after I've been on them for a preset period of time in a 12-hour or 24-hour timespan. I have heard that these exist, but beyond that I'm completely clueless.
Thank you in advance, oh technosavvy readers ;-)
Ok so yeah, that was a bit misleading and hypocritical, so let me start over. ;-) Computers are (unfortunately for me) pretty necessary to being a college student nowadays, so I will hold on to my laptop until I graduate. After that, I do not want to own a computer anymore. The only things I have found use for in a computer are word-processing and the internet, for the purposes of social networking/communication (Facebook, LJ, and email to be exact). The internet can be found in many a public place however, and knowing myself and my tendency to lose track of time online, only having access while such public places are open and allowing me to use their computers (because public computers usually have daily time limits) would be a very good thing indeed. Word-processing on the other hand is very useful (in my case mainly for job apps and journaling, for which I'd rather type because writing by hand at-length makes my hand quite sore and sad). I see this continuing to have a useful place in my life even after college, and most importantly it doesn't really do any harm.
So really this is just a very roundabout way of asking if a machine exists that just does word-processing. No internet, no photos, games, or anything else a computer can do. Like a typewriter only with editing and storage capabilities. Perhaps typewriters have evolved since I last used one in the mid-90's to the point of having these capabilities and I just wasn't aware of it. In which case I really just want a typewriter ;-), but would appreciate recommendations of good companies and models. Though if not, does the machine I am describing exist, and if so what is this mysterious and magical object called and where can they be acquired? Ideally it would also be cheaper than a computer, as I see no point in paying the same amount of money to get less in return.
In the meanwhile (while I'm still in college and so still need ready internet access for research purposes), it would be greatly appreciated if I could be pointed in the direction of internet filter software. Specifically, said software would need to screen some sites permanently from my use, and automatically shut down other sites after I've been on them for a preset period of time in a 12-hour or 24-hour timespan. I have heard that these exist, but beyond that I'm completely clueless.
Thank you in advance, oh technosavvy readers ;-)