FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

A beautiful stroll, and a funny story. Those marital issues are familiar, and a good reminder! In the computer department, it's Macbook Air all the way for me. I switched from a PC a decade ago and will never go back, so much nore intuitive to use. The screen is smaller than maybe you would like, but now my whole house and terrace are my office, it's so easy to cart around, and I don't miss the big screen I had before. As for the blue light-blocking glasses, I use them when I read in bed at night. Do they work? No clue. But I do it just in case.

In the sentence with "DARTY", you PARED things down, not PAIRED.

Congratulations on your new laptop - That must have been very frustrating to work on the old one. You more than deserve an excellent tool for your writing. thank you for the beautiful pictures of the harbor and Happy New Year!!

For your sake, I hope that Lenovo has improved it's battery placement. I didn't discover this until I needed to replace the battery on my Lenovo 310. In order to change the battery it is necessary to disconnect multiple connections from it to the motherboard among other connections. Serious work not possible for the average user. Even the Geek Squad told me that they would need an overnight to replace the battery. It is absurd. Every other computer that I have ever owned required simply slipping out the battery. Here is a link to a Youtube instructional as to how to replace it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFcgvdjVZHc

I vote for the MacBook. Husband is a PC guy, I’m Apple all the way. The products are just sexier than anything else out there and that’s reason enough for me! Tu vois?

I just recently bought these anti-Blu Ray clip ons:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T39XJ55/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are so clear it's easy to misplace them. But I love them and I do believe that I am sleeping better. You should try them

Congratulations on your newly flying fingers! I'm sure you will enjoy the speed with which you can catch your creative thoughts. I just bought a Dell Inspiron and am pretty pleased with it, except for the fact that it has no slot for my SD card, which is HUGE! But having a new, up-to-date machine is splendid. Here's to many happy years to you two.

I think/hope you'll like the Lenovo. I had Lenovos for many years. Now I have a Dell laptop (handed down from my husband, who no longer takes responsibility for it -- litote!). It's sleek and has that blue backlit keyboard, but I liked my old Lenovos better. Bonne chance!

Kristin, loved this blog! Learned a few cool new words! I understand how difficult it can be to make these big decisions. But, you deserve the best! Your computer is the vehicle you use to express yourself, so you should feel super comfortable with it. (Like good art supplies!) Since I’m not writing as much anymore, I seem to use my iPad all the time. It has a keyboard attached, and I can use it anywhere, which is wonderful. I hope you like your new purchase - the keyboard could be inspiring! Btw, my granddaughter does use computer non-glare glasses and says that it eases eye strain.

After retiring from teaching computer classes for many years, I decided to switch to a MacBook. A few new things to learn, but easy to do. No problems, no viruses, and no crashes. Many graphic artists use Apple products. With your extensive photo collection, a Mac would be a good choice.

Love the new vocabulaire and how you used "litote." Agrée with your other followers re Mac v PC. So nice not to have even to think about anti-virus programs, firewalls, etc. And the almost ubiquitous multilingual telephone helpdesk is invaluable to your whole experience. Cheers, Robaire in Aix

Who cares about computers. I want more strolls with beautiful photos of the lighted boats in La Ciotat! I was reminded of a phrase related to what you said about using the computer, "The best camera is the one you have with you."

Oh, OK. I'm 100% Mac. MacBook Pro for my laptop and an iMac with a second monitor for more heavy-duty use. All my Apple products (iPhone, Watch, Apple TV) play nicely with each other. After Lou retired from an office that required PCs, she tried to make the switch to a Mac Airbook but retreated to her PCs. It is our family issue. There is no doubt that she has more computer problems with her PCs and she expects me to solve them. Doesn't like when I whisper, "with a Mac you wouldn't have this problem..." But our marriage services!

I have only owned Mac products. When I taught, I used a PC. I had more problems with the PC. My "MacTop", as I call it, is at least 10 yrs old and still plugging along like new.

My computers since retirement (20 years ago) have been PC laptops: 3 Toshiba, one HP and recently a Dell Inspiron 15 3000. Regarding Toshiba, each was better than the previous...and then there were none. The HP was a loser from start to finish, slow at best. Gave out after 2 years. (I did get a total refund!) The new Dell has been excellent, easy installations and quick start ups and searches. PCs deliver all I need.

How beautiful the lights on the boats. Your photographs are as beautiful as your thoughts.
Wishing you and your family a sweet season and hope and happiness in the New Year.

Hi. I am using my third Dell. I have had this for at least 8 years. When I took it last spring to the Microsoft store in Dallas to have them see if they could install Windows 10, the young man was dubious. But they did, and when I picked it up he was most impressed with the way it still functioned and complimented me on its care. (?) I am now having trouble with the screen and ordered a new monitor, still in its box as old one is now working well. Normal-like making a doctors appointment, and by the time you get there the problem has cured itself. I use an IPad with MAC software, but like my windows PC. I have lots of memory as I sometimes do Photoshop projects.
As for glasses. I had prescription glasses. Then two years ago cataract surgery. I recently, after ZOOM classes and long periods looking at screen, with my ophthalmologists blessing, bought 100 reading glasses on line, and this works very well. less expensive than prescription. They are advertised on Amazon as computer also.
Long message sorry to be so wordy!

Here's what I think, Kristi: Anyone who has a career that depends on a machine needs a tech guy they can call on when problems occur, as they inevitably will.

My husband also does a lot for me, but I have a terrific tech guy (who sometimes helps him, too) who can fix a lot of things remotely (using go-to-meeeting type software) and charges very little for that. For more serious problems, he comes over. Last spring, he got me a new hard drive after determining mine went bad. It's a big terrabyte SSD, meaning its super-capacious and super-fast. It's essentially a new computer. He fixes problems large and small.

I don't know about France, but in the U.S., you can deduct IT help from your taxes if it's for your business.

I found my tech guy by searching online for someone in my area. I forget the search terms I used. Maybe "IT help" or "computer help" and my zip code. It doesn't always work. Before him, we had a guy with a dinky shop and a bad attitude. He was horrible. But then I switched to Dave, and I know I can count on him.

In our old neighborhood in Seattle, I did the same thing to find tech help and was very happy with the guy I found. Or maybe it was my husband who found him. But it was through an online search.

Like me, you have a writing business. You owe it to yourself to establish support for the equipment that supports YOU!

I've had a Macbook Pro for personal use for about four years and I love it. I work on a Lenovo (don't know if it's the exact same model as yours) for my job and it's also great. I really don't have any problem going from one to the other which I do every day. I guess if I had to choose, the Mac would win out, though! I do have two pairs of glasses since I stare at a computer so many hours a day and the "reading glasses" are a blessing! Otherwise it gets blurry pretty fast! And finally, I'd almost rather go to the dentist than shop for a computer, so félicitations on your success!

I meant to say I have never had a problem with it.

I bought a Lenovo laptop this year and love it. It is quick and so easy to use. Best computer ever. I think you will be happy with yours. Bonne année. Janine

Apple since 1986. Always and forever. Intuitive and beautifully designed.

I purchased a Lenov Ideapad 330 two years ago and have been very happy with it. Best Wishes!

Hi Kristi - You have a lot of advice here from your readers and I only jump on the bandwagon to add a little technical detail. I've worked in technology for many, many years and have almost always had both a Mac and a Windows machine because my role required it. My strong personal preference (as with most of you commenters) is for the Mac. Working with a Mac is easier because the operating system and user interface are more fully integrated and built around the experience - the file search engine is powerful, you don't have to know how a file tree structure works to find your files, and you don't have to edit a .config (dot config file) to resolve problems. I root strongly for Windows as Microsoft is my hometown team (I live in Seattle) but sadly, because Microsoft doesn't own the majority of the hardware its operating system runs on (except for the Surface line of computers), the integration between the hardware and operating system is awkward and prone to issues. It seems you've already bought your computer but I think you'd find the Mac experience smooth, elegant, and time-saving. Take good care and Happy New Year! --

I have a MacBook Pro- 15 inch screen. I have been an Apple user all along although I did work on a PC when I did technical support for a software company.

You deserve the BEST that money can buy. My gosh, think of all the books you have written, awards you are getting and readers who have followed you and want to continue to follow your writings. Put yourself FIRST and get an Apple. Your need surpasses anything needed for the wine store. It looks very well stocked.

Apple products are more expensive but once you get used to the interface (it isn't hard), you will never look back.

MacBook Air...worth every penny...very easy to learn and use, fabulous customer service!! I have had mine since 2014 and not a speck of trouble.

Happy New Year!

I've been a Apple/Mac person always. I have a desktop computer, a laptop, an iPad, and an iPhone. I love Macs! I love that they integrate with each other so well. I'm sorry you didn't go Mac! I think you would have found it very easy to use.

Our dear Kristi,
I absolutely applaud you for doing something about your computer instead of just procrastinating.(which is a great deal easier)
That takes courage and! YOU DID IT!!!
Wishing you all bon chance and all the best with your new Lenovo.
It looks beautiful and inviting!
I tried Sony,DEll,and,finally,an HP laptop which I love and fulfills all my needs.
I did use computer glasses,but now just use my reading glasses instead.The computer glasses got to be a nuisance because if I changed my position or the distance between me and the computer,things went blurry and I'd have to keep adjusting.
What a wonderful post today,Kristi.As always filled with warmth and honesty.
Also such wonderful pictures.
Thank you!
Bonne annee !
Love
Natalia XO

I've had two Mac book PRO's- and they've been fabulous! The first one, I did the rather complicated program for all the visual design on my book, Alan;s Letters. Now, I appreciate a good computer still, where the photos and visuals are still so easy to use. I can't believe you put up with the computer as you described the arduous round-about you you got your masterpeice published every week!

I notice men often buy themselves the best and latest toys/tools for their "work". and women need to understand that we are worth having appropriate tools also for our work, also.

I sympathize with you about the need to want support making decisions- but most men I know make a large buying decision as you described Jean-Marc- did- in 20 minutes! But YOU are the one living with the decision made. I do a lot of scouting around first (I know, you had less than a week), then ask friends who might have some expertise-and that may- or may not- be the man in your life- although it is fun to share the actual purchase with him.

Your tale reminds me of my childhood when we used a pair of pliers to turn the channel on the TV. We do adapt, don't we? I use a SurfacePro and really like it. Enjoy your new machine. May it do right by you for a long time.

Happy New Year to you.

Chris

I have been a MAC user for a long time, previous with Microsoft. Love Apple and will never go back. The transition was not difficult, especially for word processing. Apple machines are well made and work well. Yes, you pay a premium price but, isn’t that the case for most things good.

I'm like GwenEllyn--I've always used an Apple product, right from the beginning. I have a Mac desktop and an iPad, plus my iPhone which I use as much as my Mac. I've had the desktop and iPad for over 5 years and they are still going strong.

I have had the same Mac Pro since 2009, and it's still going strong! I also have an iPhone and love their compatibility with each other. The photos that I take with the iPhone are automatically linked to my photo album on my laptop. So user-friendly!

Bonne Annee a tout le monde!!

I recently came across an advert for this thing called Xtra-PC which fits into a USB port and apparently brings an old laptop back to life. https://www.xtra-pc.com/

bonjour, Kristi: I so admire your determination & stick-to-it-iveness when writing your book(s) or blogs! It is that drive that makes your articles so interesante! Merci beaucoup por tout. So, the only thing I use this Dell laptop for is to research & e-mail. Otherwise, I am not computer savvy. I have a dear friend who is very technically sharp & he is my go-to person. This laptop is about 9 years old; sometimes, the keys stick, but, until the lights go out, we won't buy another.

Bon annee!! We can only hope that 2021 is going to be a healthier, happier, more peaceful year! Fondly, Ann

I was so interested to hear that "litote" means understatement in French. I taught High School English for years, and a "litotes" (from Greek) is a type of understatement. It uses a negative to ironic effect. For example, "It was not the best decision I've ever made" means "It was a disaster!"

Happy New Year!

I don’t know about the glasses for the color of the light. My iPad has a nighttime setting that changes the light it emits to a yellower color. A neuroscientist I heard speak at a conference claimed that helped her sleep better. Does it really work? I “believe”it does.
I do, though, have special glasses for when I know I’m going to be working at the computer for more than a few minutes. My regular, walking-around-living-daily-life glasses have progressive lenses. And I found myself with an aching neck after a long stretch at the computer because I was tilting my head back to match the screen distance to the focal point of the lenses. A pair of glasses with a prescription matched to typical screen distance has solved that particular pain.

I also am with Lynn! I've used apple products since 1994 and could never go back. I use a MacBook Air (and an iPad as well) and it's so light I can take it anywhere. It's very intuitive to use, no worries about viruses, plus Apple customer service has always been wonderful. And, like Lynn, I don't think I could ever go back.

As for the glasses, I do have the blue light-locking glasses; I can tell a difference but not a huge one.

Hi, Kristi! I'm a little behind in your posts & just catching up. You asked about the computer glasses. I wear glasses & keep getting talked into the latest coatings every time. This last time was the blue-blocking coating that is supposed to help with computer work. I go to the optometry college for all my check ups, etc. They have students who are just about ready to graduate do the exams & then their work is checked by the optometrists on duty. In the room where you select your frames they also have students working & then their measurements are double checked before your order for glasses are submitted.

When they were talking to me about the blue-blocking coating, they admitted it didn't really seem to make a big difference, but "the purple glint" in the lenses when the light hits them just right is "really cool". I decided to give them a try & I must say I would not get the coating again. It might have that purple tinge to them when the light hits them, but from the point of the wearer, it makes things have a yellowish tinge, which is most notable when you are working on a white screen & then take your glasses off, the screen gets really white! :) But, most importantly, I do not notice any benefit to wearing them while working on my computer. My eyes do not feel any better at all. I find myself actually taking my glasses off when reading/working on computer. My eyes feel better that way.

The important thing is that 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 mins, look away from your screen for at least 20 seconds, looking at something at least 20 feet away. It gives your eyes the break they need.