I like to think that have a fairly well organized computer. It seems to me that if I carried a computer around with me, I could lay out the notes I typed up, the spreadsheets I compiled, and the slideshows and other files I downloaded into an orderly, systematic format.

As laptop computers slowly became portable and functional enough that it made sense to bring along to a class lecture or workshop, I would often become envious of those who had the finances and foresight to bring a laptop computer to class. However, as the practice became more common in my academic and professional settings, I got to observe how these computers were actually being used. It turns out that even though they are surrounded by sometimes hundreds of other students or workshop participants, laptop carriers still use that time to do other things on their computers. I’ve seen people beside and in front of me play games, read email, use instant messaging programs and browse semi-questionable material online, and neighbours at seminars and workshops are no more responsible.

Of course I am in no position to throw the first stone; if I had a laptop in front of me, few lecturers I know would be able to capture my full attention away from the digital distractions I install for myself on my computers. This is precisely the problem. I get distracted by their computer screens so that I lose focus on what’s being discussed, however, I can’t impact what programs they use and I have to put up with their annoying quirks (like using google to search for everything rather than typing in the obvious URLs). It’s a lose-lose situation.

So, if you ever get to sit in a lecture or workshop with me, and you’re in between me and the main speaker, don’t use a laptop. (And no, I will not sit at the front to prevent this problem)