Read to the end of the story for a helpful relationship tip ♥.
Today's Word: rendre l'âme
1. to breathe one's last breath (person)
2. to stop working forever, to give up the ghost (object)
Click here to listen to the following sentence in French
Mon ordinateur portable HP a soudainement rendu l'âme.
My laptop suddenly gave up the ghost.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
My computer died the day after Christmas. Thankfully I had finished composing my blog post, and as the next billet was due in a week, I could remain (somewhat) calm in time to trouver une solution!
Mais tout d'abord, why had my laptop suddenly gone kaput? Had the foot of my chair crushed the cord? Had the grid finally shut down (a government-issued "blackout" as rumored by les complotistes… It sure began to seem so when a day later my iPad a rendu l'âme! Rest assured, I am not a conspiracy theorist (not unless, as someone once said, there is a conspiracy!)
Thinking it over, I recalled a string of unusual activity beginning when my husband bought me the HP (this, after my PC died). The new laptop never did work properly. After several glitches, I began to suspect there was some sort of magouille behind it all. Had the revendeur sold us the computer equivalent of a lemon?
To begin with, the laptop took at least 20 minutes to start up. Early on, I had to work around this issue. I'd fire up the machine in the morning, then go downstairs and pull some weeds, feed the chickens, make some tea and hopefully return to a ready screen. By then any writing I had composed in my head was lost. To say this loss was not unpainful is, to put it frenchly, une litote!
(une litote = an understatement)
In the next two years, as I updated my blog, typed up our memoir, and wrote articles for a bi-monthly magazine…the clavier began to disfunction, making it more and more "challenging" (litote! litote!) to write.
–les guillemets ont laché (the quotes key no longer worked)
–pareille pour l'arobase (same for the @ symbol)
–et le pavé tactile ne marchait plus (and the touchpad stopped working). I resorted, instead, to a very old souris. At least it worked!
Then, this past week the numbers pad began to act up, and a few chiffres were now unavailable. Just as for the quote key and the arobase, in order to write (especially dialogue, which called for quotes) I had to copy and paste certain characters from another document, which entailed googling the letter or number, (i.e. writing the words "italics" or "arobase") and then manually transferring (copy-paste) the needed character. I also memorized several Alt combinations that would produce the needed punctuation (again, the most often needed were those " " and @, or Alt 34 , Alt64). Imagine working this way! All the while trying to focus on the story you are trying to write. What is the definition of insanity?:
La folie, c'est de faire toujours la même chose et de s'attendre à un résultat différent. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. –Albert Einstein
I did try to solve the problem, spending time in online forums or googling "mes guillemets ne fonctionnent plus!" But none of the tips to recover the keys worked for me or my (contreband?) HP. After periodic efforts to solve the issue, I gave up, and because I am a pathetic fencesitter and will suffer obstacles rather than remove them, it took a complete computer breakdown to resolve this worsening situation.
As bad as it was to have a laptop gone kaput, it forced a change of circumstances.
It was time to find a new ordinateur portable but just which one? L'embarras du choix! There began two days of torture for me and for my husband. Jean-Marc tried to help and in no time at all had narrowed things down to a Huawei Matebook d15, but I had my doubts as to how he came to this ultra-rapid decision. Price? The fact I could use my Paypal to purchase it? or did he simply choose the first thing he found?!!!
When I accused him of this much, let's just say he didn't take it well (litote! litote! litote!)!
It really wasn't fair to expect him to help me only to criticize his help (we've run into this issue before in our 26-year marriage: If left to do so, my husband is willing to make choices for me–where to eat, where to vacation, what color to paint the bathroom) as long as I do not complain about those choices! I finally understand his side, now that I am in a similar situation with another family member. Just like Jean-Marc, I find myself reminding my loved one:
I will help, but don't complain about my choices for you if you won't make your own!
It was time to make my own choices. So why the resistance? Why not get a MacBook?! After all, writing has been my full-time job for 18 years. (Why the need to justify?) A high-end computer was certainly justifiable–as it was the main investment needed for my business. Now, on the other hand, looking at my husband's business…his beloved wine shop…it seemed he needed thousands of items and art on his walls!
Tu fais comme tu veux! my husband reminded me. You do as you want (and leave me to do what I want!)
So, after a short-lived fight, the two of us swallowed our pride and went to DARTY–France's popular electronics store. As complicated as I could make this computer-choosing quest, and in desperation to get back to work ASAP, I pared things all the way down to the essential. I needed:
—un bon clavier (a good keyboard)
—un grand écran (a large screen)
—quelque chose performant et fluide (something efficient and rapid)
…or whatever was in stock!
And we had 19.5 minutes in which to choose if I was to take my husband up on his offer to shop with me! (He needed to be at work by 10.) I walked out with a Lenovo ideapad L340, a laptop that may be better suited for video gamers, but the salesman assured me, c'est vite! Hopefully it would be quick enough to catch the Muse, or Inspiration, before she flew off once again!
Later, when I got home, my son pointed out the bright electric blue backlighting beneath the keyboard… Oh well, the fluorescent lumière adds a bit of disco to my writing routine. And my fingers have certainly danced across this keyboard while writing today's missive. Yippee, and thanks to my husband or I might still be on the fence instead of back in the saddle.
As for "what is the best computer for a writer journalist novelist" (a phrase I typed into google several times during my laptop search), let me give you the answer from my personal experience: the best computer is the one you use, whether or not all of the keys work!
—
In the comments, I would love to know what computer you use and if you would recommend it. Also, have you made the transition to a MacBook and was the learning curve ok? I see Google has come out with a laptop, any thoughts? What about Dell? Finally, do you have those special computer glasses? Because, even with this big screen, my eyes are blurring. See any mistakes in this post? I thank you for your edits.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
rendre l'âme = to give up the ghost, to die
le billet = column, blog post, missive
trouver une solution = to find a solution
mais tout d'abord = but first off
un complotiste = conspiracy theorist
la magouille = scheming
le revendeur = reseller
une litote = understatement
la souris = computer mouse
le chiffre = number
lâcher = give up
les guillemets = quotes, quotation marks
l'embarras du choix = so many choices
From Darty, I headed to Le Vin Sobre, Jean-Marc's wine shop, where he offered to help me set up my new laptop. Notice those disco keys on the clavier! (Also, that's one of Mom's paintings in the background)
That evening, computer problems now behind us, we had a relaxing and romantic stroll at the Old Port here in La Ciotat.
All's well that ends well. Tout est bien qui finit bien.
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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 agree with Lynn. I made the same switch from PC (Dell) to MacBook Air. Also, switched my phone to an iPhone and bought an iPad. They are all very intuitive to use and they communicate well with each other. AND I have not had a virus or other malfunctions since. I wouldn’t consider switching back. You adjust very easily and quickly to the new operating system and it all seems so much more stable than the Microsoft operating systems!
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.
Brava, Kristi! I have a beautiful big Lenovo desktop and I love it. I hope you have all good luck with your laptop. I think if one starts with an Apple product one uses it for life, and almost by necessity since PC things aren’t very compatible, but the same is true for those of us who started with a PC. So, for me, a PC user, I just love my Lenovo. Best of luck to you! And Merry Christmas from Sunny Arizona.
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
Passante, Thanks for all of the wonderful information! –Janet
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.
Kristi,
We switched from Windows operating system PCs about 16 years ago and our entire extended family from us to our kids and grandkids use Apple devices except for office and school provided computers required for work and school. iPhones, iPads and Macs. There is some learning curve required but Apple operating systems are pretty intuitive. But to be a complete IT geek, you need to know Apple, Microsoft, Google and Android operating systems. Android is pretty intuitive too, and I read books on a Kindle Fire but I’m writing this on an iPhone.
You, Jean Marc, and the kids have a bonne année in 2021. We’ve been in Cairanne since August but we’ll eventually resume our bicoastal pattern when it’s safer to move around the planet. Meilleur voeux à vous tous.
Tom and Beth
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
MAC all the way! Always have ,always will—It was definitely time for a new laptop ! I have have MAC book Pro. Good luck with your new one!
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 love the lights in the port.
Do you still have your little boat?
Bonne année nouvelle!
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 a Lenovo Ideapad 5 and like it very much. Several years ago I had an HP that was a real lemon. The screen would suddenly die, go black. The support from HP was dismal. It’s a long story but I eventually got my money back from HP. In researching the problem, I found out that this was a common problem and the support from HP was terrible for all the others.
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!!
Thanks, Leslie. Yes, we still have our little wooden boat, and love it.
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/
I agree the best laptop is the one you use and are comfortable with. I used Lenovo’s for years. Then the law school switched to Surface for those of who worked while commuting… light weight and almost a cross between a laptop and a tablet. Locked into a docking station at work, I had a very large screen and terrific keyboard. When I retired, I bought a Surface Pro, docking station and very large Dell screen which is touch screen but also can be used with a mouse. Love it! I can pop off the connection to the docking station and take it anywhere to use as a light weight laptop or tablet. Recently got a stand to use for WebEx virtual dog training sessions.
Love the photos of the Old Port and I see JM is selling truffes! I like Jules’ painting. Give her a hug.
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
HI Kristi
My computer quit this month also, and right before I had to host a big zoom meeting! I tried everything, even re-formating it to it’s original state. No use. I settled on a basic LG laptop from costco. Only $800 and it’s great. Hope you love yours, too! I agree. The best is the one you use!!
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!
Kristi, I’ve been a dedicated MacBookPro user since I began writing 13 years ago and I love it. Non-techie that I am, I find a real sense of comfort knowing AppleCare is just a chat or phone call away if I have a question. I hope you are happy with your new acquisition for many years to come. Bonne année à toute la famille! (SVP, dis à Jules que le peinture semble fabuleux dans la boutique!)
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.
Kristi,
J’aime my MacBook Pro. It’s in its 11th year, with upgraded operating system and RAM. I almost never have to research an issue as I had to do regularly with my last PC. Macs just work. Its long life has lessened the initial expense. Once you know that clicking the X on a window closes that window but not the program, and that the bar at the bottom of the screen is the Dock, the transition is relatively smooth.
Bonne Année!
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.
After millions of years w a desktop PC, I have moved to a tiny new space and had to get a laptop. After all the PC years I did not feel I could move to a Mac format and I too ended up with a Lenovo Thinkbook. Mostly I really like it and am getting used to it. Lots of power. Great display etc. not great battery life but I don’t use that much. So good luck with yours. It is a great advantage for a writer to have an all powerful and dependable computer.
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.