My Kindle 4G comes in handy
As regular readers know, I haven’t really felt like the Kindle Fire 8.9″ 4G was worth the money to me.
Right now, though, I am posting this during a power outage. 
I was working away, and there was a big popping noise and all the power went out. I thought the noise might have been somebody in a cherry picker or something accidentally knocking down wires.
I went outside to make sure everything was okay, and my neighbors were in the street. Apparently, a transformer had blown. A car even stopped, because a child in it had seen a mighty flash.
It’s been about forty-five minutes so far, and I think they are likely to get it fixed pretty soon (virtual fingers crossed).
So, I am on the 4G on my Fire, using my Bluetooth keyboard to get this post out to you. I’ll be somewhat conservative, and shut if off soon, just in case.
This is not a big disaster like the Superstorm, but I think it would be functioning this way if it was (unless cell towers went down, I guess). Based on the noise I heard, I’ll call this a “post-a-POP-alyptic world”. 
If the power were to stay out for longer than my battery charge lasted, I could recharge my Kindle Fire in my car. I don’t expect that to be the case, of course.
Just wanted to check in with you, and despite the circumstances, it is cool that this works…no lights, no power, no home wi-fi…but I still have you, readers.
Update: the power is back on, but our desktop hasn’t successfully restarted. It’s possible that it’s toast, but we’ll see. For now, we’ll see if I can replace it with my Fire and my Bluetooth keyboard.
I have some clear concerns. One is that copying and pasting just isn’t as easy. Another is that you can’t really multi-task on a Fire. That’s why I haven’t linked to things in this post…I can’t “alt-tab” like I can on windows between this post and a place where I could get or create links.
If the desktop is done, will we replace it? I think probably. We haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet. I’m not sure what we would get…but it might be fun to look at the options.
This post by Bufo Calvin originally appeared in the I Love My Kindle blog.
January 9, 2013 at 1:18 am |
Here’s hoping your power is restored soon. Jackie and I are lucky to own a small RV with an LP generator. When the power goes out here we can head to the driveway and recharge our gadgets, have hot water, use the fridge, and grab a quick shower … And have heat or AC … And even cook a meal. Maddie,our rescue vizsla, thinks she’s going for a ride so it’s a win-win situation for her. We hookup the mi-fi, put on some music, and sip some wine … And invite the neighbors over for a sip.
January 9, 2013 at 2:02 pm |
Thanks for writing, Harold!
Sounds like a nice set-up…and it’s nice that you share!
January 9, 2013 at 6:14 am |
A few years back the transformer on the pole in front of my house blew. It was a spectacular sound and sight! I, too had troubles with my computer. I had to reformat the hard drive and reinstall everything. Fortunately, I’ve always been pretty good about backing up important documents, so not much was lost.
January 9, 2013 at 2:06 pm |
Thanks for writing, Lady!
We have Carbonite on that computer, so my files should all be backed up…that does make me more a bit more relaxed in this case. At this point, the desktop is trying to restore itself, but may not be able to do that.
January 9, 2013 at 8:49 am |
It’s a good idea to plug one’s computer and so forth into hefty Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs), which buffer fluctuations and spikes in power and give one time for an orderly shut down. (They sound an alarm when power shuts down.)
They can be bought cheap used and rejuvenated with lawn mower batteries bought and installed at a budget-battery shop. I’ve been doing it for years and I’m glad I have. (Such shops can also rejuvenate the jumper packs used to start one’s car when its battery has gone flat.)
January 9, 2013 at 2:08 pm |
Thanks for writing, Roger!
Yes, I probably should have done that. I’m aware of them, and I do use power strips, but they aren’t the same.
In this case, of course, it’s possible it’s a coincidence…might not be cause and effect with the transformer. This is a computer we’ve had for several years (yes, those do exist).
I wasa here during the power outage, and even told a neighbor I was going to go unplug computers, but then I didn’t do it. We’ll see what happens with that one…
January 10, 2013 at 7:59 pm |
I have a whole house surge protector. Even though around here lines are mostly underground, lightning can be pretty ferocious; transformer blowups like yours can happen at any time and create surges as well.
If your desktop is toast, I would recommend that you not get another. Instead get a beefy laptop or one of the new All-In-Ones (AIOs). I wouldn’t know what to advise W7 vs W8 — these days that’s such a religious question. I have some running W8 and some running W7. If you go with W8 (and retailers may not give you a choice), make absolutely sure that you get a machine with a touch screen. Most of the whinging about W8 come from those running it on older H/W.