08-14-2005, 01:36 PM
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Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
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Tech Sabbatical Status Report - Halfway There!
Well, I don't know how many have wondered, but I thought you all might like a quick blurb on how I'm doing on the tech sabbatical I undertook in July to end October 1. So far so good actually, with a few exceptions that I think were warranted:
1. I purchased some CD-R's in late July, as well as a case & belt holster for my cell phone. Total cost of all 3 was around $40.
2. Every August, as part of my yearly home network maintenance, I re-configure my in home server farm (The true test of geekness, how many test servers do you have at home?) Why August you say? Well as any academic knows, August is a great time to do things you know you won't have time to do from September - December! My re-install media is on DVD, and I had no DVD reader for actual desktop computers. I picked one up on Ebay for $20, and it will become a floating reader for my 3 servers. Since the purpose of my tech sabbatical was to avoid impulse technology purchases (i.e. $20 here and there for software, PPC accessories, PPCs, etc..), I believe this is justified.
Unfortunately, in August maintenance, my spreadsheet was lost where I was tracking this stuff. From memory, I know I had totaled up around $100 - $150 of savings in not buying software / accessories. There were quite a few temptations...
1. Jason mentioned 4smartphone, which looked really really nice to have. Unfortunately, at $80 for years worth of service, it would have been a for-sure no-no on the sabbatical. My solution - reconfigure my in-house servers to do much the same thing for free (just a pain to configure...)
2. Less than 3 friggin days after I went on this thing, Reef Wars was priced at $1. Normally this wouldn't have been even a thought - buy and play, but I held off.
3. Innobeck SideWindow was released, software that I believe I would really enjoy using at work where my PPC is right next to my flat panel and would make a great home for Trillian. Since I can't buy, I'm not even letting myself play with this one for temptation, so I'll download a trial in October.
4. System Admin Appreciation day rolled around, and quite frankly, I appreciate myself enough that I would have probably bought something off my wishlist at ThinkGeek.
5. I posted a link to a review on the Game AncientEvil, that would have been a definitely download and most likely buy.
6. There were a few Smartphone apps I would have snagged, as well as a few deals at local stores, however the specifics have been forgotten.
All in all, I think I'm doing a fairly good job, and have noticed a difference in my monthly bottom line for July - a good thing. A few major challenges lie ahead of me. My servers need a bit of retrofitting since one hasn't been upgraded since June of 2001 (Ever see a P2 350 Mhz running Windows 2000 Server? It isn't pretty... but is functional), so I need to keep an eye on myself to be sure that any expenditures are logical, not impulsive, and serve the greater good job wise (i.e. I need email to work, I don't need to play new games or burn DVDs).
I know I had a few supporters early on, anyone stay with me on it? Anyone inspired to join up for the last 47 days?
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Dr. Jon Westfall, MCSE, MS-MVP
Executive Editor - Android Thoughts
News Editor - Windows Phone Thoughts
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08-14-2005, 02:14 PM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 866
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Sounds like your doing pretty well!
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08-14-2005, 03:09 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4
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sabbatical
I have had a pocketpc for about a year and you got mt thinking about how much money I've spent in softwear--alot! I decided to get the 2004 softwear package from pocketpc magazine so I can play w/o the continued financial drain. Thanks for the reminder.
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08-14-2005, 04:21 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,341
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Good going, Jon! You must be hoping and praying that none of the WM5.0 devices hit the shelves before Oct. 1st. 
Dave
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08-14-2005, 04:44 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 60
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I may be cheating
okay this sounds like a lot of fun...i have considered but i just went on a shopping spree over the past 4 weeks so it may not be fair.
~ Samsung i730
~ Philips 32" LCD HDTV
~ All the SPB software ititles
~ Ultimate Ears EB in_ear_canal bids
~ Sony DSC M-1 digital camera
~ 2 1GB Mem Stick Duos
~ 2 new suits 10 shirts 6 ties
~ 2 new allen edmonds shoes from the Nordy's sale
I am depressed now to see the amex balance....
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08-14-2005, 05:57 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 54
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Jon, good job! I can't imagine the amount of temptations you face on a daily basis given the amount a tech your already possess (server farm).
Squeeze, nice shopping spree!
I too have falling under the spell of the i730, the only thing causing me to wait is the possibility of a camera version. (although, that is less likely now) My only tech purchase has been a copy of M$ Money Premium so I can figure out where all my money is going! 
This of course, should help me to buy more tech!
Mark
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08-14-2005, 07:52 PM
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,878
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I haven't bought ANYTHING since I decided to join you! Nya, nya, nya! 
__________________
"My eyes are rolling back in my head so far I can see my grey matter bubbling and frothing from reading this thread....bleh." JD
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08-14-2005, 09:49 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 74
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I must be a real Geek
I have four servers at home for break and fix pleasure.
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08-14-2005, 11:09 PM
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Mystic
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,520
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Good going Jon,
I love it when people (especially myself) take matters into their own hands and prove that they are in control.
A week ago I found myself in withdraw from caffeine because I was too busy to get a cup of coffee. So I decided to go caffeine free for a few days.
Anyway, it sounds like you're on track. Keep up the good work.
__________________
Phone: Nexus one Backup Phone: AT&T Samsung Jack; Future Phone: I'm Watching WP7; Media Player: Platinum Zune HD 32GB; Home Server: HP MediaSmart Server LX195 Console: XBox 360, PS3, Wii |
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08-14-2005, 11:14 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 718
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Spreadsheet lost? Irony - using technology to keep track of your sabbatical from technology
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Linear Mode
