Laptop Love

I thought it would be fitting to write a follow up to my last post, written while on the Bangor-Belfast train. I had planned to type this follow up on the Belfast-London plane. However, as I’m sure many of you are aware, due to the security restrictions, I was parted from my darling laptop as he was hidden in the hold.

Despite the snooty man informing me they would be extra careful with laptop bags, he was returned to me rather battered. I have since bought a laptop skin cover to protect him further. My laptop now has a skin that reminds me rather of a wet suit. Laptop will not be swimming. Ever.

I am not really that surprised to find myself having some problems with the security measures. I have no issues at all about bringing only my wallet and travel documents on the plane, other than the fact I was slightly bored. (For the record, the BMI in flight magazine was much more interesting than the FlyBe one.) My quibble was more over being separated from my laptop, mp3 player and mobile phone. I’m of the battery powered information generation.

It’s true you can’t actually use your mobile phone on the plane, but I think it’s more of a confidence thing. A bit like being stripped of your bra, I feel a bit naked without it. And while there is no guarantee I will even use the laptop during the 55 minute flight, it is comforting to have it close at hand, lest the person beside me wants to engage in conversation. The mp3 player speaks for itself – I go mad at the sound of those little air conditioning spouts that blow cold air at you, and make the noise of 4 generators doing it. Anything to block it out.

I tried to consider it an in-flight technological detox, but I feel it didn’t work. I felt like a worried parent waiting by the baggage claim, and I did get some funny looks when I hugged my bag when it appeared. If anything, my technology nakedness just reminded me how much I need my little wonders.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and hug my laptop in the manner of a crazed woman stealing a baby.