I’ve probably mentioned it before, but in case not, I have a Dell Mini. I’m actually using it to type this post (Lana is on the ‘real’ laptop.) It was purchased as the car’s computer, as in a device to leave in the WRX so I would always have a computer… you know, just in case.
My original purpose for the laptop has shifted, mostly because of the Droid, but also because of Avery. I just don’t need another internet appliance, especially one that requires the often elusive WiFi when I’m surrounded by Verizon 3G waves. So I started using the netbook as a play thing… which also meant that so did Avery.
And this is great. I really want her to have experience with computers and not be afraid of ‘hurting’ the stinking things. So let her sticky-finger the $300 laptop is a much better plan than giving her the $1000 one. Long story short, it was only natural to start using it as a media player for her in the car.
… and so begins my conundrum.
Running Ubuntu is fun and having a laptop that I ‘don’t care about’ means that I can install homebrew software, change the OS on a whim, and do whatever. Now that the Mini 9 has a purpose… one that is now essential to long car rides, I have a fear of breaking the damned thing. This really only hit me today when I decided running a build of Google’s Chrome OS would be cool.
Any of this sound familiar? I have to believe I’m not the only geek-dad out there.
Sigh – At least there is a solution… just one that keeps me (and you) from doing things on a whim. Now I need to ghost the drive of this thing. I can play all I want so long as I restore ‘Avery’s OS’ before we take trips.
It was probably a good idea before now, but today it has become an essential one. Stand by for my suggestions for performing this sort of drive image… I promise much thought and at least a few fails will go into my final solution.
