Only My Screen Is Dead, Not Me

Just a quick heads-up that I'm still around. I haven't been writing this trip because the screen on my netbook got cracked at some point. It could have been when I dropped my backpack, or it might have been when I was packing. Anyway, replacement screens can be had for about $75, so I think I'll go that way. I'll check with MemEx and see if they can just handle everything for <$100. If not, I'll buy the screen and do it myself. Buying a new netbook is an option, but I was hoping to wait until Christmas for that (I'd like to get into a cycle where I replace my phone, my desktop and my netbook each every three years, with each one alternating). When did Dell stop allowing you to customize your computers? I mean, wasn't that *why* you bought a Dell in the first place? The only option I can see is how much Windows crap you can have preinstalled. Having grown to love Ubuntu, I'd like there to be *none*.

Anyway, the machine is still usable (I'm using it now), but it needs an external monitor.

I was hoping to do some writing too. Travelogues, gaming, some political and philosophical blogging. Hell, I've even had some requests for porn. Alas, I'm just not set up to do it.