I feel that being able to type is very important just to get comfortable with computers in general, but there is no real need to go above 50wpm since you'll never really need to type faster than that when you're working on any real projects (e.g. programming, writing papers, etc...). I can type at a bit over 100wpm with almost full accuracy (since everyone seems to be bragging about their own typing speeds). I think it's a neat skill to have to impress newbies, but I don't think that I'm any more of a computer expert just because I can type fast.
http://typera.tk/
This is an amazing online typing test that auto-generates random sentences for you to type. This way, your fingers don't get used to typing the same words over and over again, thus giving you the false impression that your typing speed has improved. I remember on old tests, I could train my muscles to type the same things over and over again, thus fooling myself into thinking that my typing speed improved:)
I type away on this applet when I want to relax (weird, eh?) after working for too long.
I just bought an IBM Thinkpad R50.
The thing is like a tank, and it has insane battery life. The battery is so big that it sticks out the back, but it lasts a good 4-5 hours on regular use with a wireless ethernet blazing. If you turn down the brightness on the 15" LCD screen (amazing 1400x1050 res.) and turn off the wireless ethernet, it will easily last 6-7 hours. I've noticed that the biggest power hog is the built-in wireless card.
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I feel that being able to type is very important just to get comfortable with computers in general, but there is no real need to go above 50wpm since you'll never really need to type faster than that when you're working on any real projects (e.g. programming, writing papers, etc...). I can type at a bit over 100wpm with almost full accuracy (since everyone seems to be bragging about their own typing speeds). I think it's a neat skill to have to impress newbies, but I don't think that I'm any more of a computer expert just because I can type fast. http://typera.tk/ This is an amazing online typing test that auto-generates random sentences for you to type. This way, your fingers don't get used to typing the same words over and over again, thus giving you the false impression that your typing speed has improved. I remember on old tests, I could train my muscles to type the same things over and over again, thus fooling myself into thinking that my typing speed improved :)
I type away on this applet when I want to relax (weird, eh?) after working for too long.
I just bought an IBM Thinkpad R50. The thing is like a tank, and it has insane battery life. The battery is so big that it sticks out the back, but it lasts a good 4-5 hours on regular use with a wireless ethernet blazing. If you turn down the brightness on the 15" LCD screen (amazing 1400x1050 res.) and turn off the wireless ethernet, it will easily last 6-7 hours. I've noticed that the biggest power hog is the built-in wireless card.