Have you ever thought about how much time is lost waiting for your computer to turn on each day?  This weekend, the NY Times published an article discussing major computer companies (Dell, HP) who are developing:

“…quick start computers that allow you to access to basic functions like e-mail and a Web browser in 30 seconds or less.”

…obviously a great technical feature I think everyone would appreciate.

However from a sociological perspective, it made me think of my own process and behavior each time I turn on my computer. Do you sit and stare at the screen and watch? I don’t. In fact, I get so impatient with the fact I have to wait — I do everything I can to do something productive while I wait for my machine to boot. At work, I’ll grab something to drink, skimming my project notes or arrange my desk. At home I’ll start my laundry, do quick house/room cleaning, fix a quick snack, fire a couple text messages off or make a quick phone call.

Now I might be the 1% of the population who even care to be cognitive of my time and it’s implications to my productivity — however, I’m still curious what other people do? I can’t stand it. What do you do?