What can you tell about a person from their computer?

I decided to change up my routine today and headed to Barnes and Noble instead of my usual Starbucks. Upon arrival, I notified Kelli of the change and completed my required assessment of the men in the room.

Me: Here's the scoop—4 military guys, another man in late 30s (job undetermined), one couple, one woman with a son, one woman reading a book I've never heard of.

Kelli: Undetermined - mmm. What is he reading?

Me: He’s not. He's using a 14" Asus laptop. Screen facing away from me.

Kelli: What can you tell about a person from their computer? I do not know this.

Me: I have no idea. Let me think...

Usually you can tell if he knows anything about technology. HP and Dell (if not a Tough Book) are usually not as good as Sony or Toshiba. I'm unfamiliar with Asus, but I think it's a low-end, functional laptop--budget-friendly and good for a low-demand user. Or maybe that's Acer?

If he uses a mouse that plugs into the USB ports and he's not some kind of graphic artist, then he spends little time on computers and is mostly unfamiliar with them.

You can tell income-level by what he carries the laptop in. If it's a bookbag, it can either be something sturdy like Jansport, or something crappy. Crappy = low income or low concern for electronics. Super expensive bags with padded shoulders and mesh to allow your shoulders to "breathe" generally indicates trying too hard, afraid of breaking a gadget that's mostly foreign to the user. A neat neoprene sleeve in a modest, practical bag is best, indicating a user who is comfortable with technology and practical.

Wow, I feel like a nerdy version of Elaine.

Kelli: Where did you learn all that?

Me: Heh, I just made it all up. :)

Kelli: ...