Help Elio get a new laptop computer!

Hi and good tidings! Thanks for taking the time to check out this campaign!

My name is Elio Abdullah, and I'm a 27-year-old transgender artist living in East Malaysia. For the last three years now, I've been on the freelance life, and most of what earnings I can get has gone to sustaining myself and my family (mostly being self-sufficient so my parents can focus on my younger two siblings, while also doing what I can to help with bills).

Because of this, my laptop is practically my lifeblood. I've been using this current laptop for a couple of years now, as long as I've been starting with my freelance work. But it's starting to show signs of ageing, and it's gotten me anxious; unless I replace this laptop or repair it, I will lose at least three years' worth of work - personal and commissioned work from others.

Here are several reasons why I need a new laptop:

1. A way to connect to the world

I am a closeted trans man. Although right now I cannot feasibly leave my home without removing my (current) dependencies, my laptop is my way to communicate with other trans people like me, and find a strong and positive support system where my current environment couldn't provide. I plan to leave this household at some point, but I would rather earn it myself for now.

It also helps me network and connect with potential clients, be it individuals or companies. This is crucial for my work and my eventual business that I am currently building with what little capital I have!

2. To upgrade my work and empower my portfolio

My current computer has served me very well for the last 3 or so years. But I'd love to do more with it. I want to be able to do video editing and motion graphics to upgrade my portfolio in the near future, and this computer isn't powerful enough to handle such things. With a more powerful computer, I'll be able to do these things without the computer lagging so much.

3. Portability

I travel for work a lot, either between here and a small office workspace that I've acquired through government incentive, and travelling from Miri to Kuala Lumpur for events in which I participate in artist alleys. While I do own a powerful enough desktop computer to handle my needs in reason number 2, it does not have the portability that I require when travelling. I need to have the full capability of a PC with the ease of use and access.

Why not get an iPad?

An iPad would be feasible enough too, but it's too much of a luxury item for me and I do need to have the full functionality of a PC that the iPad wouldn't be able to provide. Plus, an iPad doesn't have the same storage capacities as a laptop PC.

What happens to this old PC?

Some of the funds will be used to replace this computer's hard disk drive and will be passed to my youngest brother, who also needs a laptop of his own and has asked if he could have mine.

Fund Breakdown

This is what the fund will go to:

$60 - Purchase a new hard disk drive for my current computer.

$1190 - will go to purchasing a new laptop, and if there are any left over, to some peripherals such as a simple camera and a stand to record traditional work. If there is any left over from that still, it will go to a charity of my choice.

Will I get anything in return for funding?

Absolutely! You will receive rewards based on how much you donate. A $50 or more donation will allow you to receive a thank-you card and sticker as thanks from me! Because of this, please provide an up-to-date shipping address.