The War Room: PC Setup Before Anime Conji 2011
This photo was taken right before we headed out for Day 1 of Anime Conji 2011. My friend is on my original PC, probably doing last-minute cosplay intelligence—securing reference images, checking con maps, or figuring out a final makeup detail.
This desk was my HQ in San Diego; I practically lived here. And I think this is the only picture of this whole setup that still exists.
Check out the detail next to the keyboard: that is a Microsoft Trackball Explorer. It was a cult classic—extremely rare and highly sought-after even by 2011. Unfortunately, mine got sticky and I had to retire it, but for a short time, it was the best pointing device I ever used.
This is the late 00s/early 10s PC experience: a big monitor, dedicated peripherals, and the machine being the central hub for all pre-con operations. No smartphone could do what this beast did.