You can always justify getting a new computer. Just be creative - I "needed" a Thinkpad tablet to "help" my note taking...

that works except when you have to pay for these things out of your own pocket and you are a poor grad student.

True..the love of tech can burn a hole in ones wallet. You could charge it to your research account =) Hope you end up getting one!

I'm having my parents bring up an old computer they've got in storage this weekend. I'll try to create some magic on the ancient thing.