I think a computer is essential in today's world. It is like living without a Refrigerator, microwave, or God forbid...television .
I would definitely keep one of them.
Don't have a microwave, can easily go a week without turning TV on - it would be a toss up between the computer and the fridge - and worryingly, I think I'd consider it a reasonable trade to have to go shopping every day as opposed to losing the computer... hmm, that makes the kitchen bigger!