---
layout: post
title: "Experiments in Portable computing"
date: 2024-01-18
comments: true
tags: cyberdeck, computing, iphone
---

I use my phone a lot. Its the best for consuming media on the go sort of things, like reading, watching videos etc. Always on, always connected, ready to whip out in a moments notice!

I also hate using my phone for anything else: for a long time the reasons have eluded me, but this time I have a lead -- I **hate** typing on my phone.

Obviously there are more fundamental problems here than those solved by [strapping on a keyboard](https://www.clicks.tech/)[^1], explained so well by this quote from [99% Percent invisible episode](https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/of-mice-and-men/) about Douglas Englebart -

> The consumer market prioritizes simple and “user-friendly” devices over more complex and “learnable” devices.

They elaborate further

> Englebart used to compare the sleek, simplified Apple products to a tricycle. You don’t need any special training to operate a tricycle, and that’s fine if you’re just going to go around the block. If you’re trying to go up a hill or go a long distance, you want a real bike. The kind with gears and brakes– the kind that takes time to learn how to steer and balance on.

Recently, I got to try a [pocket reform](https://mntre.com/media/reform_md/2022-06-20-introducing-mnt-pocket-reform.html). For the uninitiated, its a 7" pocket sized (arguably, depending on what kind of pockets you have) computer. It is a nifty little device with a lot of cool factor, including a compact mechanical keyboard and more or less running blob free software stack! 

This got me thinking: *Is it worthwhile to compromise extreme portability to gain learnability and configuration?* 

A device like pocket reform is not going to be as good as my phone for quickly reading through my reading list, at least not out of the box. Would I still prefer to stick with my phone? Obviously the answer is going to personal and subjective, but I believe its worthwhile to try!

Pocket reforms are currently only sold through the crown supply store in US, so I decided to wait until MNT starts selling them from their EU store, and spent the waiting time maybe hacking alternatives a bit -- Can I strap a [Blackberry Keyboard](https://www.solder.party/docs/bbq20kbd/) to my phone? [Running mainline linux](https://postmarketos.org/) with the stack you are used to seems fun etc etc. Honestly, I needed some deliberation before dropping a cool grand on an experiment.

Also, after going through bit of internet searching, the options are not as limited as I thought; there are bunch of manufactures trying to make devices in this form factor: GPD seems to be the most popular, there are [also no-name products](https://www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-pocket-laptop.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.search.0) with [at least one very happy HN reader](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39013008).

This nerdary also led me discover **"Cyberdecks"**. I have not read Neuromancer so I don't know what makes something a cyberdeck; but the community seems to be [building some of the coolest portable computing](https://www.reddit.com/r/cyberDeck/top/?sort=top&t=year) out there. Definitely check it out if you were living under a rock like me!


[^1]: Still, probably would try it when becomes avaible for my phone and comes down from its > $100 pricetag. 
