From 48938fa42bad73f80fa900e8bde33e11473fc118 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dhananjay Balan Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2024 15:32:01 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] Update draft --- ...4-01-18-cyberdecks-(but-portable).markdown | 34 +++++++++++-------- 1 file changed, 19 insertions(+), 15 deletions(-) diff --git a/blog/2024-01-18-cyberdecks-(but-portable).markdown b/blog/2024-01-18-cyberdecks-(but-portable).markdown index a606f15..77b6731 100644 --- a/blog/2024-01-18-cyberdecks-(but-portable).markdown +++ b/blog/2024-01-18-cyberdecks-(but-portable).markdown @@ -1,29 +1,33 @@ --- layout: post -title: "Cyberdecks (but portable)" +title: "Portable computing" date: 2024-01-18 comments: true tags: cyberdeck, computing, iphone --- -I use my phone a lot, most of it for reading on the go. I also hate to do -anything else with my phone. I have spent a fair amount of time thinking about -why, but now I think I've a lead. +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 **HATE** typing on my phone. It takes too long and often filled with typos. +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 the phone. -This makes sense, I adore my phone for consuming media, reading, watching -(short) videos, mastodon. But hate doing anything else, because well ... typing. +Obviously there are more fundamental problems here than those solved by [strapping on a keyboard](https://www.clicks.tech/)[^1], explained so well by none other than Doug Engelbert[^2] -I don't think its a problem that can be solved by [strapping a keyboard to the -phone](https://www.clicks.tech/) but I'd certainly try when its available for my -phone. +> 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. -I recently had a chance to try the [mnt pocket -reform](https://www.crowdsupply.com/mnt/pocket-reform), its a fully open source -small form factor computer with a compact mechanical keyboard. This definitly got -me restarted thinking about on-the go computing. +> The consumer market prioritizes simple and “user-friendly” devices over more complex and “learnable” devices. -## Cyberdeck +Recently, I got to try a [pocket reform](https://mntre.com/media/reform_md/2022-06-20-introducing-mnt-pocket-reform.html) by mnt research. 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 rabbit hole also led me the discovering **"Cyberdecks"**. I have not read Neuromancer so I don't know what makes a something a cyberdeck; but the community seems to be building some of the coolest portable computing out there. Definitely check it out if you were living under a rock like me! +[^1]: Don't necessarily like their made for creatives branding but probably will get one when it is available for my phone. +[^2]: This is from a [99% invisible](https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/of-mice-and-men/) episode that I cannot recommend enough, I couldn't find the original quote, but I have seen multiple people reference this.