Only Use Old Computers
The article promotes using older computers, especially pre-2008 models, highlighting their durability, repairability, and cost-effectiveness while criticizing modern technology's fragility and built-in spyware. It suggests switching to Linux.
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The article advocates for the use of older computers, particularly models from 2008 or earlier, arguing that most users do not need modern technology. It criticizes the consumer electronics industry for promoting the idea that new computers are necessary, highlighting that only specific professional tasks require the latest hardware. The author emphasizes the durability and repairability of older models, particularly ThinkPads, which are designed for enterprise use and are easier to maintain than modern laptops. The article also points out the issues with modern computers, such as their fragility, built-in spyware like Intel's Management Engine, and the challenges of using proprietary software and drivers. The author suggests that many common computer problems can be resolved by switching to Linux, which runs efficiently on older hardware. Overall, the piece encourages users to reconsider their reliance on modern computers and to explore the benefits of older, more affordable options.
- Most users can effectively use computers from 2008 or earlier.
- Older ThinkPads are durable, repairable, and cost-effective.
- Modern computers often have built-in spyware and are designed to be less repairable.
- Switching to Linux can alleviate many common computer issues.
- The consumer electronics industry promotes unnecessary upgrades for profit.
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7 commentsSadly its hard to get away from "massive electron apps" these days if you have a job. I appreciate the sentiment but you're going to have to shift a lot of corporate mindset to get that to happen
I'm a Software professional - most reading this are also. We get paid pretty well in general. I don't compromise on my tools, my hardware, my monitors, etc. I buy software tools that make me happy, better IDE's, licenses to tools I find useful, etc.
This mindset that a "good" software engineer should be a cheap bastard is insane to me. I respect my craft such that I'm willing to pay OTHERS that develop good software, and good hardware. I buy the most expensive computer I can afford. Period. You want to get by on some old boat anchor? You have something to prove? Fuck you. You don't respect yourself.
My Macbook pro has the fastest 4TB SSD you'll ever see. I use about half of it.. so what. I get no brownie points for "using all of my disk" More is better. I can run dozens of apps simultaneously -- I have so many apps running I can't count them. I rarely reboot -- get annoyed when I have to.
I could probably "get by' with less of a machine, but fuck that. I live my laptop, and I can run 4 full screen large format monitors with it.
Have some self respect. You are a professional, buy yourself professional tools. Nobody gives a shit that you are some cheapskate that "gets by" with less.
I do it because I only very rarely need the sort of grunt that would make an older computer struggle, the cost is substantially lower, and reusing what's already built is better for everyone than buying something new and letting perfectly usable equipment go into the waste stream just because it's not the new shiny anymore.
> More recent computers, however are non-removable spyware by design and, yes, the NSA can monitor any machine with a Management Engine.
lol nevermind
but, display quality and battery life have improved dramatically on new systems. i’ll probably use my m1 mac studio for at least 3 more years, long after the m4 comes out, since it’s plenty fast and drives two 6k displays. i guess i’m just a soydev but no computer from 2008 can do that
Has he gone full Orthodox monk and withdrawn from the modern world to some monastery up in the mountains in Serbia?
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