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Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

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Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#11

Post by nicolaslem »

PaulHoule wrote: post #2

I would turn it the other way around. So many underpowered devices are produced that sit in drawers, collect dust, and end up in the landfill. For instance Intel makes "atom" devices that if they don't die early because of design flaws, they die early because they aren't really useful. There was a time when Intel was interested in having you buy a new computer because it was the best computer you ever had, now they a…

Are you talking about the Atom line of Intel CPUs? If so, I don't really understand this comment.

Atoms are used in all kind of applications where low(ish) power x86 is required. They even support ECC RAM making them great fit for NAS and embedded servers deployed in the field.

They may not shine as a general purpose CPU but they are definitely not ewaste.

Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#12

Post by ahelwer »

There is such a staggering quantity of electronics (or just stuff, generally) wasted that if you're putting something to literally any use at all - like your ipad clock - then you're miles better than standard.

I also encourage everyone to be aggressive in putting things on the used market, or even giving it away for free (commonly in those local facebook "buy nothing" groups). For a lot of mass-produced things you can view the used market as a storage space. Sell/give it away one year, and if you need it the next year you'll probably be able to find someone else doing the same. On the flip side, avoid buying new stuff. Try to only buy used electronics, especially.

Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#14

Post by i_am_proteus »

Think about buses and trucks. They have enormous motors that are often idling, or not running at full capacity when the vehicle isn't accelerating up inclines on the freeway.

It's okay to not use full capacity all the time because demand is varied and intermittent.

Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#15

Post by prettyStandard »

valar_m wrote: post #10

Reckless and wholly unqualified armchair psychologist here. Seems like this isn't really about wasted compute power at all and more about feeling like you aren't working on something that matters.

As someone who this also bothers. That might be right.

Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#17

Post by JohnFen »

I feel the same!

My friends even tease me because in my hobby microcontroller-based electronics projects, I'll put the wimpiest microcontroller that will do the job instead of just slapping an R-Pi or Arduino board in them. I defend myself on the basis on minimizing power requirements, but really, I just can't bear to see capabilities go to waste.

Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#18

Post by luluthefirst »

I feel bad and impatient when my devices struggle to keep up, so in my ideal world, I should always under utilize them.

Your managers might be perfectly right to use a MBP because they get the best display for checking emails and browsing the Internet all day in a thin, solid and secure laptop.

Not all computer needs are measured in a CPU benchmark!

Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#19

Post by digitalsushi »

no i really dont

it doesnt make me feel bad when my boiler isnt burning diesel as fast as it can

or that my car is literally not even running right now

or that i am not cramming for certifications and new languages

or that my siblings are not working out or at college

or that my laptop is waiting for instructions from me instead of me waiting for it

Re: Ask HN: Do you feel bad when devices aren't utilized to the extreme?

#20

Post by mmphosis »

Yes. Why can’t I use the radio transmitter/receiver in my phone as a fully programmable HAM radio? Why can’t I very easily replace the battery with a better and standardized battery? Why can’t I compile directly to microcode? Why can’t I boot from a camera drive, and eliminate the need for ROM?
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