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Rebuilding the Computer Room

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Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#21

Post by noir_lord »

The way he describes using his computer (dedicated PC, laptop in drawer, phone left on charge) is exactly how I use my tech and always have (as phones and laptops became more portable/available).

I'm in the weird position of been a programmer who likes computers and dislikes basically all other consumer technology (phones, laptops, consoles, most domestic smart devices etc).

I don't like interruptions, technology serves the user not the other way around and should always be pull not push (in my personal opinion).

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#22

Post by hnlmorg »

Cthulhu_ wrote: post #13
hnlmorg wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That’s the entire point of why people use a smartphone as their primary device: they don’t want the hassle of having to use a computer. And for normal people (ie not the readership of HN), using a computer is a chore.

I agree that it can be a chore, but more like, I'll use a real computer for serious tasks like doing my taxes, administration, planning vacations, etc.

But if you aren’t technical and everything is done online, then it’s easier for non-techies to do it on their phone.

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#23

Post by hnlmorg »

aidanbeck wrote: post #18
Cthulhu_ wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree that it can be a chore, but more like, I'll use a real computer for serious tasks like doing my taxes, administration, planning vacations, etc.

This is still the case for non-techie Millennials and older. But for the younger generations who might have grown up with a smartphone as their only personal device, the distinction of task importance determining the platform has disappeared.

Is it just the younger generation? I’ve seen all generations favour their phone over a laptop for anything that needs to be done online. Which is basically everything.

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#24

Post by c22 »

Aldipower wrote: post #5

My working computer still is a stationary desktop computer. I still need to go somewhere to use a real computer. Love that. I do not like smartphones. Surveillance devices.

Some time ago I realized it was actually helpful to set up multiple workstations so the place I go to write code isn't the same as the place I go to browse hn and watch youtube.

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#25

Post by dijit »

noir_lord wrote: post #21

The way he describes using his computer (dedicated PC, laptop in drawer, phone left on charge) is exactly how I use my tech and always have (as phones and laptops became more portable/available). I'm in the weird position of been a programmer who likes computers and dislikes basically all other consumer technology (phones, laptops, consoles, most domestic smart devices etc). I don't like interruptions, technology ser…

You're not alone.

I think everything peaked in 2014, phones were firmly "second" devices and there was a lower expectation that people were glued to them constantly.

Laptops had crappy batteries and performed significantly worse for more money, so were only used by the dedicated. (or, the rich in the case of some software devs in SV/London).

Most people still had desktops and using computers was its own "thing", then you went away and lived your life.

Now we're terminally online, internet culture is the pervading culture of the west... I've never liked computers less than now... but I still love computers :(

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#26

Post by jolt42 »

noir_lord wrote: post #21

The way he describes using his computer (dedicated PC, laptop in drawer, phone left on charge) is exactly how I use my tech and always have (as phones and laptops became more portable/available). I'm in the weird position of been a programmer who likes computers and dislikes basically all other consumer technology (phones, laptops, consoles, most domestic smart devices etc). I don't like interruptions, technology ser…

I didn't carry a cell phone for long enough (I do now) that people looked at me like I was nuts. I viewed a cell phone the same way most people thought of a pager (remember those things?) - for other people's convenience, not mine. If I am talking to someone in the hall, they will answer their phone, like people that call are more important? Thankfully I think people have realized that - some of the time.

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#27

Post by crassus_ed »

dijit wrote: post #25
noir_lord wrote: post #21

The way he describes using his computer (dedicated PC, laptop in drawer, phone left on charge) is exactly how I use my tech and always have (as phones and laptops became more portable/available). I'm in the weird position of been a programmer who likes computers and dislikes basically all other consumer technology (phones, laptops, consoles, most domestic smart devices etc). I don't like interruptions, technology ser…

You're not alone. I think everything peaked in 2014, phones were firmly "second" devices and there was a lower expectation that people were glued to them constantly. Laptops had crappy batteries and performed significantly worse for more money, so were only used by the dedicated. (or, the rich in the case of some software devs in SV/London). Most people still had desktops and using computers was its own "thing", then…

I have the feeling many more people feel similar. I loved the intentionality of sitting behind your computer with purpose back then. There was always something you’d want to do and when that was done you’d search for the next thing to do.

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#28

Post by mhurron »

hnlmorg wrote: post #23
aidanbeck wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is still the case for non-techie Millennials and older. But for the younger generations who might have grown up with a smartphone as their only personal device, the distinction of task importance determining the platform has disappeared.

Is it just the younger generation? I’ve seen all generations favour their phone over a laptop for anything that needs to be done online. Which is basically everything.

Of course they do, it is one device that is convenient to use and does everything they need it to.

Most people really do not need the dedicated device, whether it's a laptop or desktop, to use the Internet they way they want to.

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#29

Post by swiftcoder »

TacticalCoder wrote: post #20

> Laptops became more convenient for more types of task, and soon they were good enough to be your primary computing device. > My primary computer is now a desktop with a large monitor, ... I own several laptops: they're simply inferior computing devices due to their mediocre screen and pathetic keyboards. I'm laying on the couch while typing this on a laptop. That's what it's good for. My actual workstation has a 38…

> I own several laptops: they're simply inferior computing devices due to their mediocre screen and pathetic keyboards

This is the kind of problem that can be remedied using a cable and a suitable docking station, anytime you are near the desk.

I think, weirdly, the problem with modern laptops is the opposite - the screens and keyboards (particularly on flagship models) are good enough that 90% of the time you don't need the 38" monitor or the mechanical keyboard. Which leads to them invading spaces far from your desk, like your couch, or your bed...

Re: Rebuilding the Computer Room

#30

Post by Aldipower »

c22 wrote: post #24
Aldipower wrote: post #5

My working computer still is a stationary desktop computer. I still need to go somewhere to use a real computer. Love that. I do not like smartphones. Surveillance devices.

Some time ago I realized it was actually helpful to set up multiple workstations so the place I go to write code isn't the same as the place I go to browse hn and watch youtube.

Yes, as an computer addictive (like me), this is also a great strategy. In my basement I set up a computer just for music production, nothing else. Right besides the modern production computer is my Atari ST I do sequencing with. This thing even doesn't have a network connection (although it would be possible).
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