The Pi / kindle solution looks fun, but I agree - I wish there was a simple external screen solution perhaps
Ask HN: Coding outdoors
11–20 of 56 posts
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#12I would think a tablet along with a wireless keyboard would be the best option if you are looking for something small. A tablet with a data-connection even better. The biggest problem would be a good enough screen to use in the sunlight.
I have this "travel" setup of a:
- Omni 10 HP tablet (mid-class) - Bluetooth KBD - Pen
You can really do some work in various of places. I personally write a lot, thus it helps. Not to mention it can open all websites without a problem and if needed, supports desktop apps.
Drawback is the low visibility under direct sunlight.
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#13If you're working on your own projects or freelance, all you need is a bit of shade. Depending where you are then using mosquito coils, once the sun goes down, is a good idea.
I was in Ubud, Bali earlier last for a few months and worked in my garden under an awning. ( photo here: http://goo.gl/p1HdNG ). The garden had a power socket. Nicest working location I've had! On the downside wifi could be a bit spotty and there were occasional power outages.
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#14At least in Thailand, most beach bars have both wifi and power outlets these days. Even on small islands, they have surprisingly good satellite Internet.
Even on a Macbook Air, the screen is bright enough for me to code during the day (in the shade). As a bonus, you have an unlimited supply of alpha testers for whatever you create!
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#15A couple of years back I bought a MacBook Pro with the antiglare display for this very reason. It was great to be able to work in the garden, in theory, but then you realise MBPs have/had awful battery life, especially in the sun, and when they get hot they're literally painful to work on. Oops.
Would love a simple, cheap, tiny Linux netbook with high quality keyboard & trackpad. Resigned myself to the fact that I'll always need a Mac for design (Sketch etc), but I oculd happily hack on code in Arch.
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#16I've had a lot of success with my MBP and a cellular modem.
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#17Try it and see - experiment with different setups, equipment, locales and work out what suits you best
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#18At least in Thailand, most beach bars have both wifi and power outlets these days. Even on small islands, they have surprisingly good satellite Internet. Even on a Macbook Air, the screen is bright enough for me to code during the day (in the shade). As a bonus, you have an unlimited supply of alpha testers for whatever you create!
What's your total monthly expenditure including shelter, food, drink, entertainment, supplies, travel, insurance, upkeep, etc.?
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#19Is the screen in google glass big enough or bright enough to work on? Ideally, it would be nice not to have to lug around the laptop and burn your thighs. Just have a bluetooth keyboard/mouse connected to a head mounted screen system.
Re: Ask HN: Coding outdoors
#20At least in Thailand, most beach bars have both wifi and power outlets these days. Even on small islands, they have surprisingly good satellite Internet. Even on a Macbook Air, the screen is bright enough for me to code during the day (in the shade). As a bonus, you have an unlimited supply of alpha testers for whatever you create!
Airs still have TN panels, just get the cheapest 13" Pro and enter a different world of display quality (source: I own both of them).