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Permacomputing

permacomputing.net

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Re: Permacomputing

#41

Post by Tepix »

ohgr wrote: post #24
hiAndrewQuinn wrote: post #6

The best way in to permacomputing, imo, continues to be: Get an old used Thinkpad. Put Linux or one of the BSDs on it. Use low-resource options: LDXE, i3wm. Go about your business driving this thing however you want to. Learn to live within its limits. This is truly the computer as bicycle for the mind.

If you like staying in a post-soviet hostel, that's perfect. I rather like something comfortable these days, so I'll stick with my M1 MacBook Pro. The creature comforts genuinely make my life better so I'm willing to pay for them.

I'm using an M1 Macbook myself, but from a Permacomputing standpoint it's rather terrible. Everything is soldered, nothing can be fixed, replaced or expanded.

Re: Permacomputing

#42

Post by Tepix »

markus_zhang wrote: post #17
hiAndrewQuinn wrote: post #6

The best way in to permacomputing, imo, continues to be: Get an old used Thinkpad. Put Linux or one of the BSDs on it. Use low-resource options: LDXE, i3wm. Go about your business driving this thing however you want to. Learn to live within its limits. This is truly the computer as bicycle for the mind.

Nowadays I only purchase used mobile workstations. I can get a 32GB Dell under 700 CAD including tax and delivery. It was really a deal. New laptops are so expensive and unreliable that they might actually break down sonner than my used ones...

They use a ton of electricity. Probaby not sustainable for most (unless you have lots of solar)

Re: Permacomputing

#43

Post by Tepix »

hiAndrewQuinn wrote: post #6

The best way in to permacomputing, imo, continues to be: Get an old used Thinkpad. Put Linux or one of the BSDs on it. Use low-resource options: LDXE, i3wm. Go about your business driving this thing however you want to. Learn to live within its limits. This is truly the computer as bicycle for the mind.

Maybe we should challenge ourselves more! Here are the Plan 9 4th edition system requirements:

https://plan9-4th-edition-tutorial.readthedocs.io/en/latest/...

- 90 MHz or greater Intel/ARM 32-bit processor

- 32 MiB of RAM (system memory for physical and viritualized installs)

- SVGA capable of 800x600 screen resolution or greater

- Network connection

- 300 MiB of storage (SD, IDE, SATA, SAS)

- Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for booting the installer media

Re: Permacomputing

#44

Post by ohgr »

Tepix wrote: post #41
ohgr wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you like staying in a post-soviet hostel, that's perfect. I rather like something comfortable these days, so I'll stick with my M1 MacBook Pro. The creature comforts genuinely make my life better so I'm willing to pay for them.

I'm using an M1 Macbook myself, but from a Permacomputing standpoint it's rather terrible. Everything is soldered, nothing can be fixed, replaced or expanded.

You can buy parts for it absolutely no problems at all so this is an exaggeration.

Re: Permacomputing

#45

Post by Tepix »

ohgr wrote: post #44
Tepix wrote: post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm using an M1 Macbook myself, but from a Permacomputing standpoint it's rather terrible. Everything is soldered, nothing can be fixed, replaced or expanded.

You can buy parts for it absolutely no problems at all so this is an exaggeration.

Ok, so how do i increase the RAM, the SSD and upgrade the CPU?

Re: Permacomputing

#46

Post by aqueueaqueue »

markus_zhang wrote: post #27
aqueueaqueue wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If I get a new non mac laptop I max out the warranties and accidental damage. Top service level. Then consider that real OG price. Without those extras you have a brick-in-waiting.

It's gonna be more expensive though. Might as well go with a Mac...

In my case 33% extra on top for 3 years coverage. Or approx a YT premium subscription.

Got the entire thing replaced in that time due to issues plus lots of micro fixes. Pays off when you get a lemon!

Having someone come to you is huge. Sending a laptop back for 6 weeks because of default warranty is a PITA and you need to source another laptop and then get it set up. As well as backup data, delete, restore etc.

For an apples to Apples comparison you should add AppleCare, since the accidental damage cover is in the price I mentioned.

Re: Permacomputing

#47

Post by ohgr »

Tepix wrote: post #45
ohgr wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can buy parts for it absolutely no problems at all so this is an exaggeration.

Ok, so how do i increase the RAM, the SSD and upgrade the CPU?

SSD is fine. I have a rework station. I haven't upgraded the other things in a computer for about 15 years.

Re: Permacomputing

#48

Post by binary132 »

I don’t think this concept really needs a brand and manifesto, especially not one that will obviously alienate anyone who isn’t a Marxist, etc., etc., etc. It’s not a tough sell to tell people that maybe the permanent revolution / forced march of planned-obsolescent tech products isn’t a good thing for most people. Slapping a bunch of “COEXIST” bumper stickers on that is a better way to slow it down than to speed it up.
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