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Bikeshedding, or why I want to build a laptop

(geohot.github.io)
224 points cspags | 3 comments | 01 Dec 25 01:08 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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MarsIronPI ◴[07 Dec 25 01:23 UTC] No.46178373[source]▶
All I want is a thinner Thinkpad X220 but with upped specs and newer ports. Framework-style upgradable motherboard would be nice but optional. The X220 already has a perfect keyboard, a mousing system that doesn't suck (sorry, I've never been happy with a trackpad: they feel too imprecise), a beautiful form factor for a laptop (if I want a laptop, I want it to be 12-14in for easiest portability), it's practically indestructible and has an array of ports that makes me wonder how people manage with just 3 USB-C ports. Maybe this is just me though.
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spankibalt ◴[07 Dec 25 06:26 UTC] No.46179612[source]▶
> "I've never been happy with a trackpad: they feel too imprecise"

Same for me, Apple included; trackpads are just a huge waste of space to me. Have to say that my hand-eye coordination is way above that of the average computer user, and my workflows involving complementary HIDs always focused on trackballs, digtizer pens, as well as gamepads/game controllers for other, non-game related stuff.

I also don't get why people still chase outdated form factors (laptops) by preference as opposed to market realities...

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1. Lio ◴[07 Dec 25 11:41 UTC] No.46181030[source]▶
I don’t know what you mean by “market realities”. If the market wanted convertible laptops it would be willing to pay more for them.

For me it’s because my workflow is keyboard driven and I fined touchscreens annoying.

On the laptops I’ve had I generally disable touchscreen because I have no use for it and it gets in the way.

I want a good screen, a decent keyboard and a good trackpad. That’s it.

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2. spankibalt ◴[07 Dec 25 11:58 UTC] No.46181121[source]▶
> "I don’t know what you mean by 'market realities'."

The reality that a certain crowd, I count myself among them, has to/or might have to choose laptops because machines in their preferred form factor either a) implement too many inacceptable but technically entirely avoidable compromises, or b) don't exist at all. That market reality. Like, when you have to settle for a laptop.

3. MarsIronPI ◴[08 Dec 25 16:51 UTC] No.46194565[source]▶
I see the appeal in having a device that's "just a screen" for e.g. reading, but my preferred reading device size is smaller than my preferred laptop size. So I have two separate devices: my X230 and my Pixel C. IMO each one is suited to its own task and I use both of them equally often.