The Technically Challenged Newsletter

"Tech made easy", exploring topics around technology in general, programming, learning to code, career growth, learning new technologies, tips and tricks, personal growth

The hottest Substack posts of The Technically Challenged Newsletter

And their main takeaways

Buying an iPad Pro for coding was a mistake

311 HN points • 29 Jun 23

🕹 Technology Gadgets Coding Software Accessories Performance

The iPad Pro can be used for various tasks like writing, music production, and video editing.
Coding on an iPad depends on the type of coding and development environment you need.
Consider the cost, user-friendliness of shortcuts, and screen size when deciding on buying an iPad in 2023.

Frustrating Apple Watch “features”

2 HN points • 26 Feb 24

🕹 Technology Wearables Smart Devices Hardware

The Apple Watch offers useful features like Siri, timers, weather updates, and fitness tracking.
The 'Raise to Speak' feature for Siri and the new double tap gesture on the Apple Watch can be frustrating due to inconsistencies and delays.
Reliability is key, with both features on the Apple Watch not working consistently, making user experience less than optimal.

Debugging my daughter’s broken e-reader

4 HN points • 07 Oct 23

🕹 Technology Repair Troubleshooting Hardware DIY

Initial troubleshooting steps included charging the e-reader, performing soft and full resets, and checking the charging port and battery.
Hardware debugging involved attempting to fix the charging port and then replacing the battery when the issue persisted.
The repair process required creative solutions like using a different battery and making adjustments to ensure the e-reader was functional.

“Creative” ways to use a $30 Wyze camera

12 HN points • 03 Oct 22

Use a $30 Wyze camera for pest catching and monitoring pets.
Detect unusual behavior like food theft or over-proofing sourdough.
The Wyze camera can help troubleshoot home issues like a broken water heater.

My $40 Coding Bootcamp

2 HN points • 16 Apr 23

🕹 Technology Online Courses Software Engineering Web Development

The author chose a self-taught $40 coding bootcamp due to financial constraints and time commitments.
The author utilized online resources like Udemy courses on web development to learn coding skills.
Reflecting on the experience, the author would seek mentorship earlier, build more personal projects, and focus on algorithms and data structures sooner.

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Why someone might not have Netflix

1 HN point • 10 May 23

🎭️ Culture TV shows Streaming services Reading Entertainment

Children always want to watch shows, which can conflict with family values like reading and creativity
If a streaming service isn't being used much by the whole family, it might not be worth the cost
Sometimes cutting popular services that don't align with personal values or lifestyles can be beneficial

Do non-tech things, preferably physical

2 HN points • 30 Sep 22

Engage in non-tech, physical activities to balance screen time.
Exploring hobbies like baking bread can provide a break from work and technology.
Regular exercise, like weightlifting, can boost energy and mood while offsetting the sedentary nature of work.

The next smallest thing

1 HN point • 22 Feb 23

🕹 Technology Software Engineering Problem Solving Complexity

Tackle the next smallest thing to keep some sanity in work and life.
Break down complex tasks by asking small questions, learning concepts incrementally, and taking small actions.
In complex situations, focus on answering, learning, or doing the next smallest thing to make progress.