The hottest Computer Hardware Substack posts right now

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MicroTimes Interviews Lord British (1986)

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Computer Hardware
  1. Ambitious games can still be built on 8-bit machines by using assembly, modular code, and clever memory tricks to add bigger worlds and bitmap graphics within tight limits like 64K.
  2. Future hardware should prioritize a fast CPU, strong graphics and sound chips, and lots of RAM (at least 1MB); while 68000 systems and CD-ROMs offer promise, issues like market reach and CD seek times limit immediate change.
  3. Good game design emphasizes believable sound and avoiding reinforcement of negative behavior, and today quality and professionalism matter more—work with publishers early because solo-finished games are often not marketable.

5 Sony VAIO Designs That Changed the Look of Personal Computers

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
đź•ą Technology Computer Hardware
  1. Sony's VAIO line was important for making personal computers stylish and innovative. They focused on both design and performance in their products.
  2. Some VAIO models, like the PCG-505 and PCG-U1, set new standards for portability and compactness in laptops. They showed that computers could be both small and powerful.
  3. VAIO's unique designs, such as the PCV-MX1V7 and VGC-LA70B, blended multimedia features with attractive looks. This made them stand out in homes and changed how people viewed desktop computers.

Unix Review Interviews Ted Dolotta and Heinz Lycklama from Interactive Systems Corporation (1984)

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
đź•ą Technology Computer Hardware
  1. PC/IX is a faithful port of AT&T’s System III Unix to the IBM PC‑XT that keeps the System III system calls while adding PC‑friendly tools (like the INed editor and Connect) and performance tweaks such as contiguous file loading and optional 8087 floating‑point support.
  2. Because the 8088 lacks memory protection, PC/IX is sold as a single concurrent‑user, multitasking system that needs a 10 MB hard disk and ships on 19 floppies; IBM will support the product while ISC provides polished documentation and a device‑driver guide to enable extensions.
  3. ISC expects a fast growth of third‑party and ISC applications (languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, INmail/INnet/FTP, word processing and databases) and believes IBM’s marketing and support will help drive adoption and encourage vendors to port their software to PC/IX.

Ergotron's MacTilt

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
đź•ą Technology Computer Hardware
  1. Ergotron is known for creating ergonomic solutions. They design products to help people work comfortably and reduce strain.
  2. The MacTilt stand helps improve computer use by adjusting the screen for better view and reducing glare. This leads to less fatigue and more comfort during prolonged computer work.
  3. The company's focus on ergonomics has been backed by studies showing that a well-designed workstation can boost productivity. Users of products like MacTilt have reported feeling more energized and productive.
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Moore's Law

Brain Lenses • 19 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
đź•ą Technology Computer Hardware
  1. Moore's Law observes that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit tends to double every two years-ish.
  2. Originally, Moore thought the doubling would occur annually, but later adjusted it to every two years for sustainability.
  3. Moore's Law is not a law but an observation made by Gordon Moore, a significant figure in the computer hardware industry.