The hottest Computers Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Plus Post: IMSAI 8048 Single Board Computer

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. IMSAI was founded in 1973 by William Millard and the name stands for Information Management Services Association Incorporated.
  2. Millard had a background in finance and industry, worked on data storage and briefly at IBM, and earlier started a software company called System Dynamics that closed after running out of money.
  3. IMSAI began as Millard’s one-person consulting and engineering firm run from his home, then added staff and expanded from software contracts into hardware work as projects grew.

NCR Tower 1632

Computer Ads from the Past • 896 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The Tower 1632 was a compact, under-desk microcomputer built around the Motorola 68000 that ran an enhanced UNIX, supported up to 16 users, had 256KB–2MB of memory and expandable disk storage up to about 1GB, and was sold to OEMs for roughly $12,000.
  2. NCR shifted its organization to push decision-making down to plant and product managers and act more entrepreneurial, enabling faster development and release of systems like the Tower 1632.
  3. Hardware and software features like Multibus I/O, power-fail memory recovery, IP protection, and multiple communications options looked strong on paper, but users reported unreliable or outdated OS releases, slow or failing disks, weak driver support, and difficult file transfers that limited real-world use.

Nvidia's Unique History and Culture

The Asianometry Newsletter • 7614 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. NVIDIA's success comes from a strong work ethic and a unique company culture that encourages honesty and speed. They focus on being direct and efficient in their communication.
  2. The leadership of Jensen Huang has been crucial for NVIDIA, as he continuously motivates employees to aim high and pushes the boundaries of what's possible in technology.
  3. Long-term thinking, like the development of CUDA, is key to NVIDIA’s strategy. They invest in innovations that may not pay off immediately, but will lead to big gains in the future.

10 Beautifully Designed 1980's Sony Computers That Never Quite Delivered

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Sony was a key player in creating the MSX standard for home computers in the 1980s. This platform aimed to unify computer use and consumer electronics.
  2. Sony's MSX computers had creative designs and various models, but they faced tough competition and technical limits.
  3. Although they didn't change the home computing landscape as hoped, these Sony computers are still cool examples of 1980s tech innovation.

Your Computer Interviewed Chris Curry (1981)

Computer Ads from the Past • 1152 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Chris Curry helped develop the Acorn Atom, a popular computer in Britain, and was involved in the BBC's computer literacy project. This project helped shape computer education in the UK.
  2. Acorn computers focused on creating reliable and speedy products, highlighting the importance of quality in their designs. Their computers, like the Atom and Proton, gained traction due to good production and design.
  3. Collaboration and the need for standardization were key themes, especially when developing programming languages like Basic. Acorn aimed to create a version of Basic that combined the best aspects of existing languages, which could become widely adopted.
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Vote for the August 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. It's time to vote on the topic for the next post. Everyone gets a say in what content should be covered.
  2. There are various historical computer ads up for discussion. These ads show how technology has changed over time.
  3. Free subscribers can try out the service for a week. This gives them a chance to see more content and consider a paid subscription.

[214.] Hello. Happy Anniversary Macintosh!

Hardcore Software • 694 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The introduction of the Apple Macintosh in 1984 profoundly changed computing and many people's lives
  2. The Macintosh brought empowerment, elegance, and a sense of mastery to users and developers, setting a new standard in the industry
  3. The Macintosh's impact was widespread, transforming document creation, software development, and user experiences on college campuses and beyond

Plus Post: Gemini Galaxy 1

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Gemini Microcomputers offers a good computer solution for £1,450. It's important to find cost-effective options for tech needs.
  2. NASCOM Microcomputers was an early player in the UK tech scene, starting in 1977 with their NASCOM-1 system. Their journey shows both successes and challenges in the tech industry.
  3. Understanding the history of computer companies helps us appreciate how far technology has come. Learning from past successes and failures is key to innovation.

My favorite 1980's Canadian TV show: Bits and Bytes

Omar’s Writing • 185 HN points • 11 May 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. In the 1980's TV show Bits and Bytes, the creators had a high expectation of what the average person could understand about computers, aiming to educate at a very basic level on computer usage.
  2. Explaining technical matters to the average person should avoid oversimplification and strive to provide useful truths, similar to how Bits and Bytes used metaphors while maintaining honesty.
  3. When explaining complex technical matters today, it is important to strike a balance between abstraction and detailed knowledge, recognizing that the average person is capable of understanding if sufficiently motivated.

Microlog Babytalk

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Microlog Babytalk was a multifunction board created for IBM and Texas Instruments computers in the early 1980s. It had capabilities like handling communications while the main computer worked on other tasks.
  2. The Babytalk board was priced at $895 and featured a built-in modem, print spooling, and could emulate various terminal protocols. It was designed to make data management easier for users.
  3. Microlog became a part of Terminal Unlimited, which faced bankruptcy in 1985. Despite its interesting features, there's little information about how well the Babytalk performed in the market.

8-Bit : Learning from the Sources

The Chip Letter • 2839 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. You can learn about computer hardware by studying assembly language of 8-bit systems.
  2. Studying 8-bit architectures is easier to grasp than modern instruction set architectures.
  3. Hacking on 8-bit systems can be a fun and instructive way to understand the basics of microprocessors.

NCR PC4i

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. NCR started as a cash register company and later moved into computing technology after World War II. They became known for their robust computers like the PT4 and PC4i, which were designed to compete with IBM.
  2. The NCR PC4i was praised for its durability and good build quality, making it suitable for heavy computer use. It was not portable, weighing 50 pounds, but offered performance and exceptional compatibility with existing software.
  3. NCR provided excellent customer support for their computers and included user-friendly software with detailed documentation, making their machines accessible for users.

Creative Computing Magazine Interviews Clive Sinclair (1980)

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Clive Sinclair started his electronics career in 1962 and created several groundbreaking products, including the first mass pocket calculator and the ZX-80 computer.
  2. The ZX-80 was designed to help people learn about computers at a low cost, and it was expandable with additional features like a more professional version of Basic programming.
  3. Sinclair's company aimed to lead in technology with innovations like flat screen TVs and portable systems, focusing on making their products reliable and affordable.

The Arm Story Part 2 : Archimedes to Advanced RISC Machines

The Chip Letter • 2839 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Acorn built a fast microcomputer called ARM but struggled to sell it, leading to Apple acquiring the technology and creating a separate company - ARM.
  2. The Acorn team focused on keeping manufacturing costs low for ARM, making it affordable and power-efficient compared to other designs at the time.
  3. The Archimedes, powered by ARM chips, received positive reviews for its speed and performance, offering a cost-effective alternative to other computers available.

eisenhower as cybernetician

Dan Davies - "Back of Mind" • 373 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Dwight Eisenhower highlighted the importance of maintaining balance in national programs and between private and public sectors.
  2. There was a new decision-making system created by the conjunction of military and industrial establishments.
  3. The warning was given that this system could generate outcomes not necessarily desired, seek growth, and be influenced by technological advancements.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 25

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Len is looking for ways to get hired in the tech world. He knows he has the skills, but he wonders how to get noticed by the big players in Silicon Valley.
  2. The team at Palm is excited about a new handheld product called Touchdown. They are focusing on what customers really need and ignoring unnecessary features to make it great.
  3. Len and Dan go on a TV show to talk about their work with the Internet and crime. They manage to discuss their mutual fund and share how technology helps with their investigations.

Comparing the Names of Various Retro Computers

Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts • 117 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Product naming can be challenging even today, as seen in the variety of names given to retro computers.
  2. Using numbers was a common naming convention for retro computers, such as Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari 520ST.
  3. The name of a product plays a significant role in its success and recognition, with memorable names like Atari and Amiga standing out.

Ann Arbor Software's Textra Word Processing

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Textra was a budget-friendly word processing software that provided many essential features for users without the high price of competitors. It became popular due to its easy-to-use design.
  2. The software had a reliable reputation for customer service, often going the extra mile to resolve issues and satisfy users. This level of care helped it stand out in the market.
  3. Even though Textra did not have all the features of more expensive options, it served well for basic word processing needs, making it a favorite among families and small businesses.

Primordial USB on Atari 8-bits

Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts • 117 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Atari 8-bit computers were more advanced than other personal computers of the late 1970s, with superior graphics and design.
  2. Atari used a well-designed Serial Input/Output (SIO) connector for peripherals, allowing easy connection and daisy-chaining of devices.
  3. The Atari SIO connector, developed by Joe Decuir, served as a predecessor to the USB standard due to its single-port, plug-and-play design.

The desktop and its disappearance

Kosmik’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The development of the desktop metaphor started with making computers more approachable and user-friendly.
  2. Over time, the desktop evolved to include features like Mission Control to help users manage an increasing number of apps and files.
  3. Advancements in web technologies have led to a shift towards cloud-based desktop environments like Kosmik 2.0, offering users a more flexible and productive digital habitat.

Can anyone slow Nvidia down?

Alex's Personal Blog • 230 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Nvidia's new 50-series GPUs are impressive and expected to boost their popularity among gamers. Many people are excited but it's unclear when they'll be widely available at the announced price.
  2. Nvidia is launching Project Digits, a personal AI supercomputer, priced around $3,000. This makes powerful AI more accessible for developers at home or small businesses.
  3. Meta is changing its policies under new leadership, focusing on less fact-checking and more political content. This shift is seen as catering to a Republican audience, which might affect how news is shared and perceived.

Maxell's MF 2-DD Floppies

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Maxell started in 1960 as a battery company and later became well-known for making storage devices like audio cassette tapes.
  2. The MF 2-DD floppies from Maxell were a product in their lineup, showcasing the evolution of computer storage over the years.
  3. Maxell has a rich history of innovation, being the first to produce certain types of batteries and tapes in Japan.

The Sequence Opinion #677: Glass-Box Transformers: How Circuits Illuminate Deep Learning’s Inner Workings

TheSequence • 84 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Circuits are important for understanding how AI works, especially in transformer models. They help researchers see how different parts of the model work together.
  2. The circuits approach looks at groups of neurons that interact to perform tasks, not just single neurons. This helps in understanding the flow of information in AI.
  3. While circuits show promise for making AI more understandable, they might not be the only solution. There's still a lot to explore about how to really interpret these complex models.

Dipco's Easy Reader

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Dipco's Easy Reader was a product that seems to have little information available about it. It was likely a simple device meant to help users with their old computers.
  2. The price of $34 (in 2024 money) feels expensive for what appears to be just a lens and a bracket. It's unclear if it was worth the cost.
  3. No significant history or reviews are known about Dipco, suggesting it may have been a small operation that didn’t gain much traction.

Notes on Chapter 25

Life Since the Baby Boom • 230 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Meeting discussions often become unproductive when everyone tries to push their own favorite features instead of focusing on what's best for the product. Clear decision-making is essential to avoid mediocrity.
  2. Successful product development requires someone in charge who can confidently say 'no' to less important ideas, making it easier to prioritize essential features.
  3. Media strategy can be very effective when interviews are used to direct the conversation toward key topics, allowing for a more focused and engaging presentation.

Tano Dragon

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Dragon Data Ltd was a Welsh company that released the Dragon 32 and Dragon 64 computers in the early 1980s.
  2. The Dragon 32 was known for using the Motorola MC6809E processor and included an extended version of Microsoft BASIC.
  3. Despite initial success, Dragon Data faced financial challenges, underwent ownership changes, and eventually filed for bankruptcy.

Old School Tape Loading

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Old school tape loading is a nostalgic experience for those who grew up using classic computers like the ZX Spectrum. It brings back memories of how we waited for games to load, often with characteristic sounds.
  2. Using modern technology, like the ESP32, makes it possible to load audio data directly instead of using tapes. This method is faster and more reliable, ensuring a better experience than the original tape loading.
  3. To protect newer devices from the risks of playing audio signals, a simple circuit can be set up. This prevents damage from high voltages while allowing the audio to be used effectively.

VenturCom's VENIX

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. VenturCom was founded in 1980 and worked on various projects including Venix, Windows NT, and Windows CE. They later changed their name to Ardence, which was acquired by Citrix Systems before becoming IntervalZero.
  2. Venix was one of the first UNIX systems for IBM PCs, based on Version 7 Unix with enhancements. It had different versions released over the years and received feedback on pricing, performance, and features compared to other similar systems like Xenix.
  3. Reviews from publications like PC Magazine and Dr. Dobb's Journal praised Venix's compatibility with System V Unix, while also highlighting areas for improvement like bugs, DOS interface, and third-party software support.

THINK's Lightspeed C

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Lightspeed C was a C programming language software developed in the mid-1980s for Atari systems and Macintosh computers.
  2. Clearstar Softechnologies created Lightspeed C for Atari systems in 1985, and the company was later purchased by Omega Soft in 1988.
  3. THINK Technologies released Lightspeed C for Mac and later renamed it to THINK C in the mid-1980s, receiving positive reviews for its speed and user-friendliness.

Reviving Chromebooks with Ubuntu: Autonomous Servers, Planned Obsolescence, and Permacomputing

Sunshine and Seedlings: A Newsletter by HydroponicTrash • 98 HN points • 24 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Chromebooks are often discarded and become obsolete due to planned obsolescence by companies like Google.
  2. Reviving old Chromebooks with Ubuntu can turn them into useful autonomous servers, reducing waste.
  3. Permacomputing offers a sustainable approach to technology, focusing on reuse, modular design, and stewardship of resources.

Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computers

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Radio Shack, founded in 1921, played a significant role in the early days of personal computers.
  2. The Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer, released in the late 1970s, was praised for its features and capabilities at an affordable price.
  3. Despite initial success, Radio Shack eventually faced decline, with the company filing for bankruptcy in 2015.

The truth is out there

benn.substack • 511 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Computers can approach problems in ways humans can't, like Deep Blue's moves in chess.
  2. AI progress often comes from scaling computation by search and learning, not by mimicking human reasoning.
  3. Considering new approaches that leverage computation over human knowledge could help solve complex problems like pricing optimization.

No One AI Model Will Rule the World

The Algorithmic Bridge • 254 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The generative AI industry is diverse and resembles the automotive industry, with a wide range of options catering to different needs and preferences of users.
  2. Just like in the computer industry, there are various types and brands of AI models available, each optimized for different purposes and preferences of users.
  3. Generative AI space is not a single race towards AGI, but rather consists of multiple players aiming for different goals, leading to a heterogeneous and stable landscape.

Orange Micro's OrangePC

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Orange Micro's OrangePC was a hardware solution for Mac users to run DOS and Windows applications.
  2. OrangePC provided a Wintel-compatible computer with features like Pentium processors, sound emulation, and VGA support.
  3. Compared to software emulators like SoftPC, OrangePC offered faster performance and better integration between Mac and PC applications.

Has the time come to take Mortal Computing seriously?

State of the Future • 32 implied HN points • 30 Apr 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Mortal Computing is about embracing variability and imperfections in technology, moving away from the current trend of making every chip identical and perfect.
  2. Weakly Mortal designs could lead to huge gains in performance and efficiency by using smart systems that adapt to different conditions, instead of relying on perfect chips.
  3. Strongly Mortal computing could potentially unlock amazing new technologies, like self-repairing machines and entirely new types of computing that could change how we interact with technology.