The hottest Computers Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Do Macs Still Matter?

CIRP - Apple Report • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Consumers still want Mac computers despite the shift to mobile-first computing era.
  2. Apple refreshed the high-end Mac desktops and introduced a new larger MacBook Air with a 15" display.
  3. Laptops dominate Mac computer sales, accounting for over three-quarters of sales in the recent twelve-month period.

The language of command

Nick Merrill • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. In bureaucratic contexts, commands are linguistically coded, associated with power relations.
  2. Computers operate on commands, reflecting cultural stories about labor discipline and efficiency.
  3. AI challenges the traditional power dynamics associated with commanding computers, raising existential questions for users.

Don't use functional programming languages

CodeFaster • 36 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Functional programming languages can be slow and may not match your thinking style. It's better to use a language that feels natural to you.
  2. Python has a lot of library support and community help, making it easier to find solutions and resources.
  3. While functional programming concepts like map and filter are useful, you can learn them without relying on functional programming languages.

Announcing The Databases of Money

Money in Transit • 19 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Successful startups rely on information to make good decisions and plan for the future.
  2. Learning from past successes and failures in payment application design is crucial for startup founders.
  3. Understanding the principles of designing payment applications can prevent startup failures and provide valuable insights for growth.
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The Computers Are Disappearing.

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Computers are becoming less visible in our daily lives, blending into the background as they help us live more interesting and easier lives.
  2. The future may involve interacting with technology in more intuitive and less obtrusive ways, possibly through spoken commands, knobs, sliders, and interactive screens.
  3. As technology advances, we could see a shift towards simpler yet more sophisticated devices that perform tasks efficiently without unnecessary complexities or constant troubleshooting.

Most Interesting Machine

DruGroup • 2 HN points • 11 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Using a portable email machine in the 90s was a unique experience. It allowed people to send and receive emails in a time when email wasn't very common yet.
  2. The process involved dialing a pay phone and using a device to send emails, making it feel high-tech for its time. It was a fun and eye-catching gadget that amazed people around.
  3. The email machine became outdated quickly with the rise of other technologies like BlackBerrys and smartphones. This shows how fast technology evolves and how we adapt to new tools.

Santa's Souped-Up MEGA65

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 22 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The MEGA65 community is thriving with exciting new projects and downloads, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of its members.
  2. New tools like SidPlay65 and COPA65 enhance the music and text editing experience on the MEGA65, making it more fun and user-friendly.
  3. Projects such as full-color video demos and powerful file browsers show that innovation continues to grow in the MEGA65 ecosystem.

Pascal: The language that almost took over the world part 1

Deus In Machina • 36 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Pascal language was designed with a focus on clean and readable code, making it ideal for teaching programming.
  2. Turbo Pascal revolutionized programming by combining editing, compiling, and linking steps in one integrated environment.
  3. The decline of Pascal was due to factors like its focus on teaching, rapid advancements in computing technology, and the popularity of Unix and C programming language.

It's a DARPA-filled Week

The Good Science Project • 18 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🔬 Science Computers
  1. Recent articles are discussing the different perspectives on the ARPA funding model for research.
  2. Eric Gilliam is starting a comprehensive project analyzing past DARPA projects, aiming to create a resource for funders in similar organizations.
  3. This week is filled with DARPA-related content for those interested in ARPA initiatives.

"Tf is a kernel?"

Aaron’s Blog • 6 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. When working with Python, it's better to create separate project environments and add dependencies as needed to avoid conflicts and keep things organized.
  2. Understanding the role of a kernel in a computer - it helps software interact with physical components like keyboard and display.
  3. Users may find it helpful to engage in conversational learning, like Q&A sessions, to grasp complex technical concepts more easily.

Unnecessary Complicated Calculator

Judson’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Encountering issues with code? Sometimes a fresh start can solve the problem.
  2. Creating a calculator program sometimes involves defining variables and functions in a specific order.
  3. To handle different mathematical operations, use conditional statements like if-else based on user input.

Children of the Geissler Tube

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 1 HN point • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Heinrich Geissler invented the Geissler tube, a crucial technology that led to the development of modern world technologies.
  2. Geissler tubes were originally sold as novelty items before becoming important for lighting, including fluorescent and neon lights.
  3. The Geissler tube's descendants include the cathode-ray tube used in TVs, computers with vacuum tubes, transistors, and even diodes, impacting numerous aspects of our daily lives.

Expedited Vote for the February 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The post mentions that there will be a poll for the next topic, and it's only open for three days. Make sure to participate quickly if you have a topic in mind.
  2. There is a reminder about an upcoming post on the Speedcal Laser Color Computer that should be delivered soon. It's important to stay engaged with future content.
  3. A free trial is offered for new subscribers, allowing access to the full post archives for a week. It's a good way to explore the content before committing.

The iMac

subtract • 0 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The iMac solved the problem of complexity in choosing a computer by combining everything into one package, making it easier and more appealing for consumers.
  2. Apple innovated by simplifying the connectivity process, using USB ports to replace multiple types and reducing the mental burden of setting up a computer.
  3. The iMac's aesthetic design, usability, and targeted marketing to educators made it the go-to choice for internet use, showing that simplicity and approachability can drive product success.

Plus Post: Lobo MAX-80

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Lobo Drives International, founded by Roger Billings in 1981, later changed the name to Lobo Systems before being dissolved in 1985.
  2. Venture Investments bought a controlling interest in Lobo in 1983 as per records, indicating a shift in ownership within a few years.
  3. The mentioned company, Lobo, was a significant entity in the computer industry, existing for a relatively short period from 1981 to 1985.

I’m a Mac, You’re a PC. There really is a difference.

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 13
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The type of person you are, Mac or PC, really matters in relation to personal computing devices like tablets and laptops.
  2. Mac users tend to appreciate smooth animations, gestures, and a natural feel in their devices, while PC users value practical features like integrated keyboards and familiar software optimizations.
  3. Understanding and accepting that there are fundamental differences in consumer types helps in evaluating products better and catering to different market segments effectively.

No room for the olds

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 14
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. Eli Pariser founded a popular website and the team's success was due to clickbait headline strategies.
  2. Silicon Valley faces significant ageism issues, with workers in their late 20s resorting to plastic surgery to appear younger.
  3. Some government workers still use outdated manual paper-based systems for paperwork, showcasing a lack of modern efficiency.

Uploading Consciousness 🤯

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. There's talk about uploading human consciousness to computers soon, but it's uncertain if it's really possible. It sounds intriguing but we need to be cautious about such claims.
  2. Hope can drive media discussions, especially in tech, but it can also mislead people. It's important to balance optimism with skepticism.
  3. The idea of transferring consciousness raises many questions about identity and what it means to be human. We need to think deeply about the implications of such technology.

Time to Vote for the December 2024 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. There are options to vote on for the December 2024 post topics, including a laptop and a word processor. You can choose what you'd like to read about next.
  2. The author missed writing a post about Smalltalk/V last month and plans to catch up soon. Life has been busy, but they're committed to providing content.
  3. Readers are encouraged to consider signing up for a paid subscription to access more detailed posts and posts from the archives. It's a good chance to explore past computer ads and topics.

Oberon International's Omni-Reader

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The Omni-Reader is a tool designed to make data entry easier by using optical character recognition (OCR) technology. It helps users scan printed text and input it into their computers without having to type everything manually.
  2. Despite its potential, the Omni-Reader has limitations. It can struggle with different types of text quality and formatting, making it less reliable for certain tasks.
  3. Oberon International, the company behind the Omni-Reader, aimed to provide a low-cost solution for OCR, but it had issues that made it more suitable for occasional use rather than frequent office work.

Newsletter 1: What's next?

detreville • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The author plans to cover a series of IBM computers in their newsletters.
  2. The IBM 7040 and 7044 will be next in the series, followed by other IBM models.
  3. The author has a deep knowledge and personal history with IBM computers.