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dv35z | 3 months ago

I am hoping that someone (maybe me!) will make a "write/program in the sun"-friendly e-ink Linux computer, A5 sized.

Use cases: Patio bars in Austin Texas, sunny Medellin Colombia, outside plaza cafes in Barcelona.

Thank you!

discuss

order

cryzinger|3 months ago

AFAIK no one's figured out how to get Linux on it yet, but the Daylight Computer otherwise fits that ticket for me. I have mine set up with a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse and a no-name tablet stand :)

The benefit I think people don't understand about these low-fi writing setups is that it's much harder to _idly goof off_. There are times where I truly want to read or write, but if I'm on a computer it's too easy for muscle memory to kick in and start typing one of many distracting URLs into the address bar. My tablet is a much more constrained experience, and the screen is monochrome; last time I sat down to write on it, I actually had Google Docs open for three or four hours straight.

kstrauser|3 months ago

That’s exactly my experience, albeit with a Supernote tablet instead. I wanted it specifically because it can’t do anything not related to me entering words into it.

Xss3|3 months ago

The refresh rate on e ink makes them awkward for coding. Scrolling through a text file or terminal window. Browsing files. Etc. Web dev would be very cumbersome.

Everything gets slowed by it. Even typing fluently feels rough at less than 1Hz.

We need a biiiiig improvement in e ink displays before any products like what you describe could be good.

dv35z|3 months ago

I saw a friend's 2-year old e-ink Boox reader - it changed my thoughts about eInk. The refresh rate was quick, and he could draw using a stylus. Definitely seemed responsive enough for writing/programming...

backscratches|3 months ago

Practically all recent (last 6 years) eink can play video passably. Text editing not an issue.

michalf6|3 months ago

Not a Linux machine, but 14 and 16 inch MBPs with something like the Vivid app do really well in sunlight in light mode. I enjoy working outside on mine.

bitwize|3 months ago

Expensive: Daylight Computer.

Less expensive: PineNote.

Pair with a Bluetooth keyboard.

floren|3 months ago

> Less expensive: PineNote.

Well, tariffs have changed that calculation lately...

dv35z|3 months ago

Meant to mention in my requirements: No Bluetooth! :)

backscratches|3 months ago

I get serious mileage out of an eink monitor, my phone, and a small dock for keyboard/power.