Computers, workflow, calendars
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I am thinking about updating my current computer setup. I don't mean
that I need newer/faster/cooler stuff but a better compatibility
between my devices cannot hurt. Also, there have been some issues with
my devices which I should address.
Most importantly, my GPD Pocked have probably died. Now it does always
powers off after a few minutes of run. No matter if its connected to
the power outlet or not. This have become a problem as it was my main
(and the fastest) x86-compatible device which I used in cases when some
software was unable to run on my OpenPOWER desktop for any reason.
For example, I wanted to use my eRadionica [1] e-paper tablet as the
e-book reader. It's (sort of) Arduiono based so Arduino Studio is
needed. And it refuse to work on my OpenPOWER but worked on the GPD.
There have been some tools for dealing with retro hardware (Linux-based
Palms are now "retro", too - I think...) which are only available for
x86, too.
Actually, at the moment I use these devices (less or more) daily:
- the work computer (the x86_64 with Windows),
- the laptop at work (the Lenovo x61s with Linux),
- the home desktop (the Raptor Blackbird; ppc64le with Linux),
- the secondary home desktop (SGI O2; MIPS with IRIX)
- the desktop at cottage (SGI Indigo; MIPS with IRIX)
- the PSION Organiser II LZ as an alarm clock and notetaker
- the PSION MC600 (for writing and interfacing the Organiser)
- the Palm IIIx (mostly for some older notes and other PIM stuff)
- the Punk MP01 phone
I recently encountered the problem that I have several independent
calendars. At work I use the OwnCLoud based one. It is easy to get the
data from it to mobile devices (except the Punkt which has no data
connection) or at least to modern Linux and Windows computers (both the
Thunderbird and the Remind are OK here).
But I cannot easily transfer the calendars to the Palm (this is a
reason why I use it mostly for many tasks except for storing my events
and plans) nor the Organiser II. If I want to have the calendar here I
have to retype it on the device (or on the desktop as I still use the
J-Pilot program for synchronisation with the Palm).
I have made a script to convert Remind files to something acceptable
with the pilot-link tools but it is too basic (sometimes makes
wrong times, cannot handle duplicate events and so). Moreover, the
ICS->Remind conversion works only in this direction so I cannot change
my .reminders file and send the changes to the OwnCloud (or elsewhere).
It is probably possible to convert the output of the Reminder to a text
file acceptable by Organiser II communication program (and vice versa)
but I have not started the writing of such tool, yet. Something like
that can be possible done for the Palm, too (something existed but as
there still are traces on the Internet but not the actual code).
Thus I am thinking that I should solve two issues:
- the x86 laptop (desktop?) replacement (the x61s is also approaching
end of its life so I should not rely on it). Would there be a reliable
(and fairly efficient) x86 emulation for the ppc64le I will need no x86
device, I thing. But such thing don't exists.
- a final selection of a daily PDA device for daily use
In my opinion the key for the PDA issue is the calendar program. I use
the OwnCloud-based solution because it can be used by many devices. I
am thinking by replacing it by the .reminders file at the S.D.F. (or
elsewhere). If I will be able to use this thing then it will make sense
to spend time to write a Remind<->PSION conversion tool (and to migrate
other stuff to the PSION Organiser II). The SGI O2 can run the Remind,
too. So there would be no problem with most of my desktops. I used the
Remind easily (and happily) when I only had Linux and IRIX machines
(even at work) and my only actual PDA was the Qi Hardware's NanoNote.
But many things changed from these times, unfortunately.
But I think I should try...
References:
[1]
https://e-radionica.com/en/
