So it's 2025. I'm not sure how much time I will have for my phlog or
for any other tree-time computer stuff.
A small summary of my free-time computing in 2024:
* desktop: Raptor Blackbird (POWER9, Fedora) - still the same
* laptop: MNT Reform 2 (ARM, Dibian unstable) - CPU update in late 2024
* minilaptop: MNT Pocket Reform with updated WiFi (ARM, Debian unstable)
* PDA: PSION Organiser II LZ
* e-book reader: reMarkable 2
I also sporadically used my SGI O2. Actually, I didn't used any other
retro machines except some testing if they still works. I think I
powered on my iMac G5 for three times in 2024 and the PowerBook G4
maybe two times. I replaced batteries in the Palm PDA a few times but
didn't used it. A tried to find which battery for the SHARP Zaurus
works but that's all, I think. Well, I played a few games on my Apple
][ in January 2024 but I'm not sure if I powered in on from that time.
As you might have noticed, the GPD Pocked disappeared from the list of
computers, I used it for some traveling but it's battery died (again).
As there are other issues and because the MNT Pocket Reform arrived I
decided not to repair the GPD in near future. It's more practical than
the Reform (smaller, lighter, faster and has better keyboard layout)
but the Pocket can be updated and I actually have been used to its
orthogonal keyboard. And Pocket's keyboard is the mechanical one so it
is much more pleasant to use.
The "big" Reform 2 (it has the 12.5" screen) have been upgraded to the
RCORE RK3588 CPU and to 16 GB of RAM. It also required the OS update. I
decided to to a clean re-install. There are still things to upgrade (my
Reform 2 is from the first batch - I think - so it has an original
trackball and unprotected battery boards). While I'm not interested in
a keyboard upgrade (the only benefits will be a different layout and a
more colorful backlight) replacement of the old trackball cup with one
with bearings would be practical as it will be the upgrade of battery
boards and addition of some stiffening elements under the keyboard
(though I don't experience the keyboard flexing issues that some people
reported).
My Blackbird is still the same but I should update the OS soon.
I have started to use the traditional paper notebook more and more so I
have less use for a PDA. Even the reMarkable is now used just as a PDF
reader and sometimes for training of writing of kana characters and
kanji.
