Wendell Berry argues against buying a computer in 1987, believing it offers no improvement to his writing process and presents several societal downsides. He emphasizes the value of his physical tools and the importance of resisting consumerism. He sees the computer as an unnecessary expense, especially given its potential to become obsolete quickly. He further criticizes the environmental impact of computer manufacturing and fears computers will contribute to job displacement, corporate centralization, and the erosion of community life. Ultimately, he values human connection and careful consideration over technological advancement and efficiency.
The MacBook Air with the M2 chip boasts all-day battery life and impressive performance in a thin, fanless design. Available in four finishes, it features a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and a powerful 8-core CPU. The M2 chip also allows for fast graphics performance, ideal for gaming and demanding applications. Configurations offer up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage. It also includes MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack.
HN commenters generally praise the new MacBook Air M4, particularly its performance and battery life. Several note the significant performance increase over the M1 and Intel-based predecessors, with some claiming it's the best value laptop on the market. A few express disappointment about the lack of a higher refresh rate display and the return of the MagSafe charging port, viewing the latter as taking up a valuable Thunderbolt port. Others question the need for the notch, though some defend it as unobtrusive. Price is a recurring theme, with many acknowledging its premium but arguing it's justified given the performance and build quality. There's also discussion around the base model's SSD performance being slower than the M1, attributed to using a single NAND chip instead of two. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is highly positive.
Tldraw Computer is a collaborative, web-based, vector drawing tool built with a focus on speed and simplicity. It offers a familiar interface with features like freehand drawing, shape creation, text insertion, and various styling options. Designed for rapid prototyping, brainstorming, and diagramming, it boasts an intuitive user experience that prioritizes quick creation and easy sharing. The application is open-source and available online, allowing for seamless collaboration and accessibility across devices.
Hacker News users discuss Tldraw's approach to building a collaborative digital whiteboard. Several commenters praise the elegance and simplicity of the code, highlighting the smart use of ClojureScript and Reagent, especially the efficient handling of undo/redo functionality. Some express interest in the choice of AWS Amplify over self-hosting, with questions about cost and scalability. The custom SVG rendering approach and the performance optimizations are also noted as impressive. A few commenters mention potential improvements, like adding features for specific use cases (e.g., mind mapping) or addressing minor UI/UX quirks. Overall, the sentiment is positive, with many commending the project's clean design and technical execution.
Summary of Comments ( 87 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43882809
HN commenters largely agree with Wendell Berry's skepticism of computers, particularly his concerns about their societal impact. Several highlight the prescience of his observations about the potential for computers to centralize power, erode community, and create dependence. Some find his outright rejection of computers too extreme, suggesting a more nuanced approach is possible. Others discuss the irony of reading his essay online, while appreciating his call for careful consideration of technology's consequences. A few point out that Berry's agrarian lifestyle allows him a perspective unavailable to most. The top comment notes the essay is less a critique of computers themselves, and more a critique of the structures and systems they empower.
The Hacker News post linking to Wendell Berry's essay, "Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer," generated a substantial discussion with a variety of perspectives on Berry's arguments. Several commenters found his points resonant, particularly his concerns about the potential for computers to exacerbate existing societal problems and further centralize power. They appreciated his emphasis on localism, craft, and human connection. Some highlighted his prescience in foreseeing the potential for technology to create echo chambers and filter bubbles, isolating individuals and communities.
Others pushed back against what they perceived as Berry's overly romanticized view of the past and his dismissal of the potential benefits of technology. Some argued that his concerns about the centralization of power were misplaced, pointing out that the internet has also enabled decentralized movements and empowered individuals in ways he may not have anticipated. They also noted the practical benefits of computers for tasks like writing and communication, suggesting that Berry's rejection of them was impractical and perhaps even hypocritical, given that his essay was likely typed on a typewriter, a technology he seemingly accepted.
A few commenters delved into the philosophical underpinnings of Berry's argument, discussing his agrarian philosophy and his critique of industrialism. They explored the tension between embracing technological progress and preserving traditional values and practices. Some suggested that Berry's perspective, while perhaps extreme, offers a valuable counterpoint to the often uncritical embrace of new technologies.
Several commenters also discussed the irony of Berry's essay being shared on the internet, a technology he explicitly rejects. This irony sparked a discussion about the complexities of engaging with ideas that challenge our own practices and the potential for hypocrisy in navigating the modern world. Some suggested that this irony shouldn't invalidate Berry's points, while others saw it as undermining his credibility.
Finally, some commenters offered personal anecdotes about their own relationships with technology, reflecting on their attempts to find a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of digital tools. Some discussed their efforts to limit their screen time or to use technology in ways that align with their values.