This YouTube video showcases a Toshiba BW-2112, a Japanese typewriter from the 1980s. The video demonstrates the typewriter's various functions, including typing in Japanese using katakana and hiragana, as well as English letters and numbers. The presenter highlights the machine's unique features like the half-space key, margin settings, and correction capabilities. They also demonstrate changing the ribbon and the overall operation of the typewriter, emphasizing its compact and portable design.
The author reflects on the enduring appeal of physical media, specifically CDs and books, in a digital age. While acknowledging the convenience and accessibility of digital formats, they argue that physical objects offer a tangible connection to art, fostering a deeper appreciation through the rituals of ownership, handling, and display. The tactile experience and the sense of permanence associated with physical media contribute to a richer, more intentional engagement with the content, contrasting with the ephemeral nature of digital files. This tangibility also enhances the feeling of building a personal collection and shaping one's identity through curated possessions.
Hacker News users discuss the tangible and emotional benefits of physical media. Several commenters appreciate the sense of ownership and permanence it offers, contrasting it with the ephemeral nature of digital licenses and streaming services. The tactile experience, ritual of use, and aesthetic appeal are also highlighted as key advantages. Some users mention the superior audio/visual quality of certain physical formats. Others see physical media as a form of offline backup and a way to resist the increasing subscription-based economy. The difficulty of integrating physical media into modern, minimalist lifestyles is also acknowledged, as is the impracticality of owning large physical collections. A few commenters point out the nostalgic element attached to physical media, associating it with specific periods of their lives.
This project is a web-based recreation of Tom Dowdy's "Kaos", a screensaver from 1991. It features the same swirling, colorful lines and pulsating geometric shapes that made the original popular. Built with JavaScript and rendered on a canvas element, this modern homage aims to preserve and share the mesmerizing visual experience of Kaos with a new generation while offering a glimpse back in time for those familiar with the original.
HN commenters largely expressed nostalgia for the original Kaos screensaver and praised the recreation's faithfulness to it. Some shared memories of using it in the 90s, while others discussed technical aspects like the original's algorithm and the challenges of recreating it using web technologies. A few pointed out minor differences between the homage and the original, like the color palette and the behavior of the "fly" element. Several commenters appreciated the simplicity and hypnotic nature of the screensaver, contrasting it with modern, more resource-intensive alternatives. There was also some discussion about the legal implications of recreating copyrighted software, and whether screen savers are still relevant today.
The "Subpixel Snake" video demonstrates a technique for achieving smooth, subpixel-precise movement of a simple snake game using a fixed-point integer coordinate system. Instead of moving the snake in whole pixel increments, fractional coordinates are used internally, allowing for smooth, seemingly subpixel motion when rendered visually. The technique avoids floating-point arithmetic for performance reasons, relevant to the target platform (likely older or less powerful hardware). Essentially, the game maintains higher precision internally than what is displayed, creating the illusion of smoother movement.
HN users largely praised the Subpixel Snake game and its clever use of subpixel rendering for smooth movement. Several commenters discussed the nostalgic appeal of such games, recalling similar experiences with old Nokia phones and other limited-resolution displays. Some delved into the technical aspects, explaining how subpixel rendering works and its limitations, while others shared their high scores or jokingly lamented their wasted time playing. The creator of the game also participated, responding to questions and sharing insights into the development process. A few comments mentioned similar games or techniques, offering alternative approaches to achieving smooth movement in low-resolution environments.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43210537
HN users generally enjoyed the video showcasing the Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter, praising its design, sound, and the creator's obvious enthusiasm. Several commenters reminisced about using typewriters, highlighting the satisfying tactile experience and the focus they demanded. Some discussed the typewriter's specific features, like the unique key spacing and the half-space key. A few users expressed interest in finding a similar model, and others shared links to resources for typewriter enthusiasts. One compelling comment thread debated the practicality of using vintage typewriters today, considering factors like maintenance, ribbon availability, and the lack of editing capabilities.
The Hacker News post linking to a YouTube video showcasing a Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter has a modest number of comments, offering a mix of appreciation for the machine, personal anecdotes, and technical observations.
Several commenters express admiration for the typewriter's design and functionality. One user praises the "satisfying chunk" of the machine, highlighting the tactile pleasure derived from its mechanical operation. Another describes it as "a beast," acknowledging its robust construction and powerful action. The general sentiment reflects a nostalgia for older, well-built technology.
Some comments focus on specific features of the BW-2112. One user notes the impressive print quality, particularly the sharpness of the characters. Another mentions the typewriter's unique "snap-in" ribbon cartridges, contrasting them with the more common spooled ribbons and highlighting their convenience. The discussion also touches upon the relative rarity of the machine, adding to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
Personal anecdotes add a human dimension to the discussion. One commenter fondly recalls using a similar model during their time in Japan, evoking a sense of nostalgia for both the machine and the associated period. Another shares a memory of encountering Toshiba typewriters in East Germany, suggesting the brand's global reach during that era.
A few comments offer technical insights. One user speculates on the potential for converting the typewriter into a computer keyboard, suggesting a way to repurpose the machine for modern use. Another highlights the engineering challenge of designing a reliable type slug mechanism, demonstrating an appreciation for the complexity of the technology.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a positive reception towards the Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter. They combine aesthetic appreciation, technical curiosity, and personal experiences to create a rich discussion around this vintage piece of technology. While not an extensive discussion, it provides a glimpse into the enduring fascination with mechanical typewriters.