Ghostwriter is a project that transforms the reMarkable 2 tablet into an interface for interacting with large language models (LLMs). It leverages the tablet's natural handwriting capabilities to send handwritten prompts to an LLM and displays the generated text response directly on the e-ink screen. Essentially, it allows users to write naturally and receive LLM-generated text, all within the distraction-free environment of the reMarkable 2. The project is open-source and allows for customization, including choosing the LLM and adjusting various settings.
Mathesar is an open-source tool providing a spreadsheet-like interface for interacting with Postgres databases. It allows users to visually explore, query, and edit data within their database tables using a familiar and intuitive spreadsheet paradigm. Features include filtering, sorting, aggregation, and the ability to create and execute SQL queries directly within the interface. Mathesar aims to make database management more accessible to non-technical users while still offering the power and flexibility of SQL for more advanced operations.
HN commenters generally express enthusiasm for Mathesar, praising its intuitive spreadsheet interface for database interaction. Some compare it favorably to Airtable, while others highlight potential benefits for non-technical users and data exploration. Concerns raised include performance with large datasets, the potential learning curve despite aiming for simplicity, and competition from existing tools. Several users suggest integrations and features like better charting, pivot tables, and scripting capabilities. The project's open-source nature is also lauded, with some offering contributions or expressing interest in the underlying technology. A few commenters mention the challenge of balancing spreadsheet simplicity with database power.
The Steam Brick is a conceptual handheld gaming PC designed for minimalism. It features only a power button and a USB-C port, relying entirely on external displays and controllers. The idea is to offer a compact and portable PC capable of running Steam games, shifting the focus to user-chosen peripherals rather than built-in components. This approach aims to reduce e-waste by allowing users to upgrade or replace their peripherals independently of the core computing unit.
HN commenters generally found the Steam Brick an interesting, albeit impractical, project. Several discussed the potential utility of a dedicated Steam streaming device, particularly for travel or as a low-power alternative to a full PC. Some questioned the choice of using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, suggesting a Rockchip RK3588 based device would be more powerful and efficient for video decoding. Others highlighted the project's complexity, especially regarding driver support, and contrasted it with commercially available options like the Steam Deck. A few appreciated the minimalist aesthetic and the focus on a single, dedicated function. There was also some discussion of alternative software options, such as using a pre-built Steam Link OS image or exploring GameStream from Nvidia. A significant point of discussion revolved around the lack of a hardware reset button, with many suggesting it as a crucial addition for a headless device.
Summary of Comments ( 70 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42979986
HN commenters generally expressed excitement about Ghostwriter, particularly its potential for integrating handwritten input with LLMs. Several users pointed out the limitations of existing tablet-based coding solutions and saw Ghostwriter as a promising alternative. Some questioned the practicality of handwriting code extensively, while others emphasized its usefulness for diagrams, note-taking, and mathematical formulas, especially when combined with LLM capabilities. The discussion touched upon the desire for similar functionality with other tablets like the iPad and speculated on potential applications in education and creative fields. A few commenters expressed interest in the open-source nature of the project and its potential for customization.
The Hacker News thread linked (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42979986) discusses the "Ghostwriter" project, which allows users to leverage their reMarkable 2 tablet as an input device for vision-language models (VLMs). The discussion is relatively brief, consisting of only a few comments, and doesn't delve deeply into the project's merits or drawbacks. It doesn't present any highly compelling arguments or particularly insightful perspectives.
One user questions the practical application of the project, wondering if there's a genuine use case beyond its novelty. They ponder what real-world problem this solves and suggest alternative, potentially more efficient methods for interacting with VLMs, like using a phone's camera. This comment reflects a common sentiment towards new technologies, questioning its purpose beyond the initial "cool" factor.
Another commenter expresses a desire to see similar functionality for other e-ink devices, specifically mentioning the Onyx Boox. This suggests a potential interest in the broader application of e-ink tablets as interfaces for AI models and highlights a user base looking for expanded compatibility.
A third comment very briefly mentions using the reMarkable tablet for note-taking while coding, indirectly hinting at a possible use case for Ghostwriter. However, the connection isn't explicitly made, and the commenter doesn't elaborate on how Ghostwriter might fit into that workflow.
Overall, the discussion is limited and primarily focuses on initial reactions and potential future applications rather than a detailed analysis of Ghostwriter itself. It doesn't offer a wealth of compelling insights, mainly expressing curiosity, suggestions for broader compatibility, and a questioning of the project's practical utility.