Hi everyone. I've read the original article a few weeks ago and had
been thinking about it till now. I've summarized my opinions here:
https://sebastian.graphics/blog/truly-forever-computers.html
TL;DR: If one needs the machine to be truly "forever" like a
mechanical typewriter, the machine itself needs to be as fixable as
a mechanical typewriter, thus it can't be made from semiconductors
because its manufacturing is way out of league for common amateurs.
A result to this limitation is to regress into 1960s style mini-
computers based on mechanical relays.
Of course I understand this is way too much regression, such a machine
would be way to primitive for your liking, and this isn't nearly as
close to your original goal, but it was an interesting thought
experiment nonetheless. I suspect for one to truly commit to such a
lifestyle one needs to re-specialize everything they currently use
their computers (including smartphones) for: typewriter for writing,
vinyls & cassette tapes for music, etc....
On 23/12/26 05:10, Sebastian Higgins wrote:
>Hi everyone. I've read the original article a few weeks ago and had
>been thinking about it till now. I've summarized my opinions here:
>
>https://sebastian.graphics/blog/truly-forever-computers.html
This is a fascinating read. Thanks for sharing that. I never thought
about going as far as that level of reparaibility.
I would make one remark concerning your categories of fixability:
one could be "tweak-fixable" while not being "replace-fixable" because
there are no replacement parts available.
Typewriters enthusiasts use to have spare typewriters they could
scavenge for replacing parts because there’s no way to order one.
>
>TL;DR: If one needs the machine to be truly "forever" like a
>mechanical typewriter, the machine itself needs to be as fixable as
>a mechanical typewriter, thus it can't be made from semiconductors
>because its manufacturing is way out of league for common amateurs.
>A result to this limitation is to regress into 1960s style mini-
>computers based on mechanical relays.
>
>Of course I understand this is way too much regression, such a machine
>would be way to primitive for your liking, and this isn't nearly as
>close to your original goal, but it was an interesting thought
>experiment nonetheless. I suspect for one to truly commit to such a
>lifestyle one needs to re-specialize everything they currently use
>their computers (including smartphones) for: typewriter for writing,
>vinyls & cassette tapes for music, etc....
>
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