It's Foss·25wLinus Torvalds Defends Windows' Blue Screen of Death
Linus Torvalds suggests that Windows' Blue Screen of Death errors are often caused by unreliable hardware rather than software bugs. He emphasizes that ECC (Error Correction Code) memory makes systems more reliable, and believes memory issues and hardware problems, especially in overclocked gaming systems, are frequently responsible for system crashes that users attribute to Windows instability.
Hacker News·21wI switched to eSIM in 2025, and I am full of regret
eSIM technology is replacing physical SIM cards in modern smartphones, with Google's Pixel 10 series becoming the latest to drop the physical SIM slot. While eSIMs save space and allow multiple profiles, the transition has proven frustrating for users accustomed to easily swapping physical SIM cards. Apple pioneered the eSIM-only approach with the iPhone 14, though the space savings have been modest—around 8 percent more battery capacity. The shift represents a significant change in how mobile subscribers manage their phone service, moving from removable cards to programmable, soldered components.
The Verge·23wThe best thing I bought this year: a portable mechanical keyboard
The NuPhy Air60 V2 mechanical keyboard with Moss switches has become an essential tool for distraction-free writing. Its low-profile design, satisfying tactile feedback, and portability make it ideal for pairing with devices like the Boox Palma 2 e-reader. The keyboard supports three-device pairing, fits over MacBook keyboards, and comes with the NuFolio case that doubles as a stand. While the 64-key layout can feel cramped and the shallow angle may be uncomfortable for desk work, it excels at standing desks or mobile writing sessions. The typing experience is significantly better than laptop keyboards, offering enough thock without being disruptively loud in public spaces.
Michael Lynch·25wMy First Impressions of MeshCore Off-Grid Messaging
MeshCore enables encrypted text messaging over long-range (LoRa) radios without cellular infrastructure, forming mesh networks where devices relay messages through each other. Testing three devices (Heltec v3, SenseCAP T-1000e, and Lilygo T-Deck+) revealed significant usability challenges: confusing onboarding, poor UI/UX design, limited range (only 5 blocks in suburban areas), and critical components being closed-source despite appearing open. While the concept appeals for emergency communication, the technology isn't yet practical for non-technical users or reliable disaster scenarios.
Jeff Geerling·24wThe RAM Shortage Comes for Us All
RAM prices have skyrocketed dramatically in recent months, with some DDR5 kits jumping from $209 to $650. The shortage is driven by memory manufacturers prioritizing AI datacenter production over consumer markets, forcing companies like Raspberry Pi to raise prices and Micron to exit the consumer memory business entirely. Small vendors face even worse price increases, with some memory modules tripling or quadrupling in cost. Unlike previous shortages, the specialized nature of AI hardware means there won't be a flood of cheap consumer-compatible parts when the bubble bursts. PC builders, SBC enthusiasts, and smaller manufacturers are being hit hardest, with the situation expected to continue affecting any product containing memory.
The Register·21wNew York’s incoming mayor bans Raspberry Pi at inauguration
New York's mayor-elect banned Raspberry Pi devices from his inauguration block party, listing them alongside explosives, weapons, and Flipper Zero devices. While the Flipper Zero has known capabilities for cloning RFID cards and manipulating wireless communications, the Raspberry Pi ban appears less justified since the single-board computers are less portable and conspicuous. Critics note the ban is futile since smartphones could perform similar malicious functions, and it unfairly tarnishes a device widely used in education and creative projects.
TechCrunch·22wA rough week for hardware companies
Three hardware companies—iRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes—filed for bankruptcy within a week, facing similar challenges despite selling different products (robotic vacuums, lidar sensors, and e-bikes). Common issues included tariff pressures from Chinese manufacturing dependencies, failed major acquisition deals (notably iRobot's blocked Amazon acquisition), pandemic-driven revenue peaks followed by steep declines, and inability to diversify beyond their flagship products. The bankruptcies highlight structural challenges in hardware manufacturing, including supply chain concentration in China and difficulty maintaining growth after initial product success.
Oxide·23wA disappearing Service Processor
A Service Processor on Oxide's Cosmo sled would intermittently disappear from the network, appearing completely dead. After weeks of debugging with limited access, the root cause was traced to mismatched memory attributes between privileged and unprivileged modes when accessing an FPGA via the STM32H7's Flexible Memory Controller. The CPU's cache was treating the FMC bus as Normal Cached memory in kernel mode but Device Memory in task mode, causing the bus to hang when stores from unprivileged tasks hit the cache during interrupts. Moving the FMC base address to a memory region with consistent Device Memory attributes resolved the issue.
Jeff Geerling·23wCM0 - a new Raspberry Pi you can't buy
The CM0 is a new Raspberry Pi Compute Module based on the Pi Zero 2 architecture, featuring castellated edges for direct PCB soldering, eMMC storage, and WiFi. Currently only available in China through EDAtec's CM0NANO development board, global distribution is unlikely due to LPDDR2 RAM shortages and supply prioritization for the Pi Zero 2 W. The module targets low-end commercial integration in products like kiosks and signage, offering a complete Linux environment in a postage stamp-sized System on Module.
Bread on Penguins·23wwhy I use a broken keyboard
A content creator shares their philosophy of continuing to use partially broken hardware (keyboard with missing arrow keys, faulty RAM, broken camera lens, defective microphone) rather than replacing it. The approach forces learning workarounds and deeper technical knowledge—like using Vim keybindings, applying FFmpeg audio filters, and mastering manual camera focus. The underlying principle is that embracing minor discomfort builds resilience and problem-solving skills for larger challenges.
SavvyNik·24wA New Linux Computer Just Dropped.. And It’s Wild
The Caligra C100 is a new Linux-based developer terminal with a retro wedge chassis design reminiscent of Commodore 64. It features AMD Ryzen 9 9440HS processor, 96GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, and mechanical keyboard, priced at $2,000 with $99 pre-order deposit. The device runs a custom Linux OS called Workbench, marketed as distraction-free for creators and technical work. However, the product lacks clear differentiation, detailed specifications about the OS, and concrete use cases, making its target audience and value proposition unclear compared to competitors like Framework, System76, or standard Linux workstations.
Angelika·24wBuying the Kinesis Advantage 360 keyboard was a mistake
A developer shares their experience switching from Microsoft Sculpt to the Kinesis Advantage 360 ergonomic keyboard after 9 years. Despite the keyboard's reputation and ergonomic features (split layout, thumb clusters, orthogonal keys), it didn't work due to forced customization requirements, tall key shapes causing pinky strain, lack of tactile home row markers, and awkward arrow key placement that hindered code navigation. The orthogonal layout also degraded productivity on standard laptop keyboards. Increased mouse usage for tasks previously done with shortcuts ultimately led to abandoning the keyboard after 2 months. The author switched to Kinesis mWave, a Microsoft Sculpt clone with improved features like wired/wireless switching and customizable layouts.