On Tue, Mar 29, 2022 at 01:55:58PM -0700, Keith Lofstrom wrote: > BTW, related to large pixel displays, I'm swapping emails > with Xue Yao, a Singapore EE student who is making a batch > of upgrade motherboards for the classic Lenovo T60 laptop. > > Probably $1200 a pop; expensive, but it will help me keep > using Linux as a production tool, the way I am used to.
I'm told I can purchase a new Thinkpad for less money and much less effort. True, but my goals are new possibilities and unique perpectives, not merely "cheap". It is possible that young Mr. Xue's project will fail, and I won't get a useful motherboard for my money. However, if I encourage and support this young person while he learns from success OR FAILURE, that can lead to many future successes. My world will be richer for that. No wise person chooses Linux (or recycled hardware) only because it seems to be inexpensive. It is easier to take a job that provides a computer "for free", and let your boss choose your goals and direct your life. Most of what we purchase is produced by subservient employees. That isn't wrong, it just isn't ME, and maybe not YOU. I'm not wealthy by US standards, but compared to 95% of the world, I'm rich. One of the ways I am rich is having collaborators around the world; perhaps 40 other countries. I can't afford swanky tourist hotels, but there are sofas (or floor mats) in dozens of countries where I am welcome to sleep. Open source software AND HARDWARE trains and enables world of amazingly creative individuals, and I am lucky to share ideas with them. My most important responsibility is to encourage Mr. Xue to learn from failure and TRY AGAIN if this project fails. Most projects fail, only a few lead to great success. If he keeps trying, better each time, his second or third or seventh project will succeed, and the world will benefit. So shall I. Keith -- Keith Lofstrom kei...@keithl.com
