Ask HN: A PDA for 2024?

by mbork_plon 3/29/2024, 3:11 PMwith 5 comments

I'd like to have a PDA, like in the old days. By a PDA, I mean a portable computer, fitting in a pocket, which would be capable of making notes etc. I'd like to be able to access a wifi network to sync files, but I don't need nor even want cellular connectivity. An important thing is that it should run neither Android nor iOS, so that there won't be a possibility of distractions like games. I'd also prefer it not to have a web browser (for the same reason). Ideally it would just boot into Emacs with Org mode;-).

I found https://www.clockworkpi.com/uconsole (btw, any opinions about it?), and it seems it would be exactly what I want, but are there other options?

by simonblackon 3/29/2024, 10:07 PM

Palm incorporated a phone into their PDA just before the iPhone was released. Blackberry likewise. It's called 'convergent evolution' where two paths evolve towards a single solution. It's why both fish and whales have fins.

The only criterion you have specified that discounts about 98-99% of today's smartphones is "An important thing is that it should run neither Android nor iOS, so that there won't be a possibility of distractions like games."

That's easily fixed. You just delete the games.

by PaulHouleon 3/29/2024, 3:30 PM

Chinese manufacturers make numerous devices like

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805342629426.html?gateway...