This article explores the question of whether we've reached a point of diminishing returns in computing power. It notes historical mispredictions about computer demand and highlights the rapid increase in processing capabilities, comparing modern smartphones to 1980s supercomputers. The author discusses how software engineers will always utilize available resources and questions if the continued pursuit of ever-increasing compute power is truly beneficial. It suggests that for many personal projects, existing hardware is more than sufficient, and that the "enough" threshold is highly dependent on individual needs and tasks.
A 6502 based laptop design. Specs include a 65C02 running at 8MHz, 46K RAM, BASIC in ROM, 65C22 VIA, 9" display, built-in keyboard, Compact Flash storage, 10000mAh battery, USB-C powered/charged, serial console, and an internal expansion slot. The project details the build process, current status, memory map, and custom BASIC commands.
The article discusses the growing trend of running Large Language Models (LLMs) locally on personal machines, exploring the motivations behind this shift – including privacy concerns, cost savings, and a desire for technological sovereignty – as well as the hardware and software advancements making it increasingly feasible.
A MicroPython application for the Flipper Zero is now available, complete with a library for hardware and software feature support. This allows users to script and run Python scripts on the device.
