“This is not the computer for you”

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Purpose of Reviews and “Not for You” Framing

  • Several commenters argue that “this is not the computer for you” is a legit way to aim a review at specific users (e.g., power users vs students).
  • Others see this language as unnecessarily gatekeeping and misread by the article as attacking kids, when it’s often aimed at current Mac owners nitpicking specs.

MacBook Neo Value and Trade-offs

  • Supporters: Neo is a well-built, cheap entry to macOS; CPU performance and responsiveness are strong for the price; great battery, trackpad, and build vs similarly priced Windows laptops.
  • Critics: RAM/storage are too low; lacks features (backlit keyboard, Touch ID on base model, haptic trackpad); tiny battery under load; non-upgradable; may age poorly as a hand‑me‑down.
  • Some point to specific Lenovo/HP ARM and Ryzen laptops with 16GB RAM and more storage at similar or slightly higher prices as better value for constrained budgets.
  • Many suggest used/refurb MacBook Airs or business laptops as a superior option to Neo.

Learning Through Constraints and Nostalgia

  • Large subthread of personal stories: learning on underpowered or odd machines (C64, BBC Micro, early Macs, 386s, Chromebooks, Raspberry Pi, Palm, calculators).
  • Consensus that pushing limited hardware teaches frugality, debugging, and deep understanding; “doing more with less” is remembered fondly.
  • Some caution there’s a limit where lack of power just wastes time once you have adult responsibilities.

Mac vs Linux/Windows/Chromebooks as Learning Environments

  • macOS fans: best day‑to‑day Unix desktop; strong creative tool ecosystem; great for beginners who may never want to administer Linux.
  • Linux advocates: modern Linux can be as easy as app stores; open kernel and drivers are crucial for “learning computers”; Macs remain partially opaque.
  • Chromebook debate:
    • One side: school Chromebooks are locked-down browsers that “save you from yourself” and stifle exploration.
    • Other side: Crostini, dev mode, and Linux installs can make Chromebooks solid hacker machines—if they’re not managed devices.

Openness, Bootloaders, and Asahi Linux

  • Disagreement over how “open” Apple’s boot chain really is:
    • Some note Apple intentionally supports third‑party OSes; Asahi exists and runs well on some M‑series Macs.
    • Others stress lack of documentation, constant hardware churn, and lagging support mean Apple Silicon is always second‑class for Linux and could be locked further in future.

Kids, Power Users, and Changing Computer Culture

  • Many worry today’s kids grow up on phones and locked devices, rarely becoming “power users.”
  • Others say the genuinely curious minority still exists; they just tinker with Roblox, Minecraft, bootloaders, robotics teams, etc.
  • Some argue PCs have become “solutions looking for a problem” for non‑devs; most real‑world tasks are now done on phones.

Meta: AI, Tone, and Moderation

  • Brief side thread accusing the article of AI‑style prose; later clarified the author only used an LLM for light copy checks.
  • Meta complaints about HN moderation and Apple discussions; some see systemic downvoting of strong anti‑Apple takes.