On Hardware and Software

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:30:14 +0200

I changed job in the fall of 2025. With the shift I also changed industry. Work is much the same. I still mainly code in Go.

With the new job came also a switch from MacBook Pro M3 with MacOS moving to an HP laptop running Windows 11. The transistion to Windows 11 made me a bit anxious. I had to used Windows for work from 2007 to 2010 (I think) - back then, it was not really a pleasent experience. Since then I have mostly used MacBooks with their OS, and I also run Linux for about 4-5 years.

As a slight detour - I mainly prefer being able to operate my computer with the keyboard. This also means, that I have set up keyboard short cuts to launch/select my work browser, editor, terminal, main work chat thingy. That works equally well on both MacOS and Linux. Anyways, back to windows 11.

I talked with people [tm], who assured me, that Windows 11 was a much MUCH better experience than Windows 2000 or what I ran back then. Spoiler: it isnt. At least not for me.

I have had an absymal time with Windows. I tried to automate the setup to how I like it, and I could get pretty far with using AutoHotKey (Hello from 2005!), and I found some Windows Tilers such as Komorebi and it's supporting tools. Coupled with WSL it was nearly tolerable. But there was still some muscle memory that triggered other Windows short cuts. I have learned, that there is a short cut in Windows to turn everything black/white. I know - I have tested it.

I could run Emacs using WSL and some X server (hello again from 2005 - where I also ran an X server on windows and cygwin). WSL allows for running a decent enough CLI command, but GUI applications, was more so so.

Also coming from a Apple Silicon MacBook the HP hardware was underwhelming, and especially the trackpad was really annoying. During the fall it was announced that Linux would be trialed but usage was in a community fashion. I quickly volunteered.

So now I run Linux at work. This also means, that my short cut works, and there is hardly any difference between my private Mac and my work Linux in terms of workflow. The system now is setup to me weird ways. Emacs is still the center piece of keeping myself organized.

And funnily enough? After I switched to Linux, on the same hardware. The hardware is now so decent, that I dont really notice - even the trackpad is nice.

Except - the macbook is nicer and better. It runs cooler and keeps battery longer.

But perhaps a MacBook will also come. Both Linux and Macs runs Emacs very very well.

musings on In a stream of Random Thoughts ..

On Hardware and Software