The idea of a low-distraction laptop OS is a good one, but I'm not sure that this is necessarily the best approach.
If I mentally model such a thing myself, I end up with something that looks a lot like Classic (pre-OS-X) Mac OS. It's simplified and has just enough presence to properly host graphical applications. No taskbar, no notifications (or associated drawer), no self-populated launcher menu. File manager is spatial so it doesn't need a sidebar or navigation chrome. Multitasking is technically possible, but high-friction since the only way to switch between running apps is the little app switcher menu in the top right corner and becomes more cumbersome the more apps/windows you open. Included browser does not support tabs, only windows. Shortcuts to frequently used apps must be added intentionally (to your desktop as aliases/shortcuts or to the launcher menu).
This design strongly encourages singular focus without forcing it. If you want to have music playing in the background or need to open a browser window for research you can, but gravity is constantly pulling you back towards your task since the machine isn't pleasant to use for goofing off.
This is intended for people who want to use a laptop as a single use device for the purpose of writing. So basic file management and a word processor is all that is needed.
WriterdeckOS is not meant to be an OS for general computing.
Purppose built writerdecks are quite expensive. WriterdeckOS is a practical, inexpensive and resourceful alternative to a purpose build device.
This is the main reason I keep my PS/2 around with WordPerfect 5.1. Sure I can go browse the web with Minuet, or I used to before https everywhere, but that means saving and exiting WP. And 30+ years later I'm still waiting for a word processor with a decent Reveal Codes.
You can buy an iBook G3 for ~$50 if by "something a lot like Classic Mac OS" you'd be fine with running actual Classic Mac OS. I agree with you that it seems like AppleWorks or Word 5.1 or something in OS 9 would be a nicer writing environment than the TUI word processor offered here.
Depends what you’re writing I guess. I experimented with a TUI word processor before on a very low powered machine and it was quite an experience to not be able to multitask. I just used it for personal notes / diary but it was really a revelation how often my attention slips in a modern OS. Oh let me do some searches on this topic I mentioned, let’s check mail and messages and refresh this page I had open.. and the writing mode is gone. I still prefer a notebook and a pen though and sitting outside
> idea of a low-distraction laptop OS is a good one [...] something that looks a lot like Classic (pre-OS-X) Mac OS. It's simplified and has just enough presence to properly host graphical applications [...] This design strongly encourages singular focus
Counterpoints:
1) You will be blocked if/when the ancient/EOL electronics fail.
2) You want USB and a modern display.
3) If there is any network connexion, you need modern security features.
Software solution: minimal Debian running Sway or labwc. Pick favourite minimal writing tools. The labwc GUI can be very minimal.
One possible hardware solution: Raspberry Pi 400 or 500. Simple, reliable, easy to replace. Use with any external and/or portable display.
Right, I’m not proposing using Classic Mac OS on original hardware (though one can, as other comments have noted), but rather a new OS (probably Linux or a BSD under the hood) with an environment that is as described.
A tiling WM setup might work for some but my preference leans towards a traditional floating WM with window chrome and all, and for such a thing to become popular it should come as a pre-configured distro.
This is kind of why I keep an XFCE desktop with a Classic-like theme around.
I actually tried using BasiliskII over RDP but it was too limited, and I need to have at least 2 things: a modern browser and a good Markdown editor. I can sort of use Obsidian for both with enough plugins (and if I squint at it), but multiple windows are also a must.
I use a regular 3kg 17” macbook pro from ~2007. Beautiful keyboard, good enough resolution, wifi off(not much use on the internet anyway). Still modern ux and good trackpad.
While I don't have a use for this, I do like the idea of purposeful modes in computing. Obviously there is a lot you can do with shortcuts and preferences, but its nice to have a limited to base to start with.
I think this is even more important with a mobile platform since for one, battery and processing power is at a premium, and two anything with notifications could take you out of your desired "mode" if you don't wrangle them properly.
Something I've always wanted in a smartphone is to be able to boot into a "camera only" mode. There have been many times where all I need my phone for is as a camera, and I don't want it wasting resources/battery doing anything else. If this mode were light enough, it could boot up in the same amount of time as a normal digital camera, allowing your the phone to be truly off while you're not taking pictures. I do often take a digital camera with me, but sometimes I don't want the bulk or maybe I didn't initially plan to take a lot of pictures.
The idea is fine, though the execution seems obnoxious for getting your writing out of your system. The trouble is, depending on what you’re writing, Tilde might be a massive downgrade. For novels, I find something like Scrivener essential.
I’ve looked into a few options like this over the years (e.g. the Freewrite, or even an old Alphasmart), but always came to the conclusion they added more friction to my writing process, not less.
Nice! I have another idea: DerangedOS. An operating system that allows you to scroll social media and view short form video content. It immediately shuts down if you attempt to do anything productive.
I really enjoyed using CherryTree on top of Git with automatic commit and sync. Getting readable diffs (via using XML as an output format) is meaningful.
> WARNING: This will erase everything on the laptop you install it on. Please make backups before beginning.
I ran it a few months back without reading everything. I was trying a bunch of different linux distros via bootable USB drives, when I tried this one and it wiped the underlying drive.
Luckily enough it was just a test machine, I didn't lose anything crucial.
Readit News
If I mentally model such a thing myself, I end up with something that looks a lot like Classic (pre-OS-X) Mac OS. It's simplified and has just enough presence to properly host graphical applications. No taskbar, no notifications (or associated drawer), no self-populated launcher menu. File manager is spatial so it doesn't need a sidebar or navigation chrome. Multitasking is technically possible, but high-friction since the only way to switch between running apps is the little app switcher menu in the top right corner and becomes more cumbersome the more apps/windows you open. Included browser does not support tabs, only windows. Shortcuts to frequently used apps must be added intentionally (to your desktop as aliases/shortcuts or to the launcher menu).
This design strongly encourages singular focus without forcing it. If you want to have music playing in the background or need to open a browser window for research you can, but gravity is constantly pulling you back towards your task since the machine isn't pleasant to use for goofing off.
WriterdeckOS is not meant to be an OS for general computing.
Purppose built writerdecks are quite expensive. WriterdeckOS is a practical, inexpensive and resourceful alternative to a purpose build device.
For more information on writerdecks check out:
https://www.reddit.com/r/writerDeck/
Was for my kid in this case. Loaded a few education-friendly games and then disabled the wifi. Now it’s a simple, focused, and relatively safe box.
Could easily do the same for writing or any other activity.
https://100r.ca
Counterpoints:
1) You will be blocked if/when the ancient/EOL electronics fail.
2) You want USB and a modern display.
3) If there is any network connexion, you need modern security features.
Software solution: minimal Debian running Sway or labwc. Pick favourite minimal writing tools. The labwc GUI can be very minimal.
One possible hardware solution: Raspberry Pi 400 or 500. Simple, reliable, easy to replace. Use with any external and/or portable display.
A tiling WM setup might work for some but my preference leans towards a traditional floating WM with window chrome and all, and for such a thing to become popular it should come as a pre-configured distro.
I actually tried using BasiliskII over RDP but it was too limited, and I need to have at least 2 things: a modern browser and a good Markdown editor. I can sort of use Obsidian for both with enough plugins (and if I squint at it), but multiple windows are also a must.
I think this is even more important with a mobile platform since for one, battery and processing power is at a premium, and two anything with notifications could take you out of your desired "mode" if you don't wrangle them properly.
Something I've always wanted in a smartphone is to be able to boot into a "camera only" mode. There have been many times where all I need my phone for is as a camera, and I don't want it wasting resources/battery doing anything else. If this mode were light enough, it could boot up in the same amount of time as a normal digital camera, allowing your the phone to be truly off while you're not taking pictures. I do often take a digital camera with me, but sometimes I don't want the bulk or maybe I didn't initially plan to take a lot of pictures.
I’ve looked into a few options like this over the years (e.g. the Freewrite, or even an old Alphasmart), but always came to the conclusion they added more friction to my writing process, not less.
https://terminaltrove.com/categories/text-editors/
> WARNING: This will erase everything on the laptop you install it on. Please make backups before beginning.
I ran it a few months back without reading everything. I was trying a bunch of different linux distros via bootable USB drives, when I tried this one and it wiped the underlying drive.
Luckily enough it was just a test machine, I didn't lose anything crucial.