fp.

It is interesting to make the opposite case: particularly in the WinTel world we’ve been losing huge amounts of potential performance because we are still supporting computers that came out in 2008.

taskset•1h ago

I have to agree - Legacy support (WinTel’s 2008-era compatibility) preserves access for millions but limits innovation and wastes hardware gains. Dropping old hardware allows for faster, leaner, more secure software yet excludes low-income users, schools, and developing regions. If people are keeping and using their old devices, fine. I'd just like to see people NOT throw 5 year old PC's in our landfills because of Microsoft's e-waste by design marketing strategy - ie - dropping support of Win 10. These machines can fly with a Linux OS on them. But, yeah - you make a good point.

stevenalowe•1h ago

The outcome will be stagnation of design. Design for dinosaurs, go extinct

taskset•1h ago

Right - but I'm talking about 'optimizing' for the millions of devices already extant, not abandoning innovation for cutting edge hardware entirely. Prices keep rising, memory is becoming more expensive and even scarce - just advocating for throwing a Linux OS on those old machines in the closet and seeing what they're capable of.

palata•1h ago

Always the same thing: companies optimise for profit.

Why do websites suck? Because companies don't make more money by making decent websites. Why do mobile apps lag on your 4 years old phone? Because 95% of people have a newer phone, so the company doesn't care about you: you will buy a new phone soon anyway.

We are not chasing fast hardware, we are chasing profit.

taskset•1h ago

I agree, that's kind of my point - the COMPANIES are chasing profit and trying to interest us in the latest and greatest. Meanwhile there's an old Windows XP laptop in the closet that'd thrive with a Linux OS for programming, bare-metal tasks, etc.