hardware

I Don’t Know What Is Apple’s Endgame for the Fn/Globe Key, and I’m Not Sure Apple Knows Either

Apple’s Fn/Globe key evolution reflects its struggle with modifier key functionality. Originally designed to simulate missing keys on compact keyboards, the Fn key expanded tasks but lacked standardization across devices. With the introduction of the Globe key on iPads and Macs, Apple introduced new shortcuts, but inconsistencies between devices and confusing user experiences emerged. The challenge lies in integrating a coherent system across third-party keyboards while managing existing shortcuts, ultimately complicating usage and confusing users. The article urges Apple to reconsider and simplify its approach to modifier keys for improved functionality and user experience.

https://aresluna.org/fn/

I Don’t Know What Is Apple’s Endgame for the Fn/Globe Key, and I’m Not Sure Apple Knows Either Read More »

Macbook Neo Shows How Far Apple’s Repairability Design Has Fallen

iFixit offers guides, forums, teardowns, and a repair assistant for fixing items. It promotes community involvement and the Right to Repair movement, while providing a range of quality parts and tools in its store. The article discusses how Apple’s early laptops were designed for repairability, featuring easily replaceable keyboards, batteries, RAM, and storage, in contrast to current models that prioritize design over maintenance. The need for modular components is emphasized as essential for longevity and usability, especially in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

https://www.ifixit.com/News/115995/how-apple-used-to-design-its-laptops-for-repairability

Macbook Neo Shows How Far Apple’s Repairability Design Has Fallen Read More »

Defeating a 40-year-old Copy Protection Dongle

Dmitry Brant’s blog features recent challenges with outdated software protection, including defeating a 40-year-old hardware dongle for a legacy RPG-based accounting program still running on Windows 98. The blog details a software archaeology process to extract data and bypass the dongle’s simplistic copy protection, ultimately allowing access to the software’s source code and enabling historical preservation.

https://dmitrybrant.com/2026/02/01/defeating-a-40-year-old-copy-protection-dongle

Defeating a 40-year-old Copy Protection Dongle Read More »

M8SBC-486 (Homebrew 486 Computer)

M8SBC-486 is a homemade 486 computer motherboard, built from scratch, aimed at running Linux and DOOM. It’s “kinda PC compatible” with some limitations (e.g., missing DMA impacts sound support). Features include a 4-layer PCB, 5V 486 CPU socket, and support for certain ISA cards and DOS operating systems. The project is experimental and a hobby, reflecting extensive research on older x86 chips. Supported by PCBWay, the project has various compatibility notes for hardware and software. More details can be found on multiple dedicated subpages.

https://maniek86.xyz/projects/m8sbc_486.php

M8SBC-486 (Homebrew 486 Computer) Read More »

Learning Retro Computer Electronics Fault Finding and Restoration

TLDR: Guide for retro computer repair: focus on safety, visual inspection, mechanical checks, cleaning, power checks, and diagnosing issues without extensive disassembly. Use minimal invasive methods and grow skills through experience while avoiding unnecessary damage. Join communities for support and resources.

https://retrogamecoders.com/learning-retrocomputer-electronics/

Learning Retro Computer Electronics Fault Finding and Restoration Read More »

Maxduino Review: Tape Cassette Emulator for Multiple Retro Computers

MAXduino: Tape cassette emulator for retro computers (ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, etc.). Supports audio file formats (TAP, TZX, WAV). Cost: €24,90. Simplifies tape loading for multiple devices. Easy to use with SD card for file access. Common issues involve volume and audio settings. Focused on compatibility and original hardware coding.

https://retrogamecoders.com/maxduino-review/

Maxduino Review: Tape Cassette Emulator for Multiple Retro Computers Read More »

Scroll to Top