Robin Sloan:

I believe the notebook provides a basically comprehensive model for information technology:

  • Easy to manufacture anywhere on Earth
  • Available in many configurations, from cheap to luxe
  • Never runs out of power
  • Never surprises you with an OS update
  • Totally flexible interface: becomes whatever you imagine
  • Totally private … yet never locks you out for lack of a password
  • Can be shared when needed: as easy as tearing out a page
  • Durable and reliable
  • Data is sensibly partitioned: loss of a notebook is annoying, not life-ruining
  • Compostable 😌

I know some of those sound a bit silly, even glib, but I think they’re all very serious, even the last one. I have purchased and trashed enough e-readers!! I don’t want any more plastic confections. I don’t want any more accounts

I am so enjoying Robin’s metamorphoses.