It's time to talk about my writerdeck

2026-05-23 | original

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Why This Matters

This article highlights the benefits of repurposing old hardware into dedicated, distraction-free writing devices using Linux. It underscores the importance of customizing technology to enhance productivity and extend the lifespan of existing devices, offering a practical solution for writers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Key Takeaways

Converting old laptops into dedicated writing devices can improve focus and productivity.
Using Linux and minimal setups allows for highly customizable and distraction-free environments.
Repurposing hardware is a sustainable way to extend device lifespan and reduce electronic waste.

tldr: I installed console-only Debian on an old laptop (no desktop OS at all)

I added some packages to make it work better for writing:

network-manager for connecting to hotspots while I'm away

for connecting to hotspots while I'm away

kmscon for custom fonts and more than 16 colors in the tty

for custom fonts and more than 16 colors in the tty

tmux for a nice status bar and rudimentary screen tiling, as well as acpi and light for battery and backlight details, respectfully

for a nice status bar and rudimentary screen tiling, as well as and for battery and backlight details, respectfully

neovim as my editor and vim-vimwiki to give myself a personal wiki

as my editor and to give myself a personal wiki

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