Re: How many computers do you have? (with thoughts on setup wizards)

I'm a bit late to the train of replies to ew0k's question -- "how many computers do you have?" -- but it has been interesting to read the responses.

ew0k: How Many Computers Do You Have?

It's also interesting how everyone has a different definition of what counts as a "computer." To me, it seems like one of the best indicators that something counts as a computer is the ability to change the software it runs: whether because it has a full general-purpose OS, it has onboard programming, it supports swapping cartridges, or it can receive firmware updates.

I moved recently (contributing to my lack of Gemini activity), and I took the opportunity to sell, donate, or e-cycle the surplus computing devices I had on hand. But here's what I have at the moment (meeting the above definition):

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (the only traditional "computer")

Google Pixel 3 smartphone

Garmin Forerunner 245 smartwatch

Wi-Fi router

reMarkable 2

Google Home Mini

Nintendo Wii

Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP

The devices I recently liquidated include:

Nintendo Wii U

Nintendo 3DS

Microsoft Xbox 360

Texas Instruments TI-86 (I still wish they had made a "TI-86+" instead of a TI-83+)

Korg Kaossilator 2S

I try to run pretty lean on gadgets, and to use hardware for as long as possible before I replace it. The Surface Pro 3 is a 2014 model that I purchased in 2018, and the Pixel 3 I purhased in 2019. So far they are still in good shape -- the only application that my Surface Pro 3 struggles to run is Microsoft Teams, which I have to use for work. (I try to be careful about how I charge them, to minimize wear on the batteries.)

Also, since I'm on Gemini, I feel like I have to justify my ownership of a Google Home Mini... It was a free promotion from Spotify. I am aware that it probably desires to spy on me, but I keep it in my bedroom, where I never talk to anyone anyway. Mostly I ask it, "What is tomorrow's weather?" or use it to play music.

Setup wizards

As part of preparing the Wii U an Xbox 360 for sale, I erased their system memory. When I rebooted the Wii U, it wanted me to go through a complex setup wizard before I could play any games. When I rebooted the Xbox 360, it asked for my language, and also asked if I wanted to create a profile or connect to the Internet, but I was able to skip both of those and go directly to playing games.

The idea of "setup wizards" has become more and more common for hardware, as opposed to being able to unbox it and use it immediately. The need to configure Wi-Fi networks appears to be one of the main culprits -- and if you have to ask the user for their Wi-Fi password, why not ask them for more while you're at it? And of course device manufacturers want you to create an account, to personalize your device, to install firmware updates, and to pair it with other devices on your network...

It's extremely refreshing to have a device that just works out of the box. I remember when I got my Forerunner 245 I was dreading having to set up a Garmin account and pair it with my phone before I could use it (as I had to with my Fitbit). But when I powered on the watch, it asked me for my language, then asked *if* I wanted to pair it with my phone. When I said "no," I think it may have asked me for my height and weight (makes sense; it's a fitness watch), but then it just showed me what time it was! I was even able to record a run! In the era of setup wizards, I was floored by a device that was usable so quickly.

It seems the need to have the user choose their preferred language is unavoidable for modern, internationalized devices. And if the device doesn't have an onboard GPS receiver or SIM card, it needs the Internet or a manual time entry to know what time it is. But many devices *could* be designed so that, after these steps, they work immediately, and you only need to create an account or connect to Wi-Fi when you want to use that function. That's how most of these devices, even traditional "computers," used to work...

📅 August 27, 2022

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