SailfishOS, Jolla C2, and random ramblings in 2024

I’ve been a loyal follower of Nokia’s mobile innovation journey for years, starting with the Nokia N800 and every subsequent device. Before Android fully established itself, Nokia’s Linux-based devices offered a genuinely geek-friendly alternative. I fondly recall a time in Tel Aviv when I used my N900 to SSH into a server and fix a config file while riding in a taxi—those were magical moments! Over the years, I’ve kept up with the evolution of Nokia and Jolla devices, purchasing each new iteration. While I’m still waiting on my Jolla Tablet, I was excited to grab the Jolla C2 after its launch under Russian ownership. Living in the US meant shipping it to my EU office first, but I was eager to give it a try. ...

November 19, 2024 · 4 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

Gaming on the Go - What the Sega Nomad Taught Me About EVs

In my teens, close family friends gave me a [Sega Nomad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_Nomad) along with several Genesis/Mega Drive games. Up until then, I was only allowed a computer and a GameBoy, so the Nomad—with its colour screen and vast game library—became an instant favourite as I travelled around Europe. It was a fantastic but little-known device; its biggest flaw was its battery life. Even with the brightness set to its lowest, you’d be lucky to get two hours of playtime. It basically turned into a mobile Genesis with a small TV, forcing me to hunt down cigarette lighters in cars or wall plugs to keep it going. You learned to time your gaming between the 6-AA life and finding a dependable source of electrons. ...

October 16, 2024 · 3 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

Replacing the Model 3 with a Model X

I’m the kind of guy who buys a car and keeps it forever. When we got our Model 3 over five years ago, I thought I’d be handing the virtual keys to our daughter in a decade. Well, it’s totalled. That started our search for another electric vehicle. We left the ICE world behind and didn’t consider hybrids—we’re firmly in the EV camp. After a week of driving ICE cars in Europe, we were reminded why we won’t go back. ...

September 27, 2024 · 4 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

Zweig’s Echoes in Wein

Sitting in a coffee shop in Vienna feels like stepping into a timeless tradition. The air is filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the subtle sweetness of pastries. The décor blends classic and modern—high ceilings, chandeliers, and plush seating paired with sleek, minimalist touches. It's the kind of space that invites lingering, whether reading, writing, or simply watching the world go by through the large windows. Last week, as I sat in a Viennese coffee shop flipping through a newspaper, I was reminded of how difficult it is to be in this setting without thinking back to a time before Europe was shaken. Vienna once held a special place—at the heart of an empire, a nation-state, a fragile tape holding together two sprawling royal domains, and ultimately, a melting pot of ideas that would erupt into the 20th Century. ...

September 13, 2024 · 2 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

Streamlining Tech for Travel - My Shift to Minimalism

After travelling most of my life, I have been on a crusade to reduce my tech baggage. There was a time when I would have multiple laptops, games, and a litany of cables. International converters further complicated this during times of 110/220, requiring separate blocks. Like clothing, I overpacked what was actually used and needed. This trip, I decided to attempt just a tablet with a keyboard. I found that with Android and work MDM profiles, it was easy enough — additionally, turning off my work profile limited work notifications on PTO. ...

September 8, 2024 · 1 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)