Post

Really considering a MacBook Neo as my laptop for everything that’s not work — including ham radio stuff. I have a Linux laptop now, but the hardware (trackpad) is kind of crappy to use. And Linux is great but still a pain in the ass at times.

6/3/26, 12:46 am0 reposts1 like

N8VSI

@scottkuma.bsky.social

6 Mar

I have a MacBook Air - and it's pretty decent as a ham laptop. FLDigi runs great on it, as do the 2 major FT8 programs. Some of the other Windows only stuff you'll miss, of course.

N8VSI

@scottkuma.bsky.social

6 Mar

Caveats: Only two USB ports, both are USB-C. If you're powering the laptop, you'll need to use one of them. Seriously consider a USB expander, and then buy quality, because troubleshooting RF in your USB ports is no fun.

Chris Beiting

@beit.ing

6 Mar

I’ve had Macs for 30 years…the little cheap Linux laptop I use for ham stuff now is fine, it’s just not a Mac!

N8VSI

@scottkuma.bsky.social

31 Mar

Revisiting this now that the Macbook Neo has been announced. At that price range, this becomes even MORE attractive!

N8VSI

@scottkuma.bsky.social

6 Mar

Yeah, I have two little laptops that run Linux, and have 12 volts. I got them for like $60 about 4 years ago...they're little champs...but my mac is FAST decoding FT4/FT8, where those things chug.