a new small computer, and, my friend's kid's ascii art

_published Wed Apr 9 19:06:32 UTC 2025_

I recently got a pomera[0] because I struggle to resist purchasing small computers. I spent a day walking around the big city nearby with a stop amid a forested park to write. The pomera fit easily in my small bag (a faithful reproduction of a Musette Française modèle 1892) and was a total joy to work on.

A big reason I got the pomera (besides my lack of self control) was its bespoke UI. I wanted to experience a brand new, minimal, keyboard driven interface. I am not disappointed. It's thoughtful, cute, and very pleasing to navigate around. I also love the "export as QR code" feature which prevents me from having to bother with internet connectivity.

I tried a Freewrite a while ago and _really_ didn't like it. Bulky, flimsy housing; an e-ink screen with way too low of a refresh rate; a frustrating UI. I thought I just wasn't into the whole "neo word processor" form factor but the pomera has proved the concept for me.

I came down from the forest for dinner with friends. I showed off the pomera and their young daughter was intrigued. She fervently typed away while we chatted. I was pleased to learn that she had (unwittingly) been making ASCII art. We explained what that was and I offered to publish her piece. It doesn't have a title so I'm calling it "The Importance of Being Random."

(the text file can be downloaded from here[1])

Give more children monospaced text editors, I say.

[0]: pomera

[1]: here

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