Turning a MacBook into a touchscreen with $1 of hardware (2018) (anishathalye.com)

Article summary

The article describes a proof-of-concept project called Project Sistine, which turns a MacBook into a touchscreen using a small mirror and computer vision. The setup uses the MacBook's built-in webcam to detect finger touches on the screen. The project demonstrates a low-cost and simple way to add touch functionality to a laptop. The authors have made the source code open source under the MIT License.

Main themes

• Touchscreen conversion
• Laptop vs tablet
• Device limitations
• Security vs freedom
• Creative work
• Device choice and individual needs

What commenters say

• Some commenters think that the idea of turning a MacBook into a touchscreen is innovative and could be a viable product with further development.
• Others point out that similar products or solutions already exist, making the idea less novel.
• There is a debate about the limitations of iPadOS and its inability to perform certain tasks, such as sending files over Bluetooth or running arbitrary code.
• Some argue that the iPad is not a suitable replacement for a laptop due to its limited software capabilities, while others find it to be a powerful tool for creative work.
• A few commenters discuss the trade-offs between security and freedom in device design, with some arguing that sandboxing and app review are necessary for security, while others see them as overly restrictive.
• The discussion also touches on the idea that different devices are suited for different tasks and that the choice of device depends on individual needs and preferences.