Doug Mejia

Often, my ideas come at random times and places and I need to jot them down before I forget them. I began looking for a quick solution to get my thoughts down, but I can’t use my phone’s on-screen keyboard comfortably for longer writing and I can’t always dictate. I wanted something as minimal as possible. I figured pairing the iPhone I always have with me with a small mechanical keyboard and the iA Writer app might be the way to go.

While exploring my options, I watched a video about the BYOK (Bring Your Own Keyboard) system. The concept is incredibly cool. You connect a wireless or wired keyboard to a dedicated little monochrome screen for a completely distraction-free writing experience.

The BYOK definitely has some attractive features. It is small in size and seems very portable. The screen looks high quality, featuring sharp text and excellent contrast for eye comfort. However, here is why I am sticking with my current iPhone setup:

• Flawless Syncing: iA Writer lets me sync effortlessly across iCloud or attach a shared folder on my network. I prefer the shared folder route, and since it is hosted on iCloud, I get all those baked-in syncing benefits automatically. If I decide to change apps at any time, all I need to do is point the new app to my shared folder and pick up where I left off.
• No New Ecosystems: The BYOK offers WiFi and a companion “Studio” app/service to sync your documents. But I strongly prefer keeping my files natively on my own devices and iCloud rather than relying on a separate third-party service transferring manually or saving to a microSD card.
• Zero Extra Cost: I already own my phone, the app, and the keyboard. They pair together perfectly without the need to buy another piece of hardware.

Sometimes the best productivity tools are the ones we already have right in front of us. I totally understand that niche products carry a premium price tag to cover production, research and development. However, at $200, it is hard for me to justify the purchase. If it were priced closer to the $100 mark, I would probably be more inclined to buy one. Right now, I am happy with the current setup.

#Minimalism #Productivity #iAWriter #iPhone #MechanicalKeyboard

As a visually impaired person, I tend to listen to most of the content I find on the web, whether it’s blog posts or social media entries. As a rule of thumb, I rely on the built-in text-to-speech feature on my iPhone, iPad, and Macs. It’s great in the sense that it lets me “read” almost anything I come across, and it’s reliable. I love it for the freedom it gives me.

That said, it could be better. The voice is pretty robotic, and it takes some getting used to, especially at the higher speeds I tend to listen at. Luckily, I’ve been using it for so long that it doesn’t bother me. Still, I know there are better options out there today. ElevenLabs, for instance, has some fantastic voices. They sound natural and, to my ear, are much more pleasant to listen to.

So I thought… “Why not combine my posts with ElevenLabs and create audio versions?” After playing around for a bit, I did just that. Here’s my current workflow:

1. Write the first draft as I normally would.
2. Edit it until it’s just the way I want it.
3. Run it through ElevenLabs to generate an MP3 file.
4. Download the file to my computer.
5. Upload it to my blog host, copy the HTML, and paste it into the post.

It’s a very manual process, and I’m sure someone out there will tell me there’s a faster, smarter way to do this. I’m all ears to constructive criticism if it improves my workflow.

Now anyone who wants to listen to my most recent blog posts can just hit “play” and enjoy, whether they’re visually impaired or simply don’t feel like reading.

My intention was to do this for all of my posts, but I quickly found out that this costs real money. I blew past the token limit on the ElevenLabs free trial and had to upgrade to a paid plan. Right now it’s only a few bucks a month, but even that won’t cover converting every single post. That’s why I’m only able to offer this for the latest ones. I’ll slowly work on converting older posts, but it may take a while.

Again, if anyone knows of a service that offers ElevenLabs-level quality at a more cost-effective price, please leave a comment below. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the new audio versions.

#Accessibility #ElevenLabs #Blogging

Finished Listening to…: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald J. Robertson 📚

The audiobook, “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson was narrated by the author himself, which is usually not my preference. However, Robertson did a fantastic job bringing the book’s message and tone to life. He spoke in a slow, clear voice with what I think is a beautiful Scottish accent. It felt like he was talking to me directly, in a dignified and elegant way.

I went in thinking the book was going to be all about Marcus Aurelius, his life, and how he lived. While it did touch on that, it wasn’t the main focus. The philosopher king was more of a framework Robertson used to hang his ideas about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Stoicism, and how these seemingly modern fields actually have roots that stretch back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The way of life that Marcus tried to embody is mirrored in many of the disciplines we use today to better ourselves.

There were so many valuable nuggets of wisdom packed into this book, all delivered through a narrative that kept the content moving and made it genuinely enjoyable to listen to. It wasn’t dry or boring at all. On the contrary, it was a pleasure to spend time with each day. All 8 hours and 47 minutes of it. In fact, I was left wanting more when it ended. One of my favorite morsels of wisdom was that “things do not affect us… the judgement of things affect us.”

The book was wonderful through and through, but the last chapter was the best. It was impactful and heartfelt. As soon as I finished, I paused to reflect on what I had just heard, and I wanted to start it all over again. I didn’t, because it was time to move on to something else, but I can definitely see myself revisiting it soon.

#Stoicism #Audiobooks

Finished Listening to…: Apple The First 50 Years by David Pogue 📚

I really enjoyed this audiobook. David Pogue did a phenomenal job reading it himself. I especially enjoyed the actual audio clips he inserted of historical talks or Mac sound effects. There is also an easter egg in there 😉. I also purchased the hardcover version, so I can see the color pictures of things he talked about. I highly recommend it.

#Apple #Audiobooks #DavidPogue

So, what do I think of typewriters? I’ve always liked them. But about a year ago, my casual appreciation turned into something much deeper.

It started with a documentary I stumbled across on YouTube called California Typewriter (2016), directed by Doug Nichol. The film features Tom Hanks, John Mayer, Sam Shepard, and other devoted typewriter lovers. It also tells the story of one of the last typewriter repair shops in America and the people fighting to keep these machines alive. I thought the whole thing was one of the coolest documentaries I’d ever seen.

And then there’s the sound. If you know, you know. That rhythmic clacking as you bang away at the keys is something else entirely. But what really gets me is the act of spilling my thoughts onto paper through this compact, sturdy, beautifully designed mechanical device. The engineering and elegance of how they work just amazes me.

I knew I had to have one. So I went on eBay and started looking around. That’s when I found my first manual typewriter: a 1958 Smith-Corona Super in mint condition. The best one I could find happened to be pink, so that’s the one I bought. I figured I’d pass it on to my daughter someday.

I was not disappointed. When it arrived, opening that case felt like opening the suitcase in Pulp Fiction, the one with the mysterious glowing light. That’s the closest I can describe it. Pure magic.

These days, I use my typewriter for interstitial journaling throughout the day and to type out notes to special people in my life. And because one typewriter apparently wasn’t enough, I’ve since picked up two more:

• A 1947 Smith-Corona Clipper
• A 1976 Smith-Corona Coronet Super 12 electric typewriter, found at an antique shop in Tennessee

I keep the Coronet in its case, but try to rotate it around with the other two. It is used the least, since it has to be plugged in, but still loved. On the other hand, the Clipper lives on our kitchen bar, and it’s almost always loaded with a blank sheet of paper so anyone who walks by can add their thoughts. It’s become this little creative station in our home.

One of the coolest things I’ve done with it was for my son’s 18th birthday this year. I asked his friends to each type him a birthday message on the Clipper. Most of them had never seen a typewriter in person, let alone used one, so they got a real kick out of it. The fact that it was such a vintage model made it even more of a treat. Now, he has something tangible and personal to keep and remind him of that special day. Eventually, the Clipper will be passed down to him, so he can continue similar traditions with his own children.

There’s something about a typewriter that slows me down in the best way possible. Most don’t need external power. No notifications. No backspace temptation. Just me, the keys, and whatever’s on my mind. In a world that’s constantly pulling my attention in a hundred directions, sitting down at one of these machines feels like a small act of rebellion. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop collecting them. But honestly, it’s less about the machines themselves and more about what they give back to me: a reason to pause, to think, and to put something real on paper. It’s great!

#Typewriter #SmithCorona #Analog #VintageTech #SlowingDown

When I bought my indigo MacBook Neo a few days ago, I had one clear goal in mind: a small, capable machine I could take to on-site tech jobs without lugging around a full-sized laptop. The Neo itself checks every box so far. But a great laptop is only half the story. The other half is what I pack with it.

The Neo comes with two USB-C ports and a headphone jack. For a minimal laptop, these are the bare essentials. One port runs at USB 3.0 speeds and supports video out, while the other is strictly USB 2.0. That difference is critical to remember if you are transferring large files on-site and care about speed. Because there are no HDMI or ethernet ports, a reliable hub is an absolute must. In fact, it is the centerpiece of my entire accessory kit.

The hub I use is the Anker USB-C Hub. It pairs perfectly with the Neo because it supports Power Delivery input, meaning I can charge the laptop right through the hub while working. That setup frees up the Neo’s second USB-C port entirely. Beyond charging, the hub provides extra USB-C ports, standard USB-A ports for older flash drives, an HDMI port for external displays, and an ethernet port for a rock-solid wired connection. I just plug in the hub, and the Neo is instantly ready for whatever the job requires.

The rest of the kit is pretty straightforward. A standard USB-C cable and charging adapter handle power when I am not using the hub. To keep the laptop safe, the tomtoc 360° Protective Laptop Sleeve does the job without adding unnecessary bulk. Although, it does not fit the Neo like a glove. It is just a bit bigger. For longer days away from wall outlets, I toss in my Anker Prime Power Bank. It puts out 250W and easily supplies a full backup charge.

What I appreciate most about this setup is its modularity. At its simplest, it is just the Neo tucked into the sleeve, incredibly light and easy to grab. When a job demands more, everything packs neatly into my 5.11 RUSH 12 backpack. I throw in extra adapters, an ethernet cable, network testers, screwdrivers, a small USB light for dark rooms, and a classic notebook and pen. Every piece has its designated place, allowing the kit to grow or shrink based on the job’s demands.

I have no illusions that this configuration is permanent. The more jobs I tackle with the Neo, the more I will streamline things. New gear will get added, and other things will probably get left behind. If you have built a similar kit around a portable laptop like the Neo, what is the one unexpected item in your bag? I would love to hear about it. Drop a comment below or reach out directly!

#Apple #MacBookNeo #TechGear #WorkKit

Photo taken at my local Apple Store

Today, I opened the Apple Store app on my iPhone to see if either of the two Apple stores near my house had the new MacBook Neo in stock . No luck. Both locations said they were unavailable in-store but could be ordered for pickup on March 19, 2026. I closed the app and figured it just wasn’t meant to be.

I’ve been looking for a small laptop for travel and on-site tech jobs . Originally, I considered a refurbished Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon for around $500, which is roughly the starting price of the new MacBook Neo. I never pulled the trigger because it meant running Windows or Linux. While I’d prefer Linux over Windows, most of my tools and workflows are tailored to the Mac. So, when Apple announced the MacBook Neo, it seemed like the perfect device at the right price point.

Later that day after work, my wife and I ended up at the mall . Curiosity got the better of me, so I dropped into the Apple Store. Even if they didn’t have any to sell, I could at least see the Neo in person and decide if I actually liked it. The store was packed as usual, and the staff was busy. My wife and I wandered around until we spotted the four colors of the new MacBook Neo all the way in the back, right next to the Vision Pro area and made our way there.

I started playing with the display models. I picked them up, typed a bit, and opened and closed the lids (the standard things we all do when checking out a new computer) . I already knew I didn’t want yellow or pink, leaving me with silver or blue. The silver option wasn’t my favorite because of its white keyboard. I used to have a white Magic Keyboard, and man, those keys got dirty over time. I definitely didn’t want a repeat of that .

So, that left exactly one option: the blue Neo with its blue-tinted, non-backlit keyboard. After testing it out a bit longer, an Apple employee finished up with another customer and asked if I needed help. I asked, “Do you guys happen to have one of these in stock? Not the base model, but the one with Touch ID?” He politely said he didn’t know but would find out. He radioed another employee on his headset, and within seconds, they confirmed they actually had some in the back. I mentioned that the app said they were sold out, but they just shrugged it off. I guess the lesson here is to go check availability yourself, if you can.

Right then and there, I decided to pick up the blue MacBook Neo with Touch ID and 512GB of storage. There is no option to upgrade the RAM, so I am unfortunately stuck with 8GB. I figured the base RAM wouldn’t be a dealbreaker. This is primarily a single-purpose machine for travel and on-site work, mostly involving remote connections to servers or client desktops. It is nothing super intense, and I trusted the Neo could handle it perfectly. I bought it, brought it home, and started the setup process.

It didn’t come fully charged out of the box (about 80%, I think), so I plugged it in during the initial setup until it hit 100%. After three hours of installing apps, setting up services, logging into accounts, and playing with it a little more, the battery had only dropped by 12%. I think that is pretty good, if you ask mee.

Build-wise, the MacBook Neo feels like a solid, premium computer. There is none of that creaky, plasticky vibe you usually associate with “budget” laptops . It feels just as well-built as my M1 MacBook Pro or any other modern MacBook I’ve used . It is unmistakably an Apple product. The hinge is incredibly smooth, and yes, you can open it easily with one hand. Although, I think it is a bit looser than my other MacBooks because I picked it up one-handed from the table and the screen flung as far back as it could. This has only happened once, but it is something I will keep an eye on.

The keyboard is comfortable and responsive, very similar to an Air or a Pro . However, there are a few drawbacks where you can tell Apple cut corners to hit that $599 to $699 price point. For instance, the keyboard isn’t backlit. Additionally, while the screen is impressively bright, it lacks an ambient light sensor. It won’t automatically dim in a dark room; you have to adjust it manually. If you forget, you might just burn your retinas out, which I experienced a bit of today.

Touch ID works wonderfully, and the machine is no slouch when it comes to speed . Aside from a few momentary stalls during the initial setup (likely from indexing files in the background), I experienced zero slowdowns. Granted, I was only installing apps, logging into services, and downloading my iCloud Drive content. It wasn’t a heavy workload, but that’s exactly the kind of work I bought it for. For my needs, it has performed flawlessly, so far.

I was initially worried about the trackpad since it is a physical, mechanical pad that you actually have to push down on rather than a haptic one . Fortunately, it feels just as good as Apple’s other trackpads. All my accessibility gestures, like zooming in and out, work perfectly, just as they do on my MacBook Pro or Magic Trackpad. I haven’t tested the webcam yet, but I honestly don’t plan on using it much anyway. I am sure it will be fine for the few times I may use it..

The Wi-Fi speeds at home maxed out just like any other laptop or iPad I own . Even during my setup process, the laptop stayed completely cool. It got slightly warm while charging, but never uncomfortably so.

Overall, I am really happy with my choice. It is going to serve my purposes extremely well, and for the price, it is a heck of a deal . I strongly recommend the MacBook Neo to anyone who needs a highly portable machine for light use. I can definitely see lots of people enjoying this laptop and pushing it to the max with absolutely no regrets.

#Apple #MacBookNeo

How I Use My Notebooks: Writing Letters Without Posting Them:

Since November 2023 I have picked up a new habit of sorts – writing letters without posting them.

What a great idea! I believe it is incredibly important to think on paper. Writing things down helps us process tangled thoughts and complex feelings that we otherwise may not know what to do with.

Like the article above describes, writing a handwritten letter to someone you know, whether they are alive or have passed away may be the key. Having a purpose and a specific audience in mind helps me organize my thoughts. It allows me to develop them in a way that ultimately brings me clarity and peace.

When you lose someone close to you, you quickly realize how many things you still want to share with them. I lost my mom to cancer in 2011, and not a single day goes by without me thinking of something I wish I could tell her. Sometimes I just want to reminisce about a sudden memory. Other times, I feel a strong urge to ask for her advice on life’s complex situations.

Even though she will never read it, sitting down to write her a letter might just give me the outlet I need. The next time I feel that heavy desire to get something off my chest, I am going to pick up a pen and give it a try.

#writing #analog

Just downloaded the Halide app on my iPhone and was playing around with their MKIII Preview when I saw this beam of light coming in through my window. I set the app to Process Zero, tilted my phone a bit and took this shot. It reminded me of a light saber from Star Wars, which I thought was pretty cool.

After I took the shot, I touched it up a bit within the Halide app (film grain and all) and came up with the final product above. Going to keep playing around with it and see what other photos I can make.

#Halide #App #iPhone #Photography #ProcessZero

Inspired by The Pen Addict Ep. 704 and their accompanying blog post, I created my own page listing my Analog Defaults.

Of course, I did not stop there. I also created a page for my App Defaults, after seeing Robb Knight’s apps page. I was surprised that I use a lot of the same apps he does.

But wait… there’s more. I also added my Ham Radio Defaults, too. Check it out!