From Omakub to WSL

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to reconsider my tech choices and habits.
Both hardware and software.

At first, I finally got around revamping my old (like almost a decade old) System76 laptop. Initially, thought to just upgrade to latest Pop!_OS, but this turned out to be bit of a bumpy ride, given how outdated it was.

Next, recalled DHH just promoting an Ubuntu-based distro, Omakub, geared towards developers coming from the Mac to Linux. And I have to say it rocks. So many great things in there. Even if you’re not inclined to leave the Apple bubble, I’d recommend taking a look at its CLI toolchain and dotfiles, at the very least. Having loads of fun with this, and also finally managed to get my Linux laptop hooked up reliably to my similarly ancient Apple Thunderbolt display (still a solid screen with some dock-like hub capabilities, a sufficiently well-working webcam, and exceptionally good analog speakers built in).

Then, got to choose a new work laptop. In the end, went with a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) – what a great machine. Maxed out most specs, like 64 gigs of RAM and a 2 TB SSD (but a less high-resolution display for battery life). Now, initial plan was to install Linux on it as well, as it came with Windows 11 Pro. While updating stuff like drivers, firmware and BIOS, thought why not actually giving it a spin. Having heard from DHH’s story, he went down a similar path, spending some time on Windows while finding his way out Apple lock-in. With things like WSL it’s become a seriously nice environment for developers (even got a decent terminal app by now), and the OS itself is a pretty pleasant window management system, getting out of the way, these days (PowerToys FTW). Amusing how Apple and Microsoft appear to have swapped roles — with MS actively supporting and embracing open-source software.

So, am currently happy with this setup. In my home office having ThinkPad connected to my second screen, a good old Dell UltraSharp 27-incher. Seamlessly toggling between Linux and Windows/WSL box via USB switch. Keyboard-wise, am since what feels like an eternity using a Matias Quiet Pro, and just got me a Lofree Flow84 for on-the-go. Mouse-wise, I like Logitech MX series. Bose headphones rule. In terms of mobile devices, moved from an iPhone (SE) over to a Fairphone 5. Also Android is pretty neat nowadays, but that’s something for another time, I reckon (Windows mobile integration is quite comfy as well, by the way).

PS: might share some more on my WSL shell setup in the future, stay tuned.
In a nutshell, it’s a mix of Oh My Zsh with Starship prompt, Nerd Font, various tools (like Neovim through LazyVim), and some custom dotfiles, plus gum-based maintenance scripts, also heavily inspired by Omakub.