Compaq vs. IBM: The Battle for the Soul of the PC

2025-08-07
Compaq vs. IBM: The Battle for the Soul of the PC

This article recounts Compaq's daring challenge to IBM's PC monopoly in the 1980s. CEO Rod Canion's decision to embrace open standards and share technology with competitors—essentially giving away 'the company jewels'—preserved innovation. Canion's leadership fostered a beloved workplace culture and provided the foundation to confront the industry giant. The article explores how a different outcome could have drastically altered the technological landscape we know today.

Read more
Tech PC History

The Rise and Fall of Roam Research: The Promise of Bidirectional Linking vs. Reality

2025-05-18
The Rise and Fall of Roam Research: The Promise of Bidirectional Linking vs. Reality

Roam Research once took the note-taking world by storm with its bidirectional linking feature, touted as a revolutionary approach. However, the author abandoned Roam, finding themselves spending more time agonizing over where to put notes than actually using them. While bidirectional linking initially alleviated the anxiety of note organization, the sheer volume of links eventually hindered efficient retrieval. The author argues that Roam needs improved search functionality and an automated taxonomy system to simplify note management and truly enhance user experience.

Read more
Development bidirectional linking