I find it funny, actually. For years, I used DOS, exclusively command line-based, on a 286 and when I got a new 486 computer in the early 90s I was so excited to get Windows 3.1 on it. Decades later, I find myself hating Windows and going back to Linux and often a command line. As far as I’m concerned, the closest thing to the last usable version of Windows was 7, and it still kinda sucked.

searxng is awesome. Meta search of as many or as few engines as you want with no bullshit.

Made a script/cron job to auto dl new videos from my favorite channels with ytdlp and then they are hosted through jellyfin. Archived forever, ad free, accessible to me from anywhere.

Also the Bip cannot spy on you unless you install the official app. It’s limited to its interactions with apps over bluetooth, and I just use Gadgetbridge.

According to the wiki, only one firmware is supported, and it’s early support with missing features. The wiki may be outdated, though.

What Android software could you use for managing it? Gadgetbridge seems to not have fully-developed support for it, even with their preferred firmware.

I’m using Gadgetbridge with a hacked Amazfit Bip and I’m pretty happy. I like the multicolor TFT LCD w/no default backlight on the Bip, which is very readable in bright light and only requires a quick button press to get the backlight on in the dark, or you can waste more battery life and have it turn on when you turn it towards yourself. It’s also got built-in GPS/workout tracking (you have to manually flash the A-GPS data occasionally…), the ability to load little open source apps, sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, notifications, custom watchfaces, etc which I’m sure the Pinetime has most of. The battery also lasts ages since it uses such a low-power LCD.

I’m not saying the Pinetime isn’t good, but decent alternatives exist. I would love a truly open-source smart watch, but maybe when the project is slightly more mature. I guess I could always get one and contribute to it… $30 is really not much. I’ll definitely try it if my Bip breaks.

Any Android phones that are still decent? Somewhat repairable, sd card support, audio jack, and relatively easy to install a mature, non-Google firmware/os on, in the USA?

Pixel doesn’t check those boxes. Fairphone does but who knows if they will commit to the US market… Also quite pricey.

I have a Moto G Stylus 2022, which checks some boxes and is cheap, and has little bloat, but isn’t terribly repairable and cannot easily be fully degoogled, and doesn’t really have a good alternative OS.

Sounds like half the stuff at Pier 1

I have very different priorities. I’ll never use anything with a walled garden, that isn’t hackable. I’ve also weaned myself almost completely off Google services and apps at this point. Also I can get a brand new unlocked Android phone that does everything I want with decent specs and almost stock Android (minimal bloat) for under $200. The only positive that really interests me that was mentioned in this thread is the longer security support.