desktop setup anno 2024

content/post/2024/03/my-retro-desktop-setup.md

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+---
+title: "My Retro Desk/Gaming Setup in 2024"
+date: 2024-03-09T10:00:00+01:00
+categories:
+  - retro
+---
+
+It's been three years since the first [desk setup post from 2021](/post/2021/02/my-retro-desktop-setup/), and while a couple of things have changed, nothing major has. The preservationist in me wanted to post an update nonetheless, so here goes. 
+
+## The Desk
+
+![](../desk_overview.jpg "The desk setup: an overview.")
+
+The room is still small, the computers stayed the same, and hiding cables is still an occasional battle. I did cram in an old CD cabinet in the right corner where I also keep my fountain pen inks (not depicted). [Collecting music CDs](/tags/collecting/) is something I did mostly give up on, favoring my local Navidrome NAS setup instead, as---again---I'm quite limited in space and collecting stuff quickly takes over a room (or house). 
+
+As for the _inside_ of these retro computers; I think the most important addition since 2021 has been the [PCI-E HDMI capture card](/post/2022/11/capturing-vga-output-from-dos-on-winxp/) for the XP box (end 2022). Unfortunately, that's about the only thing I can check off on the [retrocomputing projects 2022 list](/post/2022/02/retrocomputing-projects-2022/). Perhaps it's high time for an updated list post as well. Since we had our daughter, I think the 80486 has been powered on twice? Bummer... I even briefly thought about getting rid of them, but thankfully my friend Peter managed to eradicate that nonsense from my head by talking me out of it. _If_---and only if---a computer had to go, I think the Win98 one would go first, as the 486 belonged to my late father-in-law. 
+
+The 16 inch MacBook Pro from work barely fits on the bamboo stand next to the screen; it's ridiculous. I wish I had the option to get a smaller, more portable one instead. At least my smaller personal 2020 MacBook Air is still going strong. Since modding the GameCube (below the right screen), I've only played one or two games on it. It's hooked up to the DELL UltraSharp U2421E USB-C Hub Monitor, which is still a superb way to connect my laptops and stream audio/network/power without having to fiddle with cables. 
+
+Speaking of cables, the Creative audio box connected to the Win98 and WinXP PCs still have to be re-plugged to their respective Sound Blaster audio cards. Another things for the ever-increasing never-crossing-off list of retro projects: a simple [home-grown audio mixer](https://www.instructables.com/Making-an-Audio-Mixer/). 
+
+Something perhaps less noticeable, but for me still significant: I framed my doctorate's degree. It took long enough and I am proud of having successfully finished the trajectory. Even though its use was perhaps limited, the testament of personal growth reminds me to keep pushing myself.
+
+The cardboard rubbish on the bottom left is our Ragdoll's very own station wagon. Mostly used for speedy napping, of course.
+
+## The Book Wall
+
+![](../desk_reverse.jpg "The other side of the wall: my mini-library.")
+
+Once you turn your back on the computers, the extended white IKEA book wall stares right back: since 2021, I've added another row to the top that is just shy of `20 cm` from the ceiling. 
+
+On the left of the photo, you'll notice a thinner shelf next to the window where I keep my (3)DS and a good chunk of my Game Boy library. The Game Boy games are double-stacked, with each cartridge protected by transparent cassette cases. In the near future, I'm planning to add the same shelf to the right of the mini-library that'll be partially hidden behind the door. That way, I'll have maximized my available wall space. Gotta work with what you have. I suppose I should limit myself to buying games that fit, only my brain doesn't seem to work that way. 
+
+The biggest addition is a plethora of baby toys spread around on the floor, which is mirrored in our living room downstairs. You know, the kind of plastic and wooden cubes that are small enough for you not to notice but big enough for your feet to hurt and evoke all kinds of curses when going for a quick bathroom break. We temporarily moved the relax chair as visible in the 2021 setup to our daughter's room, which came in handy during her (mostly past) nightly crying escapades. Once she's a bit older I hope to switch the toys and chair back. One of the cats also likes chewing the rubber play mat, leaving traces of it behind for or child to pick up and explore using her mouth... 😱
+
+A keen eye will detect random stuff in our shelves, such as:
+
+- A PAL SNES;
+- A thick book labeled _SOURDOUGH_;
+- Boxes with the _Magic the Gathering_logo on it;
+- A thick book labeled _C++_ I intend to employ in the next ritual burning session;
+- Various motherboards equipped with PCI and ISA slots;
+- _Race for the Galaxy_ expansion boxes on top of PC game CD/DVD boxes;
+- A collection of retro Nintendo handhelds;
+- ...
+
+What does your home office space look like in 2024?