Tech Won't Save Us Bring Back Meddling With Tech Hardware w/ Chris Person
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Jan 22, 2026 Chris Person, co-founder of Aftermath and creator of the Highlight Reel series, dives into the fascinating world of tech hardware and DIY culture. He discusses the impact of AI on consumer electronics, driving up costs like GPU and RAM prices. Chris emphasizes the importance of community-driven hardware mods and explores the intriguing landscape of Chinese manufacturing. With a nod to retro tech's resurgence, he reveals his excitement for upcoming hardware like the Steam machine while critiquing CES's gimmicky devices. A thought-provoking conversation on tech that challenges the status quo!
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AI Demand Raises Consumer Hardware Prices
- The AI data-center boom is inflating prices for consumer hardware components like GPUs and RAM.
- This market shift makes everyday devices costlier as cloud AI providers outbid regular consumers.
Forum Mod Transforms Cheap Mic
- Chris recounts a forum mod that turned a cheap Rode mic into something like a legendary U87 by changing a capacitor.
- He praises DIY communities for turning ordinary hardware into surprisingly high-quality gear.
Learn To Solder Small Repairs
- Learn basic soldering because it demystifies hardware and lets you repair or modify devices yourself.
- Small skills reveal how components work and make DIY upgrades accessible.