IdeaWell

Project ideas from Hacker News discussions.

I program on the subway

Original Article

Hacker News Discussion

📝 Discussion Summary (Click to expand)

1. Productivity Gains from Commute Time

Many users share success stories of coding, reading, or learning during commutes, valuing focused, distraction-free sessions.
"tonyedgecombe: I spent six months coding up a new product in a rented office with no internet. It was a really productive period."
"ziofill: while 40 min is not a lot, it’s about 150h per year. One easily underestimates the power of consistency."

2. Theft and Safety Risks

Frequent warnings about laptop/phone theft on subways, with tips like beat-up appearances or locks.
"komali2: I've seen a phone jacking in this exact scenario and nobody moved to stop the guy running."
"bitmasher9: it’s just a matter of when it’s stolen, not if it’s going to be stolen."

3. Tools and Setups for Mobile Coding

Discussions of offline docs, small devices, AI agents, and hacks like tiny keyboards or pre-loaded environments.
"llbbdd: I have been doing this with GitHub's copilot agent web interface on my phone; word-vomit voice prompt + instructions to always run the tests... works really well."
"macNchz: I recently bought a GPD MicroPC 2, a 7” laptop with a real keyboard... fits in a jacket pocket."

🚀 Project Ideas

CommuteKit Offline Docs Aggregator

Summary

  • Bundles searchable, offline documentation for popular languages (Python, JS, Rust, etc.) and tools into a single lightweight app, with auto-sync when online and commute-planned "daily packs" based on GitHub repos.
  • Core value: Enables productive offline coding sessions on trains/subways without internet frustration, as users like saagarjha and allkushdiet planned work around docs.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Commuter developers on spotty/no internet transit
Core Feature Offline full-text search docs, repo-specific packs, session timers for 20-30min bursts
Tech Stack Electron/Tauri for desktop/mobile, Whoosh/Meilisearch for offline search, Git integration
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: Freemium ($4.99/mo pro packs)

Notes

  • HN users lamented patchy subway internet and needing pre-loaded docs ("loaded up the docs beforehand" - saagarjha; "No access to internet so mostly hacking from memory" - allkushdiet).
  • High utility for Caltrain/BART/NYC subway coders; sparks discussions on best offline stacks.

TheftGuard Laptop Harness & Lock App

Summary

  • Wearable harness with Kensington lock tether, integrated app for accelerometer-based auto-lock/shutdown on sudden motion or removal, plus customizable "worn/disguised" skins/stickers to deter thieves.
  • Core value: Secures laptops during active use on crowded trains, addressing theft fears without sacrificing portability (quotes risks from komali2, goosejuice).

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Urban subway/train coders worried about grab-and-run theft
Core Feature Motion-sensing auto-lock via phone tether/USB, customizable camouflage kits, wrist-loop USB dongle
Tech Stack Flutter app + Arduino/ESP32 for sensors, Bluetooth LE integration
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: $29 hardware kit + app sub ($1.99/mo alerts)

Notes

  • Directly solves "laptop lifted right out of his lap" (goosejuice) and "it's just a matter of when it’s stolen" (bitmasher9); builds on Kensington/accelerometer ideas (dmaa, schoen).
  • Practical for NYC/BART; HN would debate efficacy vs. looking "ridiculous" (ms-fellag).

NoiseForge Voice Coding Pod

Summary

  • Noise-cancelling earbuds app with voice-to-code AI agent (local LLMs) for phone-based prompts, auto-test/screenshot verification, optimized for shaky, loud commutes with short-burst workflows.
  • Core value: Turns frustrating train noise/shakes into productive coding via voice, extending llbbdd/chrischen's Copilot hacks without full laptop setup.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Mobile-first coders on bumpy/noisy transit (BART/subway)
Core Feature Voice prompts to local AI (Ollama), noise-filtered mic, test-run visuals, 20min session export
Tech Stack React Native, Whisper for speech, Ollama/TinyLlama local models, WebRTC noise suppression
Difficulty High
Monetization Revenue-ready: $2.99/mo unlimited AI

Notes

  • Fixes "train shook so loud... struggled to listen" (firefax) and "voice prompts... on my phone" (chrischen/llbbdd); ideal for standing/crammed rides (stasge).
  • Utility for piano/music-like hobbies too; HN loves AI/mobile hacks, potential for standing keyboard integrations.

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