Ask HN: How would you prepare a tablet for an apocalypse

Posted by ckx on Tuesday November 03, 2026 @04:25AM
from the ask-hn dept.

Let's assume that some sort of unforeseeable event causes the electricity grid to blackout, food and water is scarce, and over 90% of the population are dead. Your tablet has 8 GB of memory and 128 GB of storage space. You can download whatever is available on the internet. External accessories are allowed, but within reason (e.g a hand crank to charge). How would you prepare?

( 3 comments | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: How would you prepare a tablet for an apocalypse by ckx on Tuesday November 03, 2026 @04:30AM (#50349845)

Personally, I would download important Wikipedia pages (e.g Water Treatment, CPR), then map data for my general area. I would then load up on a few retro game ROMs to help pass the time. I would also bring a hand crank for charging and a tough, shock resistant, and water-proof case.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How would you prepare a tablet for an apocalypse by synack on Tuesday November 03, 2026 @04:32AM (#50349857)

That's big enough for a Kiwix English Wikipedia snapshot, so I'd start with that. The Project Gutenberg epubs could keep you busy for a lifetime, so throw those on too. Some US Army field manuals might be good for basic survival instruction, though these are things you should practice before you're actually in a survival situation.

In this apocalypse scenario, I'm probably more worried about finding potable water and fending off scavengers than what's on my tablet though. It's a fun thought exercise, but not terribly practical. Buy paper books if you want something offline.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How would you prepare a tablet for an apocalypse by trumbitta2 on Tuesday November 03, 2026 @04:35AM (#50349878)

Apocalypse = paper and pencil. Maybe protected with some plastic.

[ Parent | on HN ]