A developer successfully ran Adobe Photoshop on a Raspberry Pi RP2350 chip costing just 60p by emulating an old Apple Macintosh. While not suitable for heavy photo editing, the monochrome demonstration proves surprisingly capable for basic tasks. The setup approximates a mid-1990s computer with two 150MHz processors, 4MB RAM, and gigabytes of storage—all for a few pounds in parts.

Adjusted for inflation, a comparable Macintosh SE from 1989 would cost around £9554 today, highlighting how dramatically computing costs have dropped. The same emulated system runs other retro software like Word Perfect, offering a distraction-free, uncluttered experience reminiscent of simpler computing eras. Beyond the technical feat, this project raises questions about minimal viable computers, sustainable design, and reducing digital distraction.

The author envisions potential applications in low-power devices like solar-powered laptops with e-paper screens, appealing to cyclists or users in remote areas. While modern web browsing remains challenging due to complexity, simpler protocols like Gemini could work. This experiment taps into growing interest in permacomputing and solarpunk movements, suggesting a future where affordable, repairable, and privacy-respecting computers become mainstream.