Offline News
Guides, signal reports and news for people who work on the move. Written on trains, planes and anywhere else the signal gives up. Mostly between Exeter and London. Looking for evergreen explainers on offline AI models? See Guides.
How to compress a PDF for email without internet
Three ways that work with no signal, the attachment limits for Gmail, Outlook and Apple Mail, and what to do when the file still won’t fit.
[Your name] · Updated 5 Nov 2026 · 4 min read- Signal report
Exeter to Paddington: where the signal drops
A month of my own journeys, logged stop by stop. Where to save your work before the cuttings.
Coming soon · 6 min read - Offline AI
Can you use AI offline? What runs on a laptop in 2026
Which laptops can run a useful AI model with no internet, and what to expect from it.
Coming soon · 7 min read - How-to guide
Gmail, Outlook and Apple Mail attachment limits, explained
The real numbers, and what happens when your file is over them.
Coming soon · 3 min read - How-to guide
How to get real work done on a two-hour train journey
A simple plan for inbox, deep work and wrapping up before your stop.
Coming soon · 5 min read - Offline AI
Offline AI and client confidentiality
Why keeping documents on your own device matters for lawyers, accountants and consultants.
Coming soon · 6 min read - Flat White Index
Flat White Index: this week
This week’s price at Exeter St Davids, and what it means for ours.
Coming soon · 1 min read
Nothing here yet. New posts arrive most weeks.
Quick answers
Can I compress a PDF without an internet connection?
Yes. On a Mac, Preview has a basic Reduce File Size option. WorkOffline compresses PDFs on Mac and Windows with no connection, with presets that fit Gmail’s 25 MB and Outlook’s 20 MB limits. It does the same for photos, Office files, videos and audio, and the file keeps its format.
What is the Gmail attachment size limit?
Gmail allows attachments up to 25 MB per email. Larger files are sent as a Google Drive link, which needs an internet connection.
Does WorkOffline need Wi-Fi?
Only once, for about 10 minutes during setup, and later for updates. After that it works with no signal, on a train, a plane or anywhere else.
How much does WorkOffline cost?
The download is free, and compressing files up to 10 MB is free with no ticket. Everything else needs a ticket. A Single ticket costs the same as a flat white at Starbucks, Exeter St Davids, checked every Monday, paid once. A Season ticket costs seven, paid once. Pro costs one a month or ten a year, with the price locked on the day you join, and a 7 day free trial. Every ticket has 14 days money back, no questions asked.
Do my files leave my laptop?
No. Files, chats and searches stay on your device. The app only connects to activate your ticket, download updates and download the AI model.