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51 votes
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Sidephone - Your simple second phone
18 votes -
[RESOLVED] Tech support request: my game stream is lagging every five minutes
The Issue I'm streaming games from a desktop PC hardwired into my router (running Sunshine) to a laptop wirelessly (using Moonlight). It works beautifully. Except, every five minutes, the stream...
The Issue
I'm streaming games from a desktop PC hardwired into my router (running Sunshine) to a laptop wirelessly (using Moonlight). It works beautifully.
Except, every five minutes, the stream chugs: my framerate drops precipitously, and Moonlight gives me a warning telling me I should lower my bitrate. This happens for only a few seconds, before it resolves and goes back to normal.
I timed the interval between the chugs several times and got approximately 5:07 between each slowdown. It is remarkably consistent.
Because it's so consistent, I assume there's some scheduled task or something running every five minutes that's causing it to chug. Dropping the bitrate makes the chugging less noticeable, but it still happens.
Ruling Things Out
I think it's safe to rule out the idea that it's my router or the host PC.
I have a smaller 13" laptop that I used to stream to, and I just recently bought a 17" to replace it. The five-minute issue only happens on the 17", even with identical stream settings (same resolution, FPS, and bitrate).
The computers are obviously different hardware, but they're also running two different linux distros.
The 13" Laptop is running MX Linux 23.5 (KDE). This is the one that works.
inxi -Fxz
System: Kernel: 6.1.0-32-amd64 arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 12.2.0 Desktop: KDE Plasma v: 5.27.5 Distro: MX-23.5_KDE_x64 Libretto September 15 2024 base: Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm) Machine: Type: Laptop System: Dell product: Latitude 7370 v: N/A serial: <superuser required> Mobo: Dell model: 0XFY7T v: A00 serial: <superuser required> UEFI: Dell v: 1.28.3 date: 02/07/2022 Battery: ID-1: BAT0 charge: 12.6 Wh (62.1%) condition: 20.3/34.0 Wh (59.6%) volts: 8.1 min: 7.6 model: SMP DELL WY7CG58 status: charging CPU: Info: dual core model: Intel Core m5-6Y57 bits: 64 type: MT MCP arch: Skylake rev: 3 cache: L1: 128 KiB L2: 512 KiB L3: 4 MiB Speed (MHz): avg: 2496 high: 2758 min/max: 400/2800 cores: 1: 2400 2: 2758 3: 2400 4: 2429 bogomips: 11999 Flags: avx avx2 ht lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx Graphics: Device-1: Intel HD Graphics 515 vendor: Dell driver: i915 v: kernel arch: Gen-9 bus-ID: 00:02.0 Device-2: Realtek Integrated_Webcam_HD type: USB driver: uvcvideo bus-ID: 1-9:5 Display: x11 server: X.Org v: 1.21.1.7 with: Xwayland v: 22.1.9 driver: X: loaded: modesetting unloaded: fbdev,vesa dri: iris gpu: i915 resolution: 1920x1080~60Hz API: OpenGL v: 4.6 Mesa 24.2.8-1mx23ahs renderer: Mesa Intel HD Graphics 515 (SKL GT2) direct-render: Yes Audio: Device-1: Intel Sunrise Point-LP HD Audio vendor: Dell driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus-ID: 00:1f.3 API: ALSA v: k6.1.0-32-amd64 status: kernel-api Server-1: PipeWire v: 1.0.0 status: active Network: Device-1: Intel Wireless 8260 driver: iwlwifi v: kernel bus-ID: 6c:00.0 IF: wlan0 state: up mac: <filter> Bluetooth: Device-1: Intel Bluetooth wireless interface type: USB driver: btusb v: 0.8 bus-ID: 1-2:2 Report: hciconfig ID: hci0 rfk-id: 1 state: up address: <filter> bt-v: 2.1 lmp-v: 4.2 RAID: Hardware-1: Intel 82801 Mobile SATA Controller [RAID mode] driver: ahci v: 3.0 bus-ID: 00:17.0 Drives: Local Storage: total: 238.47 GiB used: 31.99 GiB (13.4%) ID-1: /dev/sda vendor: Toshiba model: KSG60ZMV256G M.2 2280 256GB size: 238.47 GiB Partition: ID-1: / size: 232.43 GiB used: 31.47 GiB (13.5%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/dm-0 mapped: luks-a8eaaa90-b4ba-4943-8c1d-ddace5892f40 ID-2: /boot size: 973.4 MiB used: 524.1 MiB (53.8%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda2 ID-3: /boot/efi size: 252 MiB used: 274 KiB (0.1%) fs: vfat dev: /dev/sda1 Swap: ID-1: swap-1 type: file size: 3 GiB used: 3.8 MiB (0.1%) file: /swap/swap Sensors: System Temperatures: cpu: 80.0 C pch: 68.0 C mobo: 48.0 C Fan Speeds (RPM): N/A Info: Processes: 251 Uptime: 33m Memory: 7.65 GiB used: 3.56 GiB (46.6%) Init: SysVinit runlevel: 5 Compilers: gcc: 12.2.0 Packages: 2789 Shell: Bash v: 5.2.15 inxi: 3.3.26/etc/crontab
17 * * * * root cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.hourly 25 6 * * * root test -x /usr/sbin/anacron || { cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.daily; } 47 6 * * 7 root test -x /usr/sbin/anacron || { cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.weekly; } 52 6 1 * * root test -x /usr/sbin/anacron || { cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.monthly; }The 17" Laptop is running Linux Mint 22.1 (Cinnamon). This is the one that has the five minute chugs.
inxi -Fxz
System: Kernel: 6.8.0-58-generic arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 13.3.0 Desktop: Cinnamon v: 6.4.8 Distro: Linux Mint 22.1 Xia base: Ubuntu 24.04 noble Machine: Type: Laptop System: Dell product: Inspiron 7773 v: N/A serial: <superuser required> Mobo: Dell model: 0R58C3 v: A00 serial: <superuser required> UEFI: Dell v: 1.19.0 date: 12/15/2021 Battery: ID-1: BAT0 charge: 34.9 Wh (97.5%) condition: 35.8/56.0 Wh (63.9%) volts: 16.0 min: 15.2 model: Samsung SDI DELL W7NKD7B status: discharging CPU: Info: quad core model: Intel Core i7-8550U bits: 64 type: MT MCP arch: Coffee Lake rev: A cache: L1: 256 KiB L2: 1024 KiB L3: 8 MiB Speed (MHz): avg: 658 high: 867 min/max: 400/4000 cores: 1: 400 2: 800 3: 400 4: 400 5: 800 6: 800 7: 867 8: 800 bogomips: 31999 Flags: avx avx2 ht lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx Graphics: Device-1: Intel UHD Graphics 620 vendor: Dell driver: i915 v: kernel arch: Gen-9.5 bus-ID: 00:02.0 Device-2: NVIDIA GP108M [GeForce MX150] vendor: Dell driver: nvidia v: 550.120 arch: Maxwell bus-ID: 01:00.0 Device-3: Realtek Integrated_Webcam_HD driver: uvcvideo type: USB bus-ID: 1-5:2 Display: x11 server: X.Org v: 21.1.11 with: Xwayland v: 23.2.6 driver: X: loaded: modesetting,nvidia unloaded: fbdev,nouveau,vesa dri: iris gpu: i915 resolution: 1920x1080~60Hz API: EGL v: 1.5 drivers: iris,nvidia,swrast platforms: active: gbm,x11,surfaceless,device inactive: wayland,device-2 API: OpenGL v: 4.6.0 compat-v: 4.5 vendor: intel mesa v: 24.2.8-1ubuntu1~24.04.1 glx-v: 1.4 direct-render: yes renderer: Mesa Intel UHD Graphics 620 (KBL GT2) Audio: Device-1: Intel Sunrise Point-LP HD Audio vendor: Dell driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus-ID: 00:1f.3 API: ALSA v: k6.8.0-58-generic status: kernel-api Server-1: PipeWire v: 1.0.5 status: active Network: Device-1: Intel Wireless 3165 driver: iwlwifi v: kernel bus-ID: 02:00.0 IF: wlp2s0 state: up mac: <filter> Bluetooth: Device-1: Intel Bluetooth wireless interface driver: btusb v: 0.8 type: USB bus-ID: 1-7:3 Report: hciconfig ID: hci0 rfk-id: 4 state: up address: <filter> bt-v: 4.2 lmp-v: 8 Drives: Local Storage: total: 238.47 GiB used: 36.5 GiB (15.3%) ID-1: /dev/nvme0n1 vendor: Samsung model: MZVLB256HBHQ-000H1 size: 238.47 GiB temp: 25.9 C Partition: ID-1: / size: 229.63 GiB used: 36.21 GiB (15.8%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/dm-1 mapped: vgmint-root ID-2: /boot size: 1.61 GiB used: 291.7 MiB (17.7%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/nvme0n1p2 ID-3: /boot/efi size: 511 MiB used: 6.1 MiB (1.2%) fs: vfat dev: /dev/nvme0n1p1 Swap: ID-1: swap-1 type: partition size: 1.91 GiB used: 0 KiB (0.0%) dev: /dev/dm-2 mapped: vgmint-swap_1 Sensors: System Temperatures: cpu: 30.0 C pch: 32.5 C mobo: N/A Fan Speeds (rpm): N/A Info: Memory: total: 16 GiB available: 15.36 GiB used: 1.82 GiB (11.9%) Processes: 338 Uptime: 2h 38m Init: systemd target: graphical (5) Packages: 1996 Compilers: gcc: 13.3.0 Shell: Bash v: 5.2.21 inxi: 3.3.34/etc/crontab
17 * * * * root cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.hourly 25 6 * * * root test -x /usr/sbin/anacron || { cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.daily; } 47 6 * * 7 root test -x /usr/sbin/anacron || { cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.weekly; } 52 6 1 * * root test -x /usr/sbin/anacron || { cd / && run-parts --report /etc/cron.monthly; }
Help Request
Anyone have any ideas for tracking down what might be causing this? I was going to just wipe the machine and replace Linux Mint with MX Linux to rule that out, but I figured I'd ask here before doing that, especially because it could be the hardware and not the distro that's causing the issue.
20 votes -
Why are integrated batteries so accepted?
Just something I was frustrated by ever since it became increasingly common even outside of smartphones and tablets. For a few years now I increasingly see basically any battery powered product...
Just something I was frustrated by ever since it became increasingly common even outside of smartphones and tablets.
For a few years now I increasingly see basically any battery powered product having mostly internal accumulator options(aka proprietary battery of uncertain ability to replace), especially in more expensive items in the category. Why?
I mean do see several advantages from the business side, I simply have no idea what advantage would there be for the actual user.
I could see it if the batteries had comparable lifespan to the product, which they most definitely do not unless the item is of truly bad quality.
47 votes -
Smartphones and tablets in the EU to get a new label in June
21 votes -
Considering going with an ambidextrous mouse if anyone has recommendations
My current mouse is a Logitech Lightspeed G502, it works fine and aside from double click issue which I brought to a store to fix, no issues with it but it was my friend's prior mouse before he...
My current mouse is a Logitech Lightspeed G502, it works fine and aside from double click issue which I brought to a store to fix, no issues with it but it was my friend's prior mouse before he upgraded to a newer model.
As for why I want an ambidextrous mouse, on the rare occasions I want to use my left hand to navigate instead of right.
I used to use a chinese MMO mouse that honestly was not bad but its software was fairly garbage(Rebranded Red Dragon mouse iirc) so I don't mind Chinese mice as clearly being a brand name mouse doesn't mean much, just want something that is good and lasts a while, since I'm not that big on mice.I want these qualities in a mouse.
- Works wired and with a 2.4GHz dongle
- Either rechargeable batteries or replaceable works
- High DPI
- Not a "lightweight" mouse
- Has a few programmable buttons
- On chip storage for programmed buttons/DPI/etc
- Available worldwide
Bluetooth as a 3rd option would be neat but not something I'm looking for in particular.
Rechargeable batteries are supposed to provide better longevity afaik, but the buttons or the mouse itself will probably die before the battery.
I use 8200 DPI on my current mouse pretty much in both games and in desktop... with mouse acceleration,
I only lower it on the rare occasions I use something like GIMP.
Not a fan of these perforated light mice or super light mice, I used to put weights in my previous wired Chinese mouse but I'm using the G502 without weights currently. I am willing to compromise on this if there are no options however.
On the G502 I only use 2 buttons regularly, and they are to switch to the left or right virtual desktop, the rest of the buttons have a function but they get rarely used (Except Windows+Tab to show all virtual desktops).
On chip storage is good when I switch platforms (e.g. PC/Windows, SteamDeck or Linux, Mac) and in case I want to completely drop Windows and not worry about needing software for the programmable buttons to work.
Worldwide availability because I don't live in the US or most parts of Europe.
Not aware if Logitech has a mouse that does all what I need, the free scrolling wheel is cool and gets used, but they got a history of switches that die too fast.
9 votes -
Do 5g home internet modems get better cell reception than mobile phones?
I think the answer is probably yes, but I wanted to double check. Does anyone here have experience with them? For clarity, this is the home modems that you can buy for stationary 5g internet. This...
I think the answer is probably yes, but I wanted to double check. Does anyone here have experience with them? For clarity, this is the home modems that you can buy for stationary 5g internet. This is not those pocket, battery powered personal hotspots.
I just moved into a new studio in France. Despite literally every other building on the street having fiber, my studio does not have it. So I am stuck with DSL, since France doesn’t use cable for internet service. My dsl gets 2-10 Mbps down and 0.25-1 up. This is abysmal, especially the upload.
The other problem is the building is such a good shield against radio waves. With Orange, supposedly the best mobile carrier in France, I get exactly zero service, even sticking my phone out the window.
There is a carrier called Free, that does offer a 5g home internet box. To test it out, I got a Free (but not free) SIM card for my phone. Sticking it out the window, I get about the same speeds as my DSL box provides.
So there is the impetuous for my question. Should I expect their 5g home internet box to be about the same speeds as my iPhone, or can I expect them to be faster and more reliable, since it isn’t battery powered and can me larger?
11 votes -
Seeking new wireless router for high bandwidth streaming
I've not bought a new router since 2010 because I try to physically wire everything in my house so it's pretty much my phone using Wifi. However, I've found great use for my Steam Deck as a...
I've not bought a new router since 2010 because I try to physically wire everything in my house so it's pretty much my phone using Wifi.
However, I've found great use for my Steam Deck as a streaming platform on my TV using Moonlight and I'd like to get a new, good router to support it.
I think the Steam Deck can support Wifi 6, but I'd like a Wifi 7 router if possible so I can future proof the possibility of getting a new wireless VR headset too. Though I'm not 100% sold to the idea if there's good argument to just buy Wifi 6 today.Long story short, I'm finding it really hard to choose what router to buy. There's so much "gamer" junk.
Reviews are all over the place too, site A will give a router a top recommend and site B will list off a huge range of cons.Does anyone have any advice? I just want a good, reliable, high throughput router and I can't be bothered with the returns process to try and buy if possible.
12 votes -
Looking for recommendations for a dumb phone (Canada)
So I am considering switching to a dumb phone. All I really need it to do is call and text. However, the texting part might be slightly tricky. I am fine learning how to text using a numpad, but...
So I am considering switching to a dumb phone. All I really need it to do is call and text. However, the texting part might be slightly tricky. I am fine learning how to text using a numpad, but being able to do group chats would be something I would want to keep. Using Google Messages as my texting app even on an older Samsung has worked to get effective group chat functionality, so being able to access the Google Play Store to download it would be beneficial. Other than that, I don't have any other tasks I need to do on my phone. Does anyone have any recommendations?
A list of requirements:
- Available in Canada
- Can handle group chats or can download and install Google Messages
- Ideally not too expensive
8 votes -
Artificial incompatibility - a rant (Dell notebook)
As per title this is inspired by my recent problems with a Latitude 7320 notebook. I can't use my desktop right now and so wanted some cheaper nb for normal usage and eventually settled on this...
As per title this is inspired by my recent problems with a Latitude 7320 notebook.
I can't use my desktop right now and so wanted some cheaper nb for normal usage and eventually settled on this model due to being able to get it at an acceptable ratio of price to age and seeing it as compatible on Ubuntu, not noticing the disclaimer until later.
The problems started right after installing Fedora KDE - the nb was running at absolutely abysmal performance and this problem affects several models.
Running passmark I've got above 2000 on cpu, on Windows I had 11000. The cpu was throttling to 1500Mhz and lower for no reason. Switching a BIOS setting of power management to "ultra performance" got me to twice the score.
Eventually using throttled from github for various Lenovo and Dell models and thermald I was able to get to twice that again, still a fifth less than on Windows. Also the repo has potential of security concerns due to how it works, also potential to just stop working due to them later.
Mainly I'm posting this to just say that there is zero legitimate technical reason why this should happen, it works on Windows and on Dell tampered Ubuntu images. The hw is fine but for some reason someone somewhere decided to artificially limit the hw for whatever reason.
Right now I am still indecided if I should write off the several hours I've spent on this and return the machine to play the dice with some other model.
Edit 5.4.: it turns out I was not using the throttled package correctly and now have roughly equivalent performace in Linux as in Windows up from the 4/5 or so after all the other workarounds. All of the points still apply though. I also heartily recommend s-tui as a nice utility for cpu monitoring and stress test.
14 votes -
32-bit RISC-V processor made using molybdenum disulfide instead of silicon
13 votes -
Helsinki now among the top five cities in Europe for defence, security and resilience investments – Nordic nation has 368 defence tech companies; 40% are startups and scale-ups
13 votes -
[SOLVED] Is there an easy way to tell if a laptop has USB-C charging?
Background: I've been using a 9-year-old 13.3 inch Dell Latitude 7370 laptop running MX Linux to stream games via Moonlight from a beefier desktop machine. It is SO good and works flawlessly. My...
Background:
I've been using a 9-year-old 13.3 inch Dell Latitude 7370 laptop running MX Linux to stream games via Moonlight from a beefier desktop machine. It is SO good and works flawlessly. My only complaint is the smaller screen size.
I would like to upgrade to a larger computer, and given that the computer will literally only be used for streaming games, it doesn't need to have great stats. I'm looking at used/refurbished models -- both for price and because buying something new feels like complete overkill for my needs.
My only requirements are:
- 17 inch screen
- USB-C charging
That's it! I'm assuming that literally anything I can get with that will work for what I need given that my small, decade-old laptop is already doing the same job perfectly. USB-C charging is a must-have for me. I already have USB-C power cords in all the places I plan on using it, and I don't want to have to use a separate charger for it.
My Situation:
Because I'm searching for used/refurbished models, I'm limited to what's available rather than going for any specific model of computer. I can easily find listings for computers with 17 inch screens. What I can't find easily is whether or not they support USB-C charging. Most sites don't have a filter for that, and a lot of the listings don't specify the type of charger used and just list "AC adapter" (or don't mention it at all). Many sites don't have pictures of the ports, or the pictures they do have are stock photos that aren't of the exact model.
Is there some easy way to find these that I'm missing? Some keyword, or a site that does have a filter for that, or brand knowledge that can point me in the right direction?
Also, if anyone has any recommended sites for used/refurbished laptops, let me know. I have had success with Backmarket for used tech before, but I'm open to recommendations.
19 votes -
Ploopy Classic 2 open source trackball
13 votes -
Finding the best sleep tracker
16 votes -
EU paves the way for iPhones and Android devices to ditch USB-C entirely
32 votes -
Introducing two new PebbleOS watches!
57 votes -
Google’s Taara is launching a new chip to deliver high-speed Internet with light
13 votes -
The rise of "dumbphones"
21 votes -
Apple restricts Pebble from being awesome with iPhones
46 votes -
Looking for very specific mouse recommendations
Currently, I'm using the Razer Deathadder V2 wired. Sadly, it's only sold through sketchy 3rd party sellers now since Razer has moved onto V3 (which I tried, but it's significantly less...
Currently, I'm using the Razer Deathadder V2 wired. Sadly, it's only sold through sketchy 3rd party sellers now since Razer has moved onto V3 (which I tried, but it's significantly less comfortable)
Does anybody know of a mouse that has similar contours, size, and weight to the Deathadder V2 (or V1, which was quite similar)?
The closest I've seen so far is the Corsair Sabre Pro Champion Series, but I'd love some input before committing to it, if anybody has any.
13 votes -
Investigation: We tried to buy American chips as a Russian defense manufacturer - it worked
21 votes -
SiFive HiFive Premier P550 RISC-V (on Linux)
4 votes -
Apple unveils new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever
15 votes -
Apple's software quality crisis: when premium hardware meets subpar software
35 votes -
Framework’s first desktop is a strange—but unique—mini ITX gaming PC
34 votes -
Framework Laptop 12 is a cheaper, more colorful take on a repairable laptop PC
43 votes -
Framework gives its 13-inch Laptop another boost with Ryzen AI 300 CPU update
14 votes -
Technician warns against copper modding GPUs, fixes RTX 3080 with component damage
19 votes -
The birth and glory of Swedish computers
7 votes -
Microsoft unveils chip it says could bring quantum computing within years
15 votes -
The unbrickable pledge
12 votes -
TRMNL - Open source e-ink "companion" device
52 votes -
Looking for a new mouse (maybe)
I currently have a Corsair Dark Core Pro SE that I like a lot. My scroll wheel is messed up though. I am kind of in the trenches (who isn't these days), and am looking for some good old retail...
I currently have a Corsair Dark Core Pro SE that I like a lot. My scroll wheel is messed up though. I am kind of in the trenches (who isn't these days), and am looking for some good old retail therapy.
My big ticket items:- works well on linux (openRGB if possible)
- has forward and back thumb buttons
- scroll wheel works (lol)
- has nice support for pinky (I really like this feature on my current mouse)(as I have big hands)
I am not opposed to just buying another of my current mouse, I can't tell if there is anything really comparable. I also don't really understand/care for my mouse being lightweight.
Deep cut question though is if anyone has any experience with trackballs, I kind of want to try it out but ultimately I don't really know what I am doing. I really just use my computer casually, and I don't play any competitive games just casual.
Any recs? Thanks, happy to answer any questions too.
19 votes -
Framework (2nd gen) event: 25th February
19 votes -
Space hifi
6 votes -
Framework 13 chassis available for $400
32 votes -
Bluetooth receiver with a sane low-battery warning?
The behavior of a bluetooth device when it reaches low battery is never advertised, and a lot of the time no one even mentions it in the reviews. My experience is that most devices give you an...
The behavior of a bluetooth device when it reaches low battery is never advertised, and a lot of the time no one even mentions it in the reviews. My experience is that most devices give you an audio warning on repeat until you charge it, which is obviously bad design.
Can anyone recommend a bluetooth receiver that doesn't do this? I've heard that apple airpods only warn you once or twice, but my preference is for a battery-powered bluetooth receiver that lets me plug in wired headphones. I'm still interested in hearing about other bluetooth headphones though.
If there's nothing on the market, it might be interesting to try and build something. There must be bluetooth modules you can buy, but I wonder if they would have the same problem. Maybe you can modify the firmware? If anyone out there is hardware-hacking bluetooth devices, let me know.
14 votes -
Uses for retired 2009 MacBook Pro? [Specifically, when I already own an RPi4]
Its screen and touchpad work as well as they always have, even though it's largely been gathering dust beneath my desk for the past two years. It's obsolete and too slow for modern (read: under 7...
Its screen and touchpad work as well as they always have, even though it's largely been gathering dust beneath my desk for the past two years. It's obsolete and too slow for modern (read: under 7 years old) macOS, but it's not broken.
I could install Linux and set up a server, but my Pi has already filled that role.
This topic came to mind because a friend sent two truly broken laptops—including a MBP of similar vintage to the one discussed here—home with me to send to electronics recycling. Kicking about for other opinions before I add this computer to the pile.
19 votes -
We're bringing Pebble back!
80 votes -
Steam Brick: No screen, no controller, and absolutely no sense, just a power button and a USB port
53 votes -
Looking for an Android tablet with some probably unreachable requirements
Hello. I'm currently in the market for an Android tablet, not strictly for my personal usage, but for my family so there's one easily reachable touch screen computer around the house. The problems...
Hello. I'm currently in the market for an Android tablet, not strictly for my personal usage, but for my family so there's one easily reachable touch screen computer around the house. The problems start with my requirements, which are... not exactly tablet market friendly:
- Available in France (and without overly high shipping costs)
- Long term manufacturer support so it isn't subject to suddenly become e-waste because they decided to stop providing updates after like 1 major Android release
- Ability to install an Android distribution that doesn't rely on Google apps such as LineageOS + microG
- Sufficient specs to use a web browser and play videos without issues.
- I'd like the model to be easy to repair in the same vein as the Fairphone but that's lower priority
The budget is best defined as "probably not enough" (I don't think I can afford to spend much more than ~400€). Given that I suspect from my initial search not yielding much that fitting all the requirements is impossible especially within that budget, do you have pointers on models that provide an acceptable compromise for what I'm looking for, or that somehow do match all the criteria?
Hilariously, the closest candidate so far within budget seems to be... The Google Pixel tablet, which despite being a Google product has a fairly straightforward way to get an unGoogled ROM on it.
15 votes -
The invalid 68030 instruction that accidentally allowed the Mac Classic II to successfully boot up
17 votes -
Where can I buy affordable, high quality Micro SD Cards within Canada?
I'm curious if you guys have a good retailer for SD Cards. Costco used to sell them, but they don't seem to anymore. I'd like to use them for portable data storage.
16 votes -
TCL's bet on screens that look like paper
16 votes -
Seeking programmable mouse with top buttons
I am looking for a new mouse that meets the following: Must have: at least 3 (ideally 5+) programmable buttons on the top (not the sides), preferably to the outer edges (of the top), rather than...
I am looking for a new mouse that meets the following:
Must have:
- at least 3 (ideally 5+) programmable buttons on the top (not the sides), preferably to the outer edges (of the top), rather than in the middle
- those top buttons should not be right-handed-biased (most that I've seen put more additional buttons beside left click, and fewer near right click)
Nice to have:
- Can be configured with Linux; but I don't mind temporarily using Windows or OSX for initial and a once-in-a-while setup
- not too many buttons on the sides, since I won't be using them, so that would just drive up the price for features I won't use
I am currently using a Logitech G300s (images from DDG). I am very satisfied with it, as it meets all my criteria, but one of my primary mouse buttons is starting to unintentionally double click (on single click). I know that that is a common problem with mice in general, but I don't want to bother with DIY fixing, especially any operation that involves soldering. Prior to that, I used a Roccat Kova (images from DDG) which had only 3 additional buttons on top.
I would just buy another G300s, but it's not in stock any more anywhere that I've looked, presumably due to its age.
I've done a little websearching, and have asked ChatGPT, but everything I've come across either is biased to right-handed users, or doesn't have enough buttons on top. Most options I've seen have many buttons on the sides, but that's not the way I mouse (I move the mouse with the thumb, and ring and pinky fingers).
10 votes -
Fluid simulation pendant
21 votes -
Best way to set up NAS?
so I have a setup where I have a NUC that has docker on it, one of the containers is my nextcloud that I use for sharing my files across my computers. I also have a synology NAS which is connected...
so I have a setup where I have a NUC that has docker on it, one of the containers is my nextcloud that I use for sharing my files across my computers.
I also have a synology NAS which is connected to my NUC via NFS and the files themselves are stored on that NFS file via a docker volume mount.
Hopefully that made sense.
My problem: not often but it does happen where my router has an issue, today it just needed a restart. another time it was cause I deliberately disconnected it from the power not realizing it would mess up the connection between my NUC and my NAS.
Why is this an issue? it causes my nextcloud to freeze up as the files it is supposed to share are no longer available. necessitates me restarting my NUC to get the connection going again.
Thankfully hasn't happened often but still something that can be scary in the moment. My question is, is this just one of the pitfalls I have to accept of utilizing a NAS the way I am or is there a way to connect a Synology to a NUC and ensure router issues don't cause the nextcloud docker instance to freeze?12 votes -
Nvidia announces four next-gen RTX 5000 GPUs
37 votes -
Cherry MX 10.0N mechanical keyboard - A non-enthusiast's thoughts after one month
So bit more than one month ago my very old Microsoft Sidewinder X4 keyboard broke the membrane on the 'A' key, meaning it was effectively kaput. I decided that I wanted to try a mechanical. The...
So bit more than one month ago my very old Microsoft Sidewinder X4 keyboard broke the membrane on the 'A' key, meaning it was effectively kaput. I decided that I wanted to try a mechanical.
The Search
My use-cases are as follows, in the order of importance:
- Gaming
- Programming
- General typing
These were the first requirements I settled on, based on my limited knowledge of mechanical keyboards:
- ISO nordic layout
- Full size: Because I make heavy use of both numpad and the insert-delete-home-end-page island of keys. Whatever it is called. I have zero interest in compromising on the standard layout.
- Nice to have: Metal body
- Nice to have: General high-quality
- Nice to have: Wireless, but only if 2.4Gz.
- Nice to have: Tactile switches
- Nice to have: Backlit keys
- Nice to have: Simple elegant aesthetic. I especially want to avoid typical gamer aesthetic.
- Budget basically unlimited
With these requirements I eventually settled on Keychron Q6 Max with Jupiter Brown. But just before ordering one, I started thinking about the height of the keys on a normal old-school mechanical.
I don't remember when I have last used one, all my recent keyboard had been modern low-profile so I didn't have a reference for what I was buying other than images.
I started reading about wrist problems from keyboard height and the recommendation of a wrist rest. I looked at the Keychron options and saw that they only had rests that were completely detached from the keyboard.
Thing is that I move my keyboard around my desk a lot, so I figured that having a wrist-rest that was not attached would become an annoyance.
After this I decided to just stick to what I am used to and added another requirement:- Low-profile
Unfortunately when you set requirements for 100%, ISO, and low-profile, then the otherwise extensive Keychron catalogue becomes super limited. So I started looking elsewhere.
At the time there was a new post about a search engine on the /r/MechanicalKeyboards front page.
Using this I discovered the Cherry MX 10.0N. This seemed like a good deal. High quality all-metal body.
The only real sticking point was that the switches are linear with very short actuation, but I liked the look of this keyboard so much that I decided I could probably learn to live with it.The review
The keyboard looks great in person. The all-metal body feels very solid and high-quality. It's got good heft and sticks to the table. The entire board is very thin and feels good to rest on.
The keys also feel high quality with minimal wobbling, and long keys sound and feel the same whether pressed on the edge or in the middle.That's all the good stuff. Now on to the less good.
The foot
The adjustable foot in the back has no real positions. Meaning that there is no point in adjusting it where it will click in place and stay there, and it is under constant spring pressure to return to the stowed position. This means that the only thing keeping the extended foot in place is the weight of the keyboard. As mentioned I move my keyboard around frequently, and this means that everytime I move it I have to readjust the foot.
Additionally, it's highest position is sort of a balancing point, meaning that it you are a bit off, or accidentally push the keyboard a bit in this position, then the foot will suddenly collapse.
It's a minor annoyance, but one that is unique to this keyboard since I don't see this kind of foot design anywhere else. Otherwise the full-length metal foot is really nice, if only they had added proper click positions in its travel.The switches
As mentioned, these are linear with very short actuation. CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE RGB SPEED switches to be specific. My first thought when trying to type with these was "Oh my god I hate this, how can some prefer this?!".
Constant mistyping was the name of the game. I was so used to being able to slightly miss a key, but still only actuate the intended. But that doesn't fly with this keyboard. If you depress any key even the slightest, it WILL actuate.
For gaming I first didn't understand why I sometimes kept jumping. I eventually figured out its because the mere weight of my thumb resting on the spacebar can be enough to actuate it sometimes.After 1 month of regular usage, I can confidently say that my thoughts are now "Oh my god I hate this, how can some prefer this?!". Okay, I improved my typing somewhat to maybe half my mistyping. Gaming is still a pain, and I've had to regularly rest my thumb on the table instead to stop the sudden jumping.
Unfortunately this keyboard does not have hot-swappable switches, so there is no fixing it unless I want to buy a soldering iron and replace every single key, which I am not willing to.Key spacing
So while the keyboard is technically 100%, Cherry has still designed it to be as compact as possible. One area where they have shaved off the length is the spacing between the main keys and the arrows keys and those above. Aswell as on the other side with the numpad.
I didn't know this prior to puchasing this keyboard, but apparently this spacing is essential for my muscle memory to be able to find those keys. The lack of spacing has meant that maybe 25% of the time I use them, I press the wrong key.Overall
Now the issue with the switches and spacing is really an issue of preference. These aren’t quality issues. They were designed this way because some people like it (somehow). So if this keyboard looks interesting to you, and these preference design choices don't bother you, then I can only recommend the Cherry MX 10.0N. It really is a very high quality keyboard.
For me though, I just can't overlook these choices, so I have started looking for another keyboard again. I'm currently split between the Cherry KW X ULP and Logitech G915 X Lightspeed. None of them are full-metal body unfortunately. The cherry one seems to be the higher quality, but the the key caps remind me of laptops keys, which I really hate the feel of. Maybe I'm overreacting to it. The Logitech one is lower quality, but has all the the features that I would want. If you know of something better then please do leave a comment. I might reconsider my low-profile requirement. I'll give it at least another month before I become serious about switching again.
21 votes