Tag: CHROMEBOOK

TECHNOLOGY: Will the developers please consider old people using their stuff?

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

I, as with many other people, act as “tech support” for our older friends and relatives.

Will the developers please consider this when they push products to the marketplace.

I like tech products to have a “supervisory mode” that his all the “dangerous” functions from the old, and young, users.

Just like enterprises do to their employees with varying degrees of success.

Phones, chromebooks, and computers are my current hot buttons, but as more devices like TVs and streaming sticks become “configurable”, they have the same problem with “fat fingers”.

Argh!

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HARDWARE: Do as I say; not as I do

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

Argh!

OK, I have put my coffee tray on my truck set many many times.

Today, it cost me when I spilt two large DD coffees on my seat.  

So was my laptop.

It appears that I now have a problem or three — sticky keys, a partially damaged screen, and some power issues.

New machine comes in tomorrow.

Reminds me of why I like CHROMEBOOKS.  Cheap and cloud based.

If only MARSEDIT would run on the CHROMEBOOK, then I’d have migrated completely years ago.

Oh well, live and learn!

Argh!

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TECHNOLOGY: Dropping Google and returning to the “less evil” empire of Apple

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

2020-Nov-11 1257

Ok, I admit that my attempt to move from Apple to Google was a complete and utter failure.

Google:

  • By killing Google Cloud Print, it made my printer “obsolete” with no alternative. (Was the final straw!)
  • Google docs and sheets are no where near as good as Microsoft Office.
  • Google’s “end of life”-ing chromebooks is inexplicable.
  • Google’s 4a offering was “unsubscribable”. (A tech giant should be able to do that!)
  • Google has no support comparable to Apple’s.
  • Google Fi’s beem a disappointment compared to Altice Mobile.

Apple

  • Has a remarkable consistency in their infrastructure.
  • While killing iTunes Apple Music, iWeb, and a parade of obsolescence, it has been as disruptive as Google’s “end of life”-ing chromebooks.

I’ll continue to watch the field, but it’s no sense wasting anymore time.

I’ll still recomend chromebooks with the caveats about printing and “end of life”-ing.

Argh!

(My apologies for the bad advice!)

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HARDWARE: In praise of Chromebooks and Chromeboxes

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

From FACEBOOK

{Privacy Invoked} #1 · Seaside Heights, NJ · 

Ok Facebook world. My laptop died but it is IMPERATIVE that I have a computer, I’m in Grad school. Is a Chromebook good enough for writing papers, printing out papers coupons and the like and surging the web? I’ll b using a flash drive or google docs too. Help!?!

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FJohn Reinke

I have several. I use them for most computing chores. Bought one for {Privacy Invoked} as a gift to replace her old windoze box. She loves it.

  • As long as you use the cloud and the inet, it’s perfect for light weight computing use.
     
  • Cheap. I’ve seen them as low as 199. 
     
  • By using the cloud, you’re forced to keep your data backed up.
     
  • Should you lose it, destroy it, or have it stolen, it’s trivial to get a new one and not miss a beat.
     
  • Also no malware can infect you.

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{Privacy Invoked} #2

We have chrome books, Windows desktop and MacBooks. All are good. But, you can only save to the cloud on a chromebook. So, if internet access is interrupted, you can’t get to your files. Also, it’s difficult to print from the chromebooks. I would suggest a Windows or Apple machine.

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FJohn Reinke

You can add local storage via usbdrive or and sd card.

Also, many of the “apps” have an offline capability. 

I use google cloud printing capability even on my mac and windoze machines for universal printing (i.e., from anywhere to Virginia, Kendall Park, or Staples). 

Should not be a problem. Sign up for my “platinum support” plan and I can help you. The “gold” plan you get {Privacy Invoked}; “silver” {Privacy Invoked}; “bronze” {Privacy Invoked}; or “lead” {Privacy Invoked}. Laugh! 

Seriously, chromebooks are the way to go for lightweight computing. And, most smartphones allow you to tether them for universal inet access. 

I have Optimum at 51F and that gives me access to Optimum wifi. Most inet service providers have that capability. McDonalds, Starbucks, and Panera have free wifi too. 

I like chromebooks for their utility and no required complete refreshes / reinstalls every so often as windoze and mac get “crud build up”.

Lot positive to be said for the Chromebook / Chromebox. I usually leave one in 51F for {Privacy Invoked} to use when we’re there.

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So let’s sum it up: cheap; simple; and worry free.

I laughed when some clowns hijacked a truck of about 1,200 MacBook Airs destined for a school worth more than a million bucks. 

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2015/09/03/4-men-accused-stealing-nearly-1200-student-laptops/

This revealed the waste at Gooferment Skrules that the taxpayers are paying for.

Argh!

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HARDWARE: CHROMEBOX; my experience

Published on by reinkefj3 Comments

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/samsung-chromebox-series-3/4505-3118_7-35313576-2.html

Samsung Chromebox Series 3 review

*** begin quote ***

The Chromebox does support dual-display output, but right now it will only mirror the desktop image to both displays, rather than extending a single operating environment across multiple screens. Again, the system chooses the output resolution automatically, in this case opting for the highest common resolution between both monitors.

Along with connecting a monitor to the Chromebox, you must also provide your own mouse and keyboard. That opens up a larger discussion about device compatibility, which is less of an issue for the Chromebook considering its built-in Webcam and input devices.

Six USB 2.0 ports on the system (two in front, four in back) imply broad support for the vast ecosystem of USB devices. I did not expect the Chromebox to support every esoteric peripheral, but I was also surprised by how quickly I found devices that didn’t work.

*** end quote ***

MY experience mirrors the review with one big positive and one surprising negative.

Positive: This puppy doing gmail is FAST. Like an idiot savant, it renders web pages quick like a bunny.

Negative: I never realized how much I depend upon text expansion utilities. 

I’d buy a CHROMEBOOK to replace my obsoleted MACBOOKAIR. (That alone makes me a NEGATIVE Apple Fan Boy. What is the opposite of a FAN boy?)

So, I’m stuck. I am getting off the Apple “upgrade” treadmill. I’m burnt out on Microsoft problems. Not sure if Ubuntu will give me text expansion. 

Welcome to the “glue trap” or worse whatever.

Sorry, but CHROMEBOOK isn’t ready for me. BUT, if you have kids or old folks, it’s perfect and cheap!

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