Any good way to use desktop computers while lying in bed? It's so much more comfortable than actually sitting at a desk.
ssh or remote X server
I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
271–280 of 693 posts
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#272Nothing beats 32 cores with a 32 inch 4K IPS monitor, and a proper mechanical keyboard. Also, wired internet, not subject to radio interference. The very pinnacle of computing experience.
64 core options are available.
It's true but they are also a bit past the point of diminishing returns, at least in the bang/buck department.
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#273Earlier quoted context omitted.
I didn't know that a modern laptop could drive 2 4K monitors. This is good news. BTW, it sounds to me that your laptop setup is indistinguishable from a desktop, and your setup is even less portable than a desktop, so why not go the cheap desktop route?
My laptop (16" MacBook Pro) can allegedly drive four 4K monitors. I currently use two 32" 4K (landscape) and one 24" 1440p (portrait). The additional portrait 1440p is totally silly, and it was because work happened to send me it for WFH.
Allegedly. I've never managed to make more than 2 of them work at 60hz at the same time. Maybe the correct set of cables might make it work, but they're like $20 each and frankly I'm sick to death of spending without results.
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#274> I know that new "open" laptops are still available, but most of them--the System76's, the Purisms, etc.--are overpriced in my opinion This quote suggest to me the author is an integral part of the problem. Companies are ALWAYS trying to increase their profitability. If they can lock down the computer, they can drop the price while _increasing_ CLTV. That’s why System76 is more expensive. They’re NOT overpriced. The…
Two words: pinebook pro. It’s slow, and an arm processor (so missing software support). Also, stability isn’t the best, but it is improving.
Other than that, it meets all the Free source and ergonomic thin laptop requirements for $200.
My ideal setup is something like that as a client, and a bunch of high end machines located far away from my desk.
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#275What seems odd about this to me is his complaint that what he wants is out there, in the form of laptops built for linux and set up exactly like he wants, but they're "overpriced". Uh what? If you're gonna be that picky about your setup, then it's time to pony up and pay for it. This stuff is never gonna get more manufacturer attention unless people buy it. If you wanna pay the lowest price, you should expect to get…
I'm generally quite price-sensitive and frugal and I want to describe why I think you are right in calling out the author on their "overpriced" comment: Two aspects are important to keep in mind for a decision of this kind: This machine is going to be your primary professional tool for the next several years - do you really care about a few hundred dollars extra? Especially if you have niche-requirements (read: non m…
I agree. IMO, being frugal is more like being careful to spend extra money only when it makes a real difference in what you're getting than getting the cheapest version of everything no matter what. By all means, don't buy a $30k car when a $12k car does everything you need a car to do. But for a tech professional, it's silly to pinch pennies on a tool you spend a substantial part of your waking hours using and is used to earn your living and should last several years.
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#276Earlier quoted context omitted.
>11. I want an all-metal case because a machine caught fire once. I would love elaboration on what happened.
The graphics card caught fire. Fortunately, I was at my desk at the time and couldn't help but notice the heavy smoke boiling out of the machine. I pulled the plug pronto which halted the fire, and put the machine out on the concrete patio till it stopped smoking. Curious, I plugged it in again and the fire started again. REmoving the cover showed the graphics card and a section of the mobo was burned to a crisp. I h…
I wonder if there was a tin whisker lurking there.
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#277Earlier quoted context omitted.
>11. I want an all-metal case because a machine caught fire once. I would love elaboration on what happened.
The graphics card caught fire. Fortunately, I was at my desk at the time and couldn't help but notice the heavy smoke boiling out of the machine. I pulled the plug pronto which halted the fire, and put the machine out on the concrete patio till it stopped smoking. Curious, I plugged it in again and the fire started again. REmoving the cover showed the graphics card and a section of the mobo was burned to a crisp. I h…
Wow. What model GPU/mobo was it?
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#278Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think it just comes down to how important you find the convenience of using the same machine when you're at your desk and when you're not. I used an external monitor, keyboard and mouse when at the desk, even when I only owned a laptop. But I also use the laptop a lot on the couch, not just for traveling - so I wondered if I would find it annoying to have a separate desktop machine. So far it's been well worth it.…
I've gotten used to the convenience of a laptop, but I'm never happy with them. Now that I'm working remotely, the lappy just doesn't cut it. But I want to veg on the couch with my laptop once and a while. My solution is to use my older laptop as a thin client for my desktop.
I tried that (using Windows Remote Desktop) but the latency was just high enough to be annoying. What do you use?
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#279Earlier quoted context omitted.
The graphics card caught fire. Fortunately, I was at my desk at the time and couldn't help but notice the heavy smoke boiling out of the machine. I pulled the plug pronto which halted the fire, and put the machine out on the concrete patio till it stopped smoking. Curious, I plugged it in again and the fire started again. REmoving the cover showed the graphics card and a section of the mobo was burned to a crisp. I h…
"Curious, I plugged it in again and the fire started again" This reminds me of an old joke: https://www.reddit.com/r/ProgrammerHumor/comments/46sere/a_p...
I once turned on my crt monitor and smoke started coming out so I freaked out and immediately unplugged it. My uncle, an electronist, was passing by and told him I screwed my monitor and wanted him to take a look. He plugged in, turned it on it worked just fine. I don’t remember ever having problems with that EGA monitor again. I could never explain that white smoke
Re: I am seriously considering going back to desktop computers
#280Earlier quoted context omitted.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/informatio... >All x86-based Certified For Windows 10 PCs must meet several requirements related to Secure Boot: > - They must have Secure Boot enabled by default. > - They must trust Microsoft’s certificate (and thus any bootloader Microsoft has signed). > - They must allow the user to configure Secure Boot to trust other bootloaders. > - They must allow the user to…
"They must trust Microsoft’s certificate (and thus any bootloader Microsoft has signed)." This one in particular always pissed me off, and I'm glad it only applies to pre-built machines that come with Windows 10 preinstalled. If the individual motherboard makers ever decide they need to be "certified for Windows 10" and start auto-trusting a certificate for closed-source commercial software, I'm left with no choice b…
Full compliance with Windows 10 Enterprise certification requires ability to enter Setup Mode, where all certificates are deleted and owner has to reload the whole certificate database from scratch.
The requirements mentioned by grandparent are for setup where without any extra configuration you can approach a computer with Windows 10 install media and it will install properly.