Tsikbal: from my perspective

Linux Mint 22.1 Xia around the corner, I'd be looking to upgrade from Linux 22 Wilma. Even though is a point release, and it focuses more on stability, I'm looking forward to it. The main reason being the upgrade to Cinnamon 6.4 , is that it brings upgrades to the user experience. While user interface is quite good, the upgrades coming up seem to make the user interface better. Which is not a big deal as a whole, but quite welcomed for someone like me that apprentices a both form and function on the the things I use on daily basis. Also the improved system stability promised, is a great thing. To be honest, Linux Mint has proven to be quite stable for my use, but there is always room for improvement. Personally, I'd like to see a better printer experience with non HP printers. Though is not bad, for time to time the print jobs get stuck, take ages to get sent, or it doesn't play nice with all printers. Other than that, there isn't much on my wish list for Linux M...

Google just announced that it would extend the guaranteed OS updates for Pixel 6 and 7 series , from the original 3 to 5. That are great news, since means that those Pixel devices will have a longer life span, and could mean other smartphone manufactures that use Android could consider to follow suit. To be honest, it is also great news for me. I decided to go with a Pixel 7a, and knowing that I'm guaranteed to get Android 18 makes it that much better prospect for the next 3 years. If the next 3 OS updates go as well as the update from Android 14 to 15 did, I'm looking forward to keep my Pixel 7a for at least 2 years. While I'd like to see some big updates with each of new update, I rather have each to bring small updates that actually make my smartphone user experience better. For me, the big updates are just the cherry on the cake.

After upgrading my Pixel 7a to Android 15 almost a month ago, the biggest improvement I've seen in the user experience side has been a longer battery life. Normally on Android 14  by about 8:00 PM, I had about 30% of the battery left. Now, it normally has about 50% with a normal use on workday, on weekends it could be around 40% with heavy use of WhatsApp , social media , and Spotify . Not to mentions between 3 or 4 hours of Bluetooth  while I stream music or podcasts on Spotify. I also feel the Bluetooth connection with my earphones a lot more stable, and the connection feels faster. In general, the user experience feels better with no major downsides so far. The upgrades from Android 12 to 13 , on a Motorola phone, and from 13 to 14 , on a Nothing Phone 1 , were really good. Yet, they didn't feel as good as the upgrade on the Pixel 7a. Though the one on the Nothing Phone 1 comes close but not enough. To be honest, unless something changes in a big way, the only two phone...

After a couple of weeks giving mechanical keyboards a try, I must admit why people who use them recommend them so much. Typing on them really feels nicer, and the sound they make is quite something. I have come to like mechanical keyboards so much, that I decided to get three of them. A 60% one for the laptop I use mainly for media consumption, and a couple of 80% percent ones for work at my home office and for work . I decided to get these particular keyboards, because my laptop is from the same brand, and so far it has been quite a great value for my money. So much so, that if all goes as it gone so far when I've to replace it, I'm most likely to choose another one of the Machenike laptops. Specially since they play nice with Linux Mint , which is my go to Linux distro . And so far, the keyboards have given my no problem at all with Linux Mint, actually they have worked like a charm. Though I could try to dive even deeper, I don't feel like I need to because they cover ...

Growing up in the 90s consuming a lot of sci-fi media, it feels rather strange that some of the tech described on sci-fi has become a reality. Things like smartphones , wireless headphones , video telephony , are some of the technologies that sci-fi predicted for example. While smartphones, and tablets, don't really work as they were envision, are now devices that are commonplace. For example, tablets were envision as capable to do one thing while the tablets we got can be used for multiple things. The same goes for smartphones, so much so that they have replaced digital cameras, telephones, and media players. Also computers have become smaller, rather than larger as some people believed when the first computers came to be. It was predicted that people would have computer terminal  that would only be capable of sending the inputs to a central computer to be processed and displaying the results. Computers ended becoming smaller, and capable to process much more information faster...

After a couple of months, I decided to get a mechanical keyboard  for my home office. The laptop I use at home for media consumption, and some light Internet browsing, has given me some trouble with keys getting stuck since new, so I got an entry level wireless mechanical keyboard to see if all the hype I've heard about them is something I could get into. So, I decided to go with a Machenike K500-B51W  with brown switches. It is a 60% keyboard, and although for a keyboard for a more professional use I'd rather use bigger one with a number pad, for the intended use I've of it has been proven to be quite a nice fit. The main reasons I choose the K500-B51W are its size, that Machenike has proven to me that it makes good products with the L16A laptop I use as my daily driver, that is relatively cheap, and that it is a wireless keyboard. My first impressions of it, are pretty good. I still need to get used on to it, but so far it has been quite a great experience. To be honest,...

I've been an avid user of Mozilla Thunderbird email client on my laptops, for about a decade now. Specially after I started using several emails , which make managing them through a webmail  impractical. A few years ago I started to check my emails though my smartphone more often, and the email apps I settled on while usable didn't actually measured with I came to expect using Thunderbird. I knew that team behind Thunderbird was on their way to create an app for iOS and Android, but it was a work on progress. Until this week, when the app was release as a beta for testers on the Play Store . After digging around a bit, I found that it was stable enough to give a try. So far, it has been quite a great app for me. It just works, while there are some features missing. The main one I'm looking forward, is being able to sync it with my desktop app. I do that with Firefox , and find it useful for my user case. Being able to both apps seamlessly is quite useful for me, since I c...

After reading that the current beta of Android 15  has no major bugs, and is quite stable, and could be used on for a daily driver I decided to install it on my Google Pixel 7a . So far, it has been working really well. The main difference I see, is on the setting page. Which I like better than the one on Android 14 . Ever since I got the Nothing Phone 1 , I've been able to upgrade to each new version of Android since Android 12 , and Android has been getting better for me with each release. While with for me there hasn't been any mayor upgrade in the user side side of things, Android keeps making quite solid upgrades each time. While the Nothing Phone 1, and the Pixel 7a, are mid-range Android devices each new version of the OS makes the whole user experience better each time. That's why I prefer Android devices over the iPhone, because it gives me the user experience I want without having to pay full flagship device prices. It even temps me to move to a flagship device, l...

Even though I'm looking forward to the Android 15  on my Google Pixel 7a , I still see the iPhone  and wonder how would be using it as a daily driver. While the iPhone 16 is due to come up soon, I'd rather go to with the iPhone 15  or the iPhone SE . Mainly because the iPhone 15, or the SE, would be a great fit for my needs and a cheaper way to try the iPhone user experience without breaking the bank. Until now, the iPhone hasn't had what it take away from Android. It is basically more of curiosity of what it would be using an iPhone instead of an Android device. To be honest, if given the chance to jump to the iPhone 16 or to the Pixel 9 , I'd choose the Pixel 9 in a hearth beat. Specially since I'm really happy how the Pixel 7a has been so far, so moving to the Pixel 9 feels like a more natural upgrade for me. Ever since I stared using Android, with the 4.4 version , there I've no reason to move the the iPhone, specially since with each newer version of And...

I've been using a Machenike L16A  with Linux Mint  as my daily driver for four months now, and I must admit that I'm impressed with how good the experience has been so far. The Machenike was recommended to me by a close friend about six months ago, since I told him that I was looking for a new laptop. He had bought one a while ago, and said that it was a solid machine. Not only that, Machenike laptops were quite a great value for the money since they are significantly cheaper than comparable laptops from the competitions. And to be honest, when I got my laptop i expected to be so, but not to the extent it has been so far. After four months, my laptop feels really snappy and the performance is just great. And since I upgraded to Linux Mint 22 Wilma, it only has gotten better. One of the areas where I see most improvement, in on the Bluetooth connectivity. It connects more consistently with the three Bluetooth headphone I use, and now I can see how much battery the headphones I...

One thing that irks me in social media, is people trying to debate scientific fact as if it is just a matter of opinion. I've come to learn, that they don't care about what the facts are about what they are talking about. Those people just want to equate their opinions to facts, and have other people to do so to just to make them feel comfortable. Facts are not about making you feel comfortable, or agreeing with your opinions. And how you feel, or believe, doesn't disprove science. If you want to disprove science, you need to make sure that science actually disproves what you want to be be disproven. If you can't, then your opinions, feelings, and beliefs are just that. Most importantly, if you want to learn about something talk to the experts in the subjects you are interested in. If you talk to people who aren't experts, you won't learn much about whatever subject you are interested in.

I made the upgrade to Linux Mint 22 Wilma , an while it isn't a revolutionary upgrade it has been quite a good upgrade. To be honest, is the kind of upgrade that I've come to expect from the Linux Mint team, they bring those upgrades that will continue to give the best user experience without braking the system. The update I notice the most, is the blueman-manager for Bluetooth devices. It connects to my Bluetooth headphones a lot faster and effectively. It is simply way better, and something I do notice since I do use Bluetooth headphone with my laptop on daily basis, specially at work when I want to concentrate on my job. With each Linux Mint release, the more I'm convinced that Linux  can be used by people that just want an computer that just work for them. While not Linux is not for everyone, it has come a long way to be useful to a larger set of users. Not only that, it has become a lot more user friendly that most people believe. A user that just wants to browse the ...

I've been using the Pixel 7a  for about 5 months now, and it has really surpassed my expectations. From how it just works really great for me, to getting monthly security updates, it has been one of the best Android devices I've used. So much so, that while I usually prefer mid-range devices because they give the best value for my money, I'd be willing to to move upward when the time comes to change my smartphone . It might be Pixel 11, or 12, when I choose to upgrade but the Pixel devises have proven to be the best fit for me. The only other Android smartphone I'd consider would be a Nothing device, since my experience with the Nothing Phone (1) also really great. I just prefer the Pixel lineup because of personal preferences. Mainly because Pixel and Nothing devices are why I prefer to use Android devices. They work out of the box for me, and I can set them up as I want them software wise. On the hardware side of things, I can choose the specs that more closely fit...

With the beta of Linux Mint 22 Wilma  released for testing, I'm looking forward to upgrading to it when it possible. The new features that Linux Mint 22 Wilma might not be ground breaking, but they are nice improvements to an already solid OS . To be honest, the fact that Linux Mint upgrades bring whats needed and not just the latest software to say they are bleeding edge, is why it has become my go-to OS. While being at the bleeding edge might be cool, it isn't something that I prioritize or need on my everyday laptop. What it need is an OS that has update software that just works and doesn't get in the way. Linux Mint does this, in quite an elegant way, without having to worry about an upgrade breaking things. The Linux Mint developers tend to add new technologies when they are mature, or they have no other option, which makes for quite an stable OS with predictable upgrades. That means that I can focus on using my laptop the way I like while just keeping an eye on upda...

I've been using Linux Mint constantly since about 2019, on three different laptops, and with each new version of Linux Mint it has been getting better. Mainly with little quality of living details, with a few changes that have meant a difference on how I use my laptop. Yet, even those change have made my experience using the OS better. And one the things I've come to appreciate about Linux Mint since moving to only releasing long-term support releases, is that I'm not in a hurry to get the latest release. Each point release brings more then enough upgrades to keep the Linux Mint current. Not only that, since each upgrade it the hardware requirements don't jump up that much, it means that my laptop has a longer life expectancy. I don't need to change it that often, mainly if it starts having problems with hardware that can't be changed easily or cheaply. I used to prefer Ubuntu , but with Cinnamon  becoming a mature desktop environment Linux Mint has become my ...

I recently got a Machenike L16A to replace the HP laptop I've been using for about 4 years now, and it has been quite a good upgrade. The value for the price has been excellent, it has really felt like an upgrade. Specially going from 8Gb of RAM to 16Gb. I specially notice the better performance when at work, since I use a remote desktop. I simply don't see as much slowdowns on the same use. Most of the time, at work I've the remote desktop app, Firefox , Thunderbird , Spotify , or sometimes Rhythmbox , open at the same time and having 16Gb of RAM gives the performance I need since at time around 6-7Gb are used. I also feel the AMD Ryzen CPU has been quite an upgrade, since it has more cores and threads than the Intel CPU my HP laptop has. That makes for a better user experience. But, where I see the better user experience is on the keyboard, and display side of things. The keyboard keys got stuck often, making the track pad unusable and characters to repeat themselves. ...

Ever since I stared using  Linux Mint  with the long-term support mantra with the version 19 Tara release, I've come to prefer Linux distros  that use development model rather than distros that release updates more often with shorter support windows. Even though I upgrade to the new Linux Mint release as soon it becomes available, knowing that I don't have to rush it and that the testing to make sure nothing is broken with the new release is a bit more intense, gives me feel a bit safer about thing will continue working as I used to and expect them to. Besides, all the apps I use are updated as continuously. As such, I don't need to worry using versions of those apps that fall behind. Not only the that, with updates to Linux Mint come as needed and the point releases keep bring the big releases that weren't included at the original release of the OS. For my needs, Linux Mint cover them all, and it gets better with time. With each release, Linux Mint keeps feeling like ...

After three years of using Linux Mint for work, mainly accessing the work server via remote desktop or web app , I can say that it just works. Due to several factors, the company I work for decided to use a Windows server in order for us to access the software we need to do our work. And it has proved to be quite a good decision, since it has simplified the software management by the IT department, and help everyone to be able to work remotely when needed. Specially the sales team, because they are almost always on the move. Personally, it has helped me to better manage my work flow and to keep on top on deadlines. I just like the fact that I can better balance my work-life better, though it would be better if we could work remotely at least a couple of days a week. Whats more, it has given me even more arguments for me not to return to Windows. Linux Mint work a lot better for me, and I rather use free and open-source software  as much as possible. And as the old Linux Mint ta...

Ever since I started using laptops exclusively for both work and personal use, I've found that laptops are the best option for me than PCs . Mainly because laptops fit my mobile life style, and they allow me to work or do all what I do on the personal side of my life wherever I am the moment. What I have made laptops my favorite computer form factor, is the fact that laptops just fit my life style the most. The ability that I can bring my computer with me, no matter where I go, is something that just enjoy and come to appreciate. If you add that Linux Mint works with most of the hardware out there, is the icing in the cake. Linux Mint just works better for me than Windows . Specially now that, I can access I need for work via Remmina , or an web app via a web browser , for work. It makes a lot easier to use Linux Mint for everything in my life. And with Flatpak , I've seen a lot more apps being made available while being easier to install. For example Microsoft Edge or Bra...

After using a Nothing Phone 1 for a couple of years, I made the jump to a Pixel 7a . It has been a week since the Pixel 7a became my daily driver, and to be honest I've really liked it so far. To be honest, I've been looking to move to a Google Pixel ever since the Pixel line came about, but something always seemed to get in the way. And the last time I renewed my smartphone the Pixel 6a wasn't out yet, and since I prefer mid-range smartphones the Nothing Phone 1 was the best option for me a the time. This time round, I could have waited for the Nothing Phone 2a to come out. But, I wanted to give the Pixel 7a with the Google's Tensor 2 SoC a chance. Specially because I've read really good reviews of the SoC, and good reviews of the Pixel 7a. So far, I haven't been disappointed. So much so, that I can recommend Google Pixels and Nothing Phones to those people who want good value for their money on mid range smartphones. And now, I hope that I can save enough...

When people tell me that Linux doesn't have an user friendly distro , I can't help to think that they are either lying or haven't used a Linux distro in the last 10 to 15 years. While distros like Arch Linux are well known for requiring quite a technical expertise, other distros like Linux Mint can be used by anyone. Yes, there is a learning curve to learn how to use it, but it isn't as high as most people tend to think it is. Most of the time, is just learning how some apps are named or how settings are managed. Specially, now that for things like installing software there a graphical store that helps people to look for and install apps in a more intuitive way. And there is there a lesser need to use the command line in many distros, and more help online to those who want learn how to use the terminal. These days, the main question is if the apps you need are available on Linux. The same goes for Windows or macOS , rather than the ease of use of the operating syste...

That I can close Spotifty's window, and it keeps playing in the background in Linux Mint , is one of those details of using a computer that makes it a lot better that you don't miss until you can't do it. Currently I'm using Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia, but I was able to do so since Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria. And I'm using Linux Mint's system packages, not the Flatpak version of Spotify Linux client. Not that I dislike the Flatpak version of app, just that I prefer using system packages of the apps I trust. For some years, if you wanted to keep Spotify running on the background on Linux, you had to use workarounds to be able to do so. Not the optimal thing to do, specially for people who didn't know how to do so or wanted to have do some extra steps to be able to do so. So much so, that I got tired of it and stopped doing it Yet, being able to do so out of the box is something that I really enjoy. Specially since it is something you can do on other OSes like ...

With artificial intelligence(AI) getting better, and becoming more mainstream, people seem to be all over the place on how they feel about it. The truth is that AI can be a powerful tool if used correctly, and it seems that there are use cases that prove this. As it stands, how good the AI is come on how good the information used to train it is. So far, I'm hopeful that AI can become an important tool to help people both at work and leisure. AI can be extremely helpful, though there is still much development ahead of us to see its full potential. Personally, I do believe AI can be a greatly beneficial if developed in such a way. So far, the signs seem to be good, with legislation seemingly and development making it easier to develop AI that is useful for society and individuals. There have been some uses of AI that highlight how not to use it , but mainly sets the precedence that it is in initial stages of its development. Cases like that, just make me certain that AI can be usefu...

I've  Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia for a couple of weeks now, and coming coming from 21.2 Victoria it has been quite a nice upgrade. While it isn't a groundbreaking upgrade, the OS feels great. Personally, the one of the best things that came with the upgrade is being able to verify the ISO image with a right click. Which is important for me, since I like to make a live USB of the newest release of Linux Mint to make a clean install when needed, or just install Linux Mint on a new Laptop when I upgrade my system. Another thing I like, is that testing to move to Wayland started with this Linux Mint release. While Wayland isn't expected to come at least until 2025, the fact that testing has begun is a good thing. To be honest, with each new release Linux Mint cements itself as my go to Linux distro . It has the right balance of offering access to the modern software without braking things by being on the bleeding edge. As such, it just works and it gives me what I need to bei...

I've been using Linux since about 2008, when I decided to use Ubuntu 8.04 ( Hardy Heron ) on my laptop because Windows Vista kept crashing on me multiple times a day. And since then I've using a Linux distro on my personal laptop, and since 2020 on I also started using it for work. Since 2019, I decided to move from Ubuntu to Linux Mint full time. What motivated the move was that Ubuntu stopped using Unity , and started to use GNOME . And to be honest, I simply don't like GNOME 3 and Linux Mint's Cinnamon is a far better option for my use case. The only thing holding me to using Ubuntu was that I liked Unity and that I was used to how Ubuntu works. Yet, ever since I made the jump to Linux Mint I can say that it has become my favorite OS. It just works, and it does it in a way that makes my life easier. And since it's based on Ubuntu, I can do all what I'm used to do when I used Ubuntu as my go to OS. The best thing about Linux Mint, is that with each rele...

When the public beta for NothingOS 2.5, which is based on Android 14 , for Nothing Phone 1 came out I decided to give it a try. So far, it is a solid upgrade for the device. For my use case, there hasn't been any issue and to be honest the battery life has seen an improvement. The changes, and tweaks, made to the user interface have for the better. Even though I already preferred Android for use in my smartphones, NothingOS proves that Android is a solid base. So much so, Google Pixels are the main competition to Nothing Phones so far. I would consider the Motorola Razr as a possible option, mainly because I'm interested in flip phones and I like Motorola, but the price makes me doubt about making the jump. Later this year, or early next year, I might choose to upgrade my smartphone. So far, all points out that Nothing will continue to be my smartphone of choice.