Laptops: my favorite type of computer.

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 Brave can be installed as Flatpak on Linux Mint. Even Spotify can be installed this way.

What's best, is that all can be installed using a graphical package manager. Which is something that makes life easier for users that don't have much technical skills, or just don't want to deal with the command-line interface.

Now that our digital life has become ever more relevant, laptops are one half of what allows me to managing it a lot easier. The other half is the smartphone, and it allows me to manage both my digital and real world lives that much easier.

Google Pixel 7a: quite a good deal for the money.

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 money so that in about 2-3 years from now I can make the jump a non a Pixel Phone just to try it out for myself.

Linux is no longer the sole realm of experts.

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 system.

Even now, the hardware support is less of an issue for Linux. Hardware support for Linux has improved greatly, so much so that most of the hardware out there works unless is has been designed to only work for Windows or macOS. So much so, that there are some companies like System76 and Tuxedo Computers that make computers that support run Linux as default.

Even computers from Lenovo, HP, and Dell work nicely with Linux Mint or Ubuntu.

As such, there are options out there that support Linux out of the box using distros for users of every level of technical skills. Now, is only a matter to see which option is a better fit for you.

Linux has come a long way, and while it still has some way to go it is no longer the realm of those who are experts.