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Google Pixel: my favorite smartphones.

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...

Linux Mint 22 Wilma is close.

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...

Linux Mint: from freedom came elegance.

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 ...

Machenike L16A: a great value for the money.

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. ...

Linux Mint going for the long-term support model was the right choice.

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 ...

Linux Mint at work.

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...

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 Bra...