Posts by CrustyEnginerd

Laptop makers stalled on repairability improvements

Re: A solved problem for laptops -> just buy a Framework

Yes, It's more expensive. But the question you need to ask is more expensive than what? Replacing a laptop prematurely because you spilled a drink on the keyboard?

My family has done that with several laptops. The keyboard is often welded to the plastic of the case. Replacement parts are not available. Now you're looking to replace the whole laptop.

With a Framework, you unlatch a couple of slides and then the whole keyboard lifts out. Unsnap it, and snap in a new one for $60 and you're back up and running again. I'm not advertising for them, I'm just a satisfied customer.

Microsoft teases Copilot Vision, the AI sidekick that judges your tabs

In Soviet Microsoft, Browser Watches YOU!

Smart homes may be a bright idea, just not for the dim bulbs who live in 'em

Even Dumb homes are at risk...

Many think they're not going to have information gathered from them if they don't have a smart home. I wish that were true. A colleague at work just recently got an electric bill with a profile of what was using the power "based upon electrical signature." That's right, a modern power meter knows more about you than you thought. And it reports this information to the power company. And who does the power company share this with? Why, all the regulators and government. And who do THEY share this with? Who knows?

So if you have a local environmental activist visiting your home because you have the temperature set warmer than typical in the winter (perhaps your 80+ year old grandmother is visiting and she's somewhat anemic), well, it might pay to ask where they get their data. Knowing that information, you can properly tell the correct people to attempt some anatomically and socially disgusting acts.