Notices by RetroEdgeTech (retroedgetech@mstdn.starnix.network)

Today, I sold a refurbished Dell Optiplex 990 with Intel i3, 2nd gen processor to a machine shop to run a fabricating tool. Pulled the i7 that was in it originally out, as he didn't need that.

I wanted the machine to have a standard 24 pin ATX power supply and the Optiplex 990 had that while a ThinkCentre and several HP machines that I had on hand didn't.

The machine shop is a dusty place and I want it to be as easy as possible for the owner to swap out the power supply should it fail in the future.

@elias

This batch I bought from an ebay seller. I get some others locally.

I believe this model is out of Google's support so schools are getting rid of them, so there's quite a few on the market sold by schools or computer liquidators.

I just ordered nine HP ChromeBook 11 G5 EE Laptops with Intel Celeron N3060 1.60GHz 4GB RAM 16GB storage.

Will be turning them into #corebootbook laptops and using them for an educational activity through the end of this year.

I look forward to comparing them with the other Chromebook laptops that I have turned in to #corebootbook laptops.

I expect the HP ChromeBook 11 G5 EE (hardware ID: RELM)to be very similar to the Dell Chromebook 11 (hardware ID: CANDY, model 3120) that I have already done quite a lot with.

@dem32

I rarely use a handheld phone, so I don't plan on getting the Pine Phone Pro.

A friend lent me his Pine Phone (and I may buy it from him), but I haven't done much with it yet.

When I am out and about I use a #corebootbook for most of my text and calls.

When I am in the office, I make most of my calls with a Logitech headset. I use phone.com for my VOIP provider that has a good web based interface for texts and calls.

I do also have a Samsung S5 with @e_mydata on it that I use as a backup in case I encounter a problem with my laptop. The phone is in airplane mode most of the time.

I'm using the 32-bit version of #LinuxMint #Debian edition to test a customer's Panasonic Toughbook with a 32-bit processor.

@Coyote

Battery life is excellent on the Chromebook #corebootbook laptops, though. I really like them for that. I use one for my work road trips.

I like the Dell Chromebook 11 keyboard better than the Acer C740's keyboard that I am using now. But the performance is better on the C740, so that was one reason for the switch. The other reason is that I'm testing out different #corebootbook models.

@nerdtronics

We self host #gitea, but right now just locally for our own intranet.

I plan on hosting one at code.retroedge.tech

Would be happy to spin that up soon if you need a place to host your projects and files.

@nerdtronics @dem32

That's a good idea. If @dem32's is already up and running, feel free to go with that. I think you can replicate repos across instances, but I am not yet a #gitea expert (about to become one as I am implementing an instance for a client and doing some training on it).

@Coyote

I really like the #ThinkPad X220 keyboard. If you prefer the newer chicklet style keys, the X230 has that.

I do a lot with #chromebook laptops and I like them, but keyboards are not as good and you'll have to flash #coreboot to it (which can be quite a process).

I've done that many times to several different Chromebook models. I haven't yet done it one of the of "ThinkPad" Chromebooks.

@Coyote

The X300 is a great model. I really wanted one when they first came out. I think I now have one in my collection of computers, or a similar X301. It's not in fully working order, but I think it boots.

I can sell Chromebooks converted to #corebootbook laptops. Will be giving one away to a random subscriber of my substack after it reaches 100 subscribers.

@splitshockvirus

To clarify, what file system is being used now?

Are you saying that even BTRFS would have been better than what you have now? (though inferior to ZFS)

Or that you are frustrated that you have BTRFS to deal with now instead of ZFS?

I ask because I have been using BTRFS on a backup server and it has been working well for me (I think). About to set up another server for a client and considering using BTRFS for that, too.

Doing some upgrades to my Dell Precision T5400 #retro project machine.

Just successfully upgraded to 32GB PC2 ECC memory.

Next is to attempt installing dual Quad-core Xeon X5450 cpus.

I just read:

https://hackaday.com/2022/09/06/lithium-ion-batteries-are-your-friends/

@splitshockvirus

I just foraged some peppermint, burdock and dandelion from the backyard. Added some dried nettle I got earlier.

So I am having tea, too.

@BreachCat

I use a web based wiki, #foswiki. Though that may not be the best tool and I will probably move to something else sooner or later.

#gitea also has wikis that you can check update with git commits. That might be what I end up switching to as then I would have a command line interface if I wanted or use the web interface.

We are already using #gitea, so that's a strong contender.

@millihertz

I usually have 8 or 16GB is my computers because I can. Most of the computers I use are around 6 - 11 years old, but can still be upgraded to 16 or 32GB memory.

I am getting into more retro hardware, but even then the Core 2 Duo and similar platforms can be often be upgraded to 8GB memory. I have access to a lot of hardware because my business is repairing and refurbishing computers.

One of my projects right now is a Dell Precision T5400 that I plan to upgrade with two LGA771 Xeon processors and 32GB of PC2 ECC memory.

I am interested in what you wrote here:

> ¹ i run Firefox in a 32-bit subsystem, because otherwise it tries to malloc() 28GB, and eventually will crash Linux by attempting to use it all. damn overcommit!

Can you elaborate on that or do you have links to any documentation about running a 32-bit subsystem for some programs?

@Froggo

What motherboard do you have?

@Froggo

That's a great platform. I have a Gigabyte z97 board and I really like it.

How much memory do you have now?

@Froggo

That motherboard has four memory slots, so you should be able to use four 8GB PC3 (or PC3L) memory modules to get to 32GB, if that's your goal.

@Froggo

Hmm... I may be able to test that for you, as I have such a similar board. I'm confident you can run 32GB on that motherboard and processor combo.