The Technology Vent and Rant Thread - Page 134

issybird · 07-19-2024, 08:14 PM

This isn’t a V&R, more of a moan.

Within a few days of each other, two of my favorite devices, my Fitbit Zip and my waterproof Aerb MP3 player, died. They owed me nothing. Both were acquired in 2014 and were minimalist, to say the least. Spare, elegant, no bells and whistles, they did exactly what I needed them to do and no more. They were perfect and I loved them.

As an aside, I can’t help wondering if this was a message from the universe not to exercise. I admit I jumped on the Fitbit demise as an excuse to stop walking in the brutal weather we’ve been having, but this is not a good thing. So much for my years-long step streak! I did pull the trigger on a replacement MP3 player; summer is short. I figure I’ll wait until the weather cools off and then look for a cheap pedometer. I have no interest in a wearable device or monitoring anything but step count.

RIP, little buddies! Thanks for all the good times.

ownedbycats · 07-23-2024, 03:52 PM

Why the hell are they airing crime drama shows on CTV Sci-Fi? They have a drama channel for that crap.

Oh, it's a crime drama taking place in Japan. That... seems a bit racist. Sure, let's have the non-speculative fiction crime drama taking place in Japan on the channel dedicated to speculative fiction shows.

I wouldn't be so bothered except they just broadcast it on top of the Trek episodes and skip them instead of shifting them around so they still air in order.

JSWolf · 07-23-2024, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Why the hell are they airing crime drama shows on CTV Sci-Fi? They have a drama channel for that crap.

Oh, it's a crime drama taking place in Japan. That... seems a bit racist. Sure, let's have the non-speculative fiction crime drama taking place in Japan on the channel dedicated to speculative fiction shows.

I wouldn't be so bothered except they just broadcast it on top of the Trek episodes and skip them instead of shifting them around so they still air in order.

That's not as bad as Ghost Hunters on SyFy. That's not Science Fiction. That's fake rubbish.

JSWolf · 07-23-2024, 04:34 PM

One thing I really dislike is sleeves for eInk screens when they should be in a case/cover.

JSWolf · 07-23-2024, 04:36 PM

SD channels really get me. These days there should be no SD channels. They should all be HD. And why is it that cable still has SD versions of HD channels? You cannot buy a new TV that does not do HD. It's time to move on and dump any SD TV you have for an HD TV.

ownedbycats · 07-23-2024, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

That's not as bad as Ghost Hunters on SyFy. That's not Science Fiction. That's fake rubbish.

Network Decay, if you don't mind going for a little dive.

j.p.s · 07-23-2024, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Network Decay, if you don't mind going for a little dive.

You'll know their job is done when channel names are as useful as publisher/retailer designated book categories.

JSWolf · 07-24-2024, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Network Decay, if you don't mind going for a little dive.

MTV is one of the best for network decay. MTV used to show music videos. Now, they show really bad reality TV. TLC is also a really good one. Nothing TLC shows is anything you'd learn from as again it's all really bad reality TV.

neil_swann80 · 07-24-2024, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

MTV is one of the best for network decay. MTV used to show music videos. Now, they show really bad reality TV. TLC is also a really good one. Nothing TLC shows is anything you'd learn from as again it's all really bad reality TV.

Reality TV... the only thing worse than soap operas.

Renate · 07-24-2024, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

One thing I really dislike is sleeves for eInk screens when they should be in a case/cover.

Eh, the one good thing about sleeves is that removing a sleeve gets rid of bulk and weight.

I am a whole-hearted convert to covers though, provided that they are only front flaps. I don't care how scratched the back case gets.

JSWolf · 07-24-2024, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renate

Eh, the one good thing about sleeves is that removing a sleeve gets rid of bulk and weight.

I am a whole-hearted convert to covers though, provided that they are only front flaps. I don't care how scratched the back case gets.

Sometimes a device can be too thin and too light. My iPhone SE 2020 was too thin without the cover. Another advantage of a cover is that it ca make the device easier to hold.

John F · 07-25-2024, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Sometimes a device can be too thin and too light. My iPhone SE 2020 was too thin without the cover. Another advantage of a cover is that it ca make the device easier to hold.

Covers/cases on ereaders can make them too bulky. I don't need/want a cover for my touch screen Kobos.

JSWolf · 07-25-2024, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John F

Covers/cases on ereaders can make them too bulky. I don't need/want a cover for my touch screen Kobos.

The cover I have for my Libra 2 is a perfect fit. Does not make it too bulky or too heavy.

ownedbycats · 07-31-2024, 03:53 AM

Humble Choice charged me even though I chose to skip this month. I'm not the only one, either. I request refund but this is annoying.

cc_in_oh · 08-23-2024, 11:00 AM

If you're losing sleep over AI taking over the world, check out this copilot query:

You
Sent by you:
find best deal on UPS under $100
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Here are some great options for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) under $100:

APC BE425M - This UPS is highly recommended for low-powered desktops. It offers great value at around $49.991.
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So it correctly interprets what I want but all 3 links take me to UPS.com (United Parcel Service)!

07-31-2024, 03:53 AM	#2009
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 9,575 Karma: 64960983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	Humble Choice charged me even though I chose to skip this month. I'm not the only one, either. I request refund but this is annoying. Last edited by ownedbycats; 07-31-2024 at 04:03 AM.

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07-19-2024, 08:14 PM	#1996
issybird o saeclum infacetum Posts: 20,673 Karma: 225870683 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New England Device: H2O, Aura One, PW5	This isn’t a V&R, more of a moan. Within a few days of each other, two of my favorite devices, my Fitbit Zip and my waterproof Aerb MP3 player, died. They owed me nothing. Both were acquired in 2014 and were minimalist, to say the least. Spare, elegant, no bells and whistles, they did exactly what I needed them to do and no more. They were perfect and I loved them. As an aside, I can’t help wondering if this was a message from the universe not to exercise. I admit I jumped on the Fitbit demise as an excuse to stop walking in the brutal weather we’ve been having, but this is not a good thing. So much for my years-long step streak! I did pull the trigger on a replacement MP3 player; summer is short. I figure I’ll wait until the weather cools off and then look for a cheap pedometer. I have no interest in a wearable device or monitoring anything but step count. RIP, little buddies! Thanks for all the good times.

07-23-2024, 03:52 PM	#1997
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 9,575 Karma: 64960983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	Why the hell are they airing crime drama shows on CTV Sci-Fi? They have a drama channel for that crap. Oh, it's a crime drama taking place in Japan. That... seems a bit racist. Sure, let's have the non-speculative fiction crime drama taking place in Japan on the channel dedicated to speculative fiction shows. I wouldn't be so bothered except they just broadcast it on top of the Trek episodes and skip them instead of shifting them around so they still air in order.

07-23-2024, 04:34 PM	#1999
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 76,491 Karma: 136564766 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	One thing I really dislike is sleeves for eInk screens when they should be in a case/cover.

07-23-2024, 04:36 PM	#2000
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 76,491 Karma: 136564766 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	SD channels really get me. These days there should be no SD channels. They should all be HD. And why is it that cable still has SD versions of HD channels? You cannot buy a new TV that does not do HD. It's time to move on and dump any SD TV you have for an HD TV.

08-23-2024, 11:00 AM	#2010
cc_in_oh Bob's my uncle Posts: 962 Karma: 17073086 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NE OH Device: Kindle	If you're losing sleep over AI taking over the world, check out this copilot query: You Sent by you: find best deal on UPS under $100 Copilot Sent by Copilot: Here are some great options for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) under $100: APC BE425M - This UPS is highly recommended for low-powered desktops. It offers great value at around $49.991. APC BGE70 - Ideal for protecting network equipment, this UPS is priced at approximately $29.881. Tripp-Lite AVR750U - A reliable option with line-interactive topology, available for about $88.991. So it correctly interprets what I want but all 3 links take me to UPS.com (United Parcel Service)!