Yea. I like my MacBook and I like macOS (yes, I know, shame on me). But in a few years, when Apple eventually stops supporting it, I can just put Linux on it and keep using it (or give it to a relative who just needs a working computer). It’s good hardware and in true Apple fashion, it will probably outlast its software. I also have an old Core 2 Duo unibody macbook laying around and while it is possible to put the latest macOS on (thanks hackintosh community), Linux is a much better experience and the MacBook is sturdier and has a better trackpad and keyboard than most new laptops, even many that are much more expensive.

I wouldn’t recommend Intel CPUs (at least the last two gens) either but if all that matters to you in a GPU is hardware encoding (quality or codec support), like for a Jellyfin server, Intel ARC is unbeatable.

The commenter I responded to originally seemed confused/surprised by it, though.

Here in Germany at least, if you read almost any printed novel, the type face will include this type of g. It’s so common, that I didn’t realise it’d be strange for some people.

(Although I do recall seeing a post about a kid that was confused by that weird letter, somewhere a while ago. Probably was still back on r*****)

That’s fairly standard for serif fonts like times new roman, baskerville, etc. Although it is uncommon in modern sans serif fonts and/or fonts designed to be viewed on a screen.

It‘s the camera angle. The ratio of keyboard to trackpad is a lot more pleasing if you don’t take the pic with a wide angle lens. You can see a top down shot of the keyboard area here.

Thought as much. Thanks. And, to be fair, LibreOffice took that spot very well.

Dunnily enough, I got into Linux through my grandfather (now in his 70s), who had been on and off using Linux since redhat. Although, by now, my tech and Linux knowledge surpassed his (at least in applications relevant in this century) because he’s scared of the internet

You forget the step of installation though. My mum would be totally able to use Linux but creating an installer usb is probably beyond her capability or at least her comfort zone, let alone opening the bios, setting the usb as boot drive, disabling secure boot, and then installing Linux correctly. Although to be fair, the last step is probably the easiest. That’s why you still have to set it up for non tech savvy ppl. Sure, not much different with windows, but usually it comes preinstalled.

I think the most likely answer would be “what?”

Sure, give a somewhat intelligent person between 20 and 40 a PC with Linux on it and they’ll figure it out. However, that doesn’t mean they have the patience of finding out how to install Linux in the first place. And also, they‘ll figure out how to install apps, sure. Until they try to download the installer.exe for Microsoft Office because why would they know that it won’t work.

The problem isn’t, that they couldn’t figure it out, the problem is most people just want a working computer and not relearn what they already know or learn what an operating system is at all.

(And also, I remember reading some study, that a lot of late Gen Z and younger (the ones that didn’t grow up with Windows XP or earlier anymore) are actually less tech savvy than older generations because they’re used to not really having to troubleshoot tech)

Most people care about neither. Most people want a browser, a place to store their photos and maybe an office application.

Is open office even still in active development?

Although I have to say, kdenlive surprised me very positively, when I tried it out recently. DaVinci is still king imo but in a pinch, I‘d prefer kdenlive over Avid Media Composer any time.

Because if you just set it up for them, they don’t have to think about the million choices of Linux. Tell them „here browser, there office and there files“ and most people above 40 probably won’t care.

While LibreOffice has improved immensely over the years, its compatibility to Microsoft’s file formats is still a bit hit n miss at times, while OnlyOffice is a drop in replacement. It looks like MS Office and handles docx & Co. as well as MS Office, which might be a deciding factor for someone who has been on Windows for a long time and has all their documents in docx.

Also, I personally always get MS Office 2003 flashbacks when using LibreOffice, while file types don’t really matter to me.

It reads like a good starting point for someone who wants to get away from Microsoft but has no experience with Linux, though. While Linux and OpenSource software are getting more and more beginner friendly, the amount of choices can make it difficult for newbies to even find out that Linux programs (be they FOSS or not) exist that can do what they need.

My point is though, that the vast majority of android users also wouldn’t ever sideload an app. It doesn’t matter to the average user if there’s a door in the wall, if there’s exactly zero reason to go through. Because most people don’t have some obsolete device they need a third party app for. Most people don’t even use a custom launcher.

I‘m not saying no one needs sideloading, nor that it shouldn’t be an option. I‘m very glad the EU forced Apple to allow third party stores. All I’m saying is, that doesn’t matter to the vast majority of users.

Look at it like that: The average person does not need a pickup truck. They usually only carry people or some groceries. A hatchback would suffice, a sedan or wagon would be comfortable. If you gave them a pickup truck, they wouldn’t use the bed ever because they don’t have a need for it. That doesn’t mean no one needs it and that some people who don’t need it still want it, juuust in case. But the average user just doesn’t care because they don’t need to care. And should the day arise where they need a pickup truck, they‘ll get one.

Sure. I wouldn’t buy shoes that need an app in the first place though. I think that’s more of a joke.

Again, when there comes a point where I need to exit the box, I will. I just don’t have to because I’m not buying shoes that require an app to function.

Carrier phones aren’t really a thing here in Germany. You usually just get the exact same as retail. I believe the problem is just with some brands more than others and probably also price point.