Re: [tlug] Laptop and Macbook related query

[furkan@example.com]

Hello,

> 1.  What is the maximum life of a macbook / windows /linux laptop you
> have used and during that period how often did you have to replace its
> accessories ?

Macbook Pro 2011 15" (Core i7 3rd gen, 16GB MEM, i915 + radeon)
* running Linux on it
  * Also recently Multi-GPU is handled better in GNU/Linux/Xorg
* still using original charger with minimal cable damages. (I take good
  care of cables)
  * I have to say that those cables are very easily damaged.
* original battery, still holds around an hour of charge. (I take good
  care of batteries)
* had to replace SATA cable once (internal SATA cable is breaking out of
  nowhere apparently, after 6-7 years)
* got mainboard replaced free because of initial design issues (PCB not
  handling GPU heat, and eventually dGPU not functioning)
* The best keyboard and touchpad I have ever used. I was even able to
  have accurate railgun shots in Q3A using Trackpad (on OSX), and with
  libinput on Linux, it was still very good.
  * On OSX, CMD button placement is not perfect, causes thumb pain after
    heavy use.

* Overall, I can say that this was the best computer I have ever used in
  my life (my life with computers is since 1993). If re-produced, with
  parts available, I would buy the same machine again.

> 2. Which software have you been using for document editing in macbook

* LibreOffice in Linux, was using Pages when I used to use OSX on it.
  (Never cared for micros~1 compatibility)

>  I am planning to replace my macbook hence looking out for these
> inputs to make a decision. Would really appreciate it if you all can
> provide me with some inputs on this.

Although the machine is still okay, the replacement parts are not easily
available. Most important being the battery. I needed battery time, and
I've started to look for replacements;

* I have bought Librem 13", it was a HUGE disappointment
  * hinge broke in 6 months (and I take good care of my laptop hinges
    too, MBP2011 hinge is just fine after 9 years)
    * got a replacement, and replacement's hinge started to hint that
      it's going to break soon. So I am not using that laptop as a
      portable machine anymore.

* Have bought Pinebook Pro, for lightweight uses, but not managed to get
  a working setup yet.

* Have bought Thinkpad E495 Ryzen series
  * Now using this as daily driver
  * Power management, and (power) throttling issues are a disaster
    * Especially if you use firefox, it is almost unbearable.
  * Although keyboard is one of the best keyboards in some aspects,
    * Placement of Page-up, Page-down, Home, End keys are worst. And
      effecting my productivity.

  * Other than these, the machine is solid. Price-wise cheap but not
    quality-wise cheap.

* Recently, just because of lack of satisfying options, I am considering
  of buying a junk 2010~2014 MBP shell (with working screen, keyboard,
  and trackpad), and replace to board with a good ARM64 SBC, as an
  experiment. Not sure when I'm going to be able to do that.

Furkan Mustafa
https://rainlab.co.jp