Category: Computers, Science & Technology

Believe it or not, it has been ten years since Chromebooks came out! I was an “early adopter” because I have always been a Linux geek, and I wanted to see a Linux based system in the hands of “regular users.” Because of that I started the “Chromest” Netcast to chronicle Chromebook adoption and features. Since then, “Chromest” was retired, and “rolled up into” this main “Dr. Bill.TV” podcast, along with “VirtZine” (about virtualization) and the “HandHeldHack” (about hand-held devices.)

Here’s a link to the Google Blog post, where they discuss the decade of Chromebooks:

Chromebook turns 10: Looking back and moving forward

“Featuring a quad-core 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, wireless networking, dual-display output, and 4K video playback, as well as a 40-pin GPIO header, Raspberry Pi 400 is a powerful, easy-to-use computer built into a neat and portable keyboard.

It’s a Raspberry Pi designed into a keyboard.

Raspberry Pi 400 incorporates a purpose-built board based on Raspberry Pi 4. Featuring the same powerful processor, Raspberry Pi 400 has specially designed thermals to keep your computer cool and silent while you’re hard at work.

The GPIO pins remain accessible, so if you want to explore beyond the desktop, you can connect components and prototype your projects.

Your personal computer kit comes with a mouse, power supply, micro HDMI to HDMI cable, and SD card preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS. There’s also the official Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide to help you get the most out of your new computer.

As well as our UK and US English keyboard variants, Raspberry Pi 400 is available in Spanish, French, German, and Italian variants, with more to come.

Raspberry Pi OS
Edit documents. Organize your calendar. Get hands-on with programming. Connect with friends.”

All this for $100.00!

Check it out on the web site: TwisterOS

JP Sears, a satirical comedian on YouTube, spells it out in this great entry. Truth can be conveyed via humor. It doesn’t matter which side of the political spectrum you are on, we should ALL support Free Speech!

This is a handy tutorial to install the actual Google ChromeOS on an old laptop to create a Chromebook, and re-use that old laptop that just won’t handle Windows anymore!

Turn down the sound, but watch this cool DIY tablet build using a Lattepanda single board computer!

LattePanda – A Powerful Arduino Compatible Windows 10 Single Board Computer
“The Intel Cherry Trail Z8350 quad-core based SBC from DFRobot provides an integrated onboard ATmega32u4 co-processor to execute Arduino sketches and allow easy connection of peripherals.

Preinstalled with Windows 10 Home Edition, the LattePanda single board computers from DFRobot offers the familiar desktop interface and experience Windows users are used to. Available with either 32 GB internal storage and 2 GB of RAM or 64 GB storage and 4 GB RAM, these powerful computers can easily handle software tasks of typical PCs, such as Microsoft Office, playing high-definition video, and tools such as Visual Studio, NodeJS, Java, Processing, and more.

Standard connectivity options include USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, Ethernet, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack, microSD card socket, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wi-Fi, all of which allow for connection of standard PC peripherals, such as printers, cameras, and more. The board is powered via a micro USB connection, similar to other popular SBCs, and requires only 2 A to 3 A at 5 V.”

Elon Musk is the world’s richest person

Ars Technica – “Elon Musk has become the world’s richest man, surpassing previous record-holder Jeff Bezos, according to CNBC. Musk is now worth more than $180 billion.

Musk’s rising wealth reflects the meteoric rise of Tesla’s stock. The company’s share price closed at $816 on Thursday, up almost 8 percent for the day. That share price values Tesla at almost $800 billion—several times more than any other car company.

CNBC says that Musk’s rise to become the richest man in the world is the fastest in history. At the start of 2020, just over a year ago, Musk was worth only $27 billion. At the time, Tesla stock traded for less than $100 (adjusting for a 2020 stock split).

The stock increased to more than $700 over the course of 2020. Then, in the first week of 2021, it rose above $800.”