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Atomizer posted:Other apps (Android, Linux) can have limited access. I know that the last time I installed Ubuntu using Crouton, that instance had access to the device's system drive, and Android apps were not able to access external storage (e.g. MicroSD card,) however I'm pretty sure this is being changed if it hasn't already. So basically if you used some kind of Android app you'd be able to save files somewhere, I just can't assure you of the permissions that app will be granted at this point. This sort of leads me into a question about the current state of Linux + Chromebooks as of November 2018... in so far as it can bridge the gap between a general purpose laptop and the sleek, works well Chromebook that in so many ways would be just great for me. Here's the context and my thoughts. Currently I have a 6 year old Sony Vaio laptop i5 with 8gb of RAM running Xubuntu 18.04 (with Chrome open basically perpetually) + Windows that I need to retire or move to desk duty. Also have a home server (old laptop but does the job for file server + download bitch, photo store, Plex and Docker selfhosted services duties). drat thing is having power issues in recent days. I plan on getting:
So for that Laptop sofa warrior... Day to day:
Occasionally it will go on trips with me where duties may change a bit (all of these have literally happened with my current laptop in the last year, but are not day to day):
As for the local more geeky projects, assume the following Linux apps, example only. If I'm honest, I don't use these all the time.:
Realistically I'm thinking about a Chromebook as an "I just want it to work" device for day to day browsing on the sofa after work + kid asleep, one that I can easily loan to the other half as well. That said, and for the price of some, I'd want it to step up while I'm away and find myself on a lovely internet connection where I cannot reasonably get to the home server, and there's the occasional times that I want to do more than many browser-based apps do well. For those times, I'm thinking the Linux support on Chromebooks could step in. That said, the linux and android app support is just something I want to play with for no better reason than it's there to be played with. Thinking about it all, I'd like more than 4GB of RAM handy, although I rarely fill even 8GB on my current laptop. With all this in mind, I'm jumping between:
So, all that written out, thoughts on what you'd do in my case? (I've written out the context for this because (travel aside) no one machine has to do all of these duties, better still if they can be remotely done from any machine.) Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 22:07 on Nov 29, 2018 |
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Nov 29, 2018 22:00
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SurgicalOntologist posted:Dropbox recently dropped Linux support. I switched to Spideroak. So far I'm not too impressed but it'll do until Drive works in Linux. Are you referring to the dropping of anything except unencrypted Ext4? As controversial as that was, you can still install it just fine if you [are willing to] meet the requirements. As for Dropbox on Chromebooks, looks like I've got the answer for using the Linux client. I'll look into recommended workflows with it a bit more. Current casualties for me of a switch would be Skype (unless the Linux and/or Android Apps work), Dropbox clients (I'll get by with the website + switch to Drive) and Steam (I'll use an entirely different machine).
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Nov 30, 2018 17:40
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Atomizer posted:you can even use the Plex client to control your Chromecast as opposed to running a local server temporarily (you could even do this with a smartphone, or either device with local content if you don't have a connection to your PMS at home.) True true, and that's what I'd prefer to do if the situation allows me. If only for example sake though, could I use the Plex Media Server linux packages on a CB to run a local server. I fully admit this is an atypical scenario for a CB. Honestly, part of me is thinking about setting some budget aside for better upload for the home.
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Nov 30, 2018 17:52
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SurgicalOntologist posted:The Android Skype app works for me. Steam works in both crostini and crouton, although for now no graphics acceleration in crostini. That'll do me on that front  TBH I'm trying to ween the parents off Skype now as we can get miles better video quality on more or less anything else. As for Steam... I'll live. This isn't for gaming.
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Nov 30, 2018 22:56
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MrNemo posted:Skype web client actually works very well on my Chromebook. Did they ever add video support on CBs to the web client? I'd check myself but my current laptop has really given up on life. Related question, more in hope than expectation: is any Chromebook worth having still made with user upgradable ram and storage? Future proofing answer, but searching on the matter isn't hopeful. Edit: aside from adding a microSD card Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 03:19 on Dec 3, 2018 |
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Dec 2, 2018 16:19
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Atomizer posted:most CBs aren't user-upgradeable Yeah I've reached the same conclusion. Shame but I get it and I'll file this under: know what I'm getting into. I'll compensate with a microSD card, and saw your earlier posts about storage access changes. I ran a bit of a poll earlier and most people are saying to get more RAM, above and beyond storage. I'm inclined to take that advice, admittedly I'm a tab horder and I can foresee myself using Android apps and Linux containers assuming I can be bothered to wake up off the sofa after a day of chasing the child around. Given budget is also an issue at the moment (see child mention above) and that at some point I just start looking at the entire laptop range (any OS)... blah blah blah... Current frontrunners for me are:
Used BF/CM prices in the hope I'll get another chance in Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 01:13 on Dec 4, 2018 |
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Dec 4, 2018 01:04
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Well now I've decided I like the Chromebook Spin 13 too. Varying on exactly which model to some extent, one of the 8gb RAM ones is most likely. Slightly stepping towards Pixelbook money I admit, but also considering the SD card slot and QHD screen, I'm interested. Downside: Hard to impossible to find in Canada yet so I'll be off to the States. EDIT: Atomizer posted:I have a handful of Android apps installed, but still almost 10 GB free; the important thing to note here is that your CB only needs to have Android apps installed that you wouldn't already be using on your phone/tablet. You don't need to have the same apps on multiple devices, so if you limit your CB to the Android apps you actually need on it then you'll probably be fine. Just curious, what apps is that turning out to be for everyone? For me I can foresee Plex possibly going on there, for offline usage and Plex Sync when travelling. Perhaps Netflix for the same reason. Both of those would be travel use when offline, web clients all the way when online or at home. Since I don't actually have a Chromebook, a guess on my part. Perhaps Annotate, since I'm a fan of large red arrows. Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 23:31 on Dec 5, 2018 |
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Dec 5, 2018 23:07
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loudog999 posted:I have made my mind up to get a pixelbook and am trying to talk myself out of getting the i7. It seems like too much of a price difference for what you are getting. What type of user will need the i7? I only plan on using it for couch browsing, Office, and maybe some android games. I think the i7's are targeted at the market who are developing Linux containers specifically for the Chromebook. Perhaps (and I do not know how) there's a video rendering market too (or Google is hoping they'll get one). I would not say the i7 would be of benefit in your case with your intended use. I'll be honest, in my search above I've all but ignored i3/i5/i7 as I intend roughly the same + photo management and pissing around with hobby projects. In some ways, I even wonder if I'd rather have a lower-power consumption i3. [stands by to be corrected about how all of them use a thimble of power when idle]
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Dec 6, 2018 18:22
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Tunga posted:I have the 256GB i5 and I think that's probably the best option as 128GB can disappear once you start using Linux containers. I'd normally agree that more storage the better on a fixed-storage device (i.e. one you cannot change later). Had I not just come from my Linux laptop, with a 256gb SSD, partitioned about equally between Linux and Windows, I'd also be worried, but I didn't run up against the space limits of either of them in my case. That, and with the direct intention of offloading some storage onto the microSD card (howsoever it is available), and most of all aware of the disproportionate price jumps between 128gb to 256g, I may go 128gb. A lot of this post is convincing myself I am aware of what I'm getting into. I could see myself being wrong if, for example, Linux apps gain raging popularity due to ChromeOS supporting them.
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Dec 7, 2018 20:25
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teagone posted:Is a used Acer C720 with 4GB RAM/Core i3-4005U for ~$60 a good deal? For $60 I'd be hard pressed to think of reasons why not. When you say it's EOL, when does Google's Automatic Updates stop for that model?
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Dec 11, 2018 06:09
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Boxing Day sales wise... I'm not seeing anything significant on the higher end side (8gb RAM + as much storage as I can get) except the Pixelbook -$300 deal. The Acer Chromebook Spin 13 isn't even in stock in most cases. Wondering if I hold out (past boxing day/year end)...
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Dec 26, 2018 19:52
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On the subject of stuff that will probably happen around then: Dual Booting with Windows is coming to Pixelbook, then others...
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Dec 26, 2018 21:34
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ChromeOS adjacent question but what are people doing for scanning with CBs? My MIL has a Google Cloud Print enabled Brother laser AIO and the printing parts work excellently, but I was sat in bed last night wondering what I'd do about scanning. EDIT: Mainly to prove I take advice as well as ask for it, I've been borrowing my MIL's Chromebook for about a week since my old laptop is really toast. It's an Asus C302CA. Frankly, I enjoyed it: * SSH: This was the important one as I spend quite a while in SSH onto various servers. Worked well. Couldn't generate an RSA key locally, never got round to doing it on the server (but I'm sure I could). * Plex and Prime Video * Browsing in Tablet Mode, in Portrait: Frankly I liked this a lot more than I thought. I was on the sofa getting some reading done looking sophisticated when in fact I was just browsing SA. * Touch while typing: I found myself doing this more than I thought. For just hammering the send button in GMail or similar, it was as easy as any other way and a new habit I took up quickly. Nothing made me necessarily but I do like it. * Battery life: I basically charged it twice in a week. * Lack of headaches: As I said, when I pick up a laptop at the end of the day, I just want it to work as I zone out. This did it well. * Getting poo poo done: Before I gave it back, I had to quickly type a letter and use GCP to print it + some attachments. Easy and as quick as anywhere else. Overall - I can not only live with this, I reckon I'll enjoy taking the edge off Computer Janitoring for a bit at home. Get paid for that at work. Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 18:38 on Jan 2, 2019 |
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Jan 2, 2019 17:50
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Atomizer posted:The simplest thing to do is honestly to just use your phone's camera Oh I do, with ScanBot for Android if you're wondering. Google Drive also has a scanner in it. However, the resulting scan files are much larger than comparable ones from works Konica scanners. I do find myself sifting through a lot of paperwork that ideally I just want to scan and keep, but that said your point still stands about it being rarer.
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Jan 3, 2019 04:31
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Asus updates the beloved C302 with the C434. In short: * Up to 128gb eMMC storage * Up to 8gb ram * i7-8500Y, i5-8200Y, or M3-8100Y * 2x USB-C ports and 1x USB-A port * microSD slot * 14in 1080p touchscreen with 5mm bezels.
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Jan 7, 2019 21:14
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Cojawfee posted:I like the black keys the 302 has. Cojawfee posted:Also, it says you can get an i7, and i5, or a third one and the price starts at 569. Does that mean the i7 version would end up being like 800 dollars? EDIT: Based on this Asus press release/news post it looks like all models will have 8gb ram (good), storage and processor will vary. Cojawfee posted:I'd be interested to see what kernel version it will run. If it can't do Crostini, that will be a hard pass and I'll stick with what I got. Edit: clearly you do and I either misread or you ninja edited at a master level Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 17:27 on Jan 8, 2019 |
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Jan 8, 2019 01:45
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Heners_UK posted:ChromeOS adjacent question but what are people doing for scanning with CBs? I ended up finding an answer that worked for me. My MIL's Brother MFC-L2740DW (newer model here) can scan to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox etc directly from it (a browser of some kind is required for setup only, not for routine use). FTP scanning is also an option. Was going at some pace when I looked into it but there are workable options at least there. EDIT: Look I know my MIL sounds like some sort of tech genie, but she's got a house with space for this stuff whereas I've got a new kid, a condo, and because of both, minimal budgets :P Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 18:21 on Jan 8, 2019 |
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Jan 8, 2019 18:17
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Hadlock posted:Does not look like the [Asus C]302 has Crostini support It does not (at least not yet), and the Chromebook community treats it like an open wound into which cigarette ash falls every passing day.
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Jan 17, 2019 17:11
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Atomizer posted:dedicated handheld digital audio recorder is probably the best option. I agree. You may also find your school provides recorded lectures for dyslexic students.
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Feb 25, 2019 04:17
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An Asus CA302A stands out as it's just been superceded by the C434. Not sure if the display is IPS though
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Apr 14, 2019 20:47
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Hadlock posted:I wish they would release a 12.5 or 13" version of the C434, seems like a slam dunk, but I don't want to cart around a goddamn 14" laptop all day It's in effect a 14in screen with thin bezels in a typical 13in body. I feel the same way about carting huge laptops around but that size is acceptable when put in that context.
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Apr 15, 2019 03:20
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Check the dedicated back button as well. Stuck down or gummed up with spilt drink?
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May 1, 2019 02:05
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TITTIEKISSER69 posted:If I want a ChromeBook that's either 13", or 14" with a narrow bezel, 1080p, and so far 4GB of RAM has been fine for me but 8 wouldn't hurt, what are some choices? Regardless of price points. Personally the Asus C434 jumps to mind given that screen size and ram-range requirements. Acer Chromebook Spin 13 as well.
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May 23, 2019 19:22
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Statutory Ape posted:seconding Asus c434 Actually while we're on the subject, the higher end Asus C434s (i.e. 8gb ram or greater) seem noticeably hard to actually find, especially up here in Canada. I'm keenly holding on for one (and conveniently seeing if there are any major-model wide issues). This isn't the first time we've spoken about this, Acer did the same thing with the Chromebook Spin 13 (and jokes on them because it gave the C434 time to be announced and now I'm waiting for that). Still... jesus, it's 2019, people don't like to wait in this particular way. I'd pre-order it direct from them or on a seriously major (Amazon, Newegg sized) retailer if it were a reliable option.
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May 24, 2019 19:59
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Humerus posted:I'm selling my old chromebook and just wanted to make sure a Powerwash is enough to securely erase it, and if not, what should I do? I'd think so but if you're really concerned, I'd download some Linux ISOs (seriously, actual Linux .iso files as they can be large) to fill the storage after powerwashing, then powerwash again. Overwriting the memory can eliminate most attempts to restore data from it.
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May 25, 2019 04:42
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Jewce posted:How about this same exact question except price point is $300? Trying to get something for my mom who really just needs some streaming and basic web functionality. At this point I wish I knew which Acer chromebook specifically was available for around that in Costco (actually in costco, not online). EDIT: You'll have to compromise on the bezel thing Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 16:57 on May 25, 2019 |
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May 25, 2019 16:53
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Jewce posted:Acer C423 is one I see like that. Also available on Amazon for $250. It seems like it could be good for her. Thanks! Great. I went for the actual physical in store Costco option as (at least here in BC) they seem to have a reasonably solid offering for a cheap Chromebook that I'd direct people to in a heartbeat over Windows "streambooks" etc. Also she could go and actually see it.
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May 25, 2019 18:15
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Atomizer posted:. These Acer C720s on Woot are $75-80 for the 4 GB RAM versions. ...and they are perfect for the reasons you give, but I note they have reached the Auto Update Expiration date.
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Jun 19, 2019 08:59
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Well there's hope of ever seeing a good retailer have consistent stock of the C434 in Canada. Costco Canada has the 64gb Storage/4gb RAM version (four! Friends don't let friends unknowingly buy 4gb ram) on their website for CAD$689.99 (-$10 off the usual retail price). Based on this article, if and when the 8gb version of the same comes out we could expect about a CAD$90 (USD$70) price step for that, although Costco might knock a buck or two off.
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Jun 28, 2019 00:11
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There are some tidy deals on the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 at the moment. The i5/8gb ram/128gb storage one is CAD$849 on Amazon.ca. Wondering if this will unseat my Asus C434s lust, which has been dampened by build quality and availability issues.
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Jul 24, 2019 01:42
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Statutory Ape posted:Didn't realize that the 434 was having build quality issues, thats a shame! I'll try and substantiate what makes me think that today. Mainly Reddit horror stories. Couldn't during my post due to kid disturbance
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Jul 24, 2019 14:43
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Atomizer posted:. Personally I format or a convertible for ChromeOS, aprefer a more traditional laptops my use-case is more for data input so having a nice keyboard built-in is important. This is the way I feel too, strongly. However Brydge keyboards are so good that it actually can bring a tablet back across the laptop line. I never mentioned it, but reading this Chromebook thread lead me to Brydge, and in turn I bought one for my other half's iPad Pro. We both love it and have hammered out essays etc using it. She then took it to her work, who needed the portability and ease of iPads but better typing. They have now ordered 8 iPad + Brydge combos. Same result. In conclusion, Brydge owes this thread referral money.
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Dec 1, 2019 16:52
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This thread taught me what MMX actually was. Now I feel justified in desiring it back then.
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Dec 3, 2019 15:06
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Tunga posted:(touchscreen not needed) I completely get why you say this. I don't think a touchscreen is truly needed, but I do find that, if I have it, I use it, especially one Chrome OS. The first point withstanding, you might find it desirable, especially if Android apps are in use, which generally assume direct input.
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Dec 6, 2019 15:55
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I was using CloudReady last week and like it a lot. I'll do a full write up on it later, but suffice it to say for now, if you have a spare laptop or desktop (especially one with a touchscreen), it's a great option for keeping it useful. However, I had a question that may apply more broadly, has anyone either installed Steam or otherwise used Steam Link using the Linux apps functions (not the Android app) on a Chromebook? Ideally on CloudReady but anywhere is useful. I was able to install it last week and run Steam Home Streaming to my gaming vm, but performance on the clientside was unusuable (1-5fps at a guess, with lots of tearing). Guess is that the Chrome Linux VM cannot access any hardware acceleration. By contrast, Xubuntu + Steam on the same machine has been excellent (just a little tearing, XFCE issue). Furthermore, Steam Link on my (Android) phone has been flawless to. Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 18:27 on Dec 11, 2019 |
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Dec 11, 2019 18:18
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Atomizer posted:Ok, here's a legitimate, good, cheap-as-possible CB: Dell 13 (7310) for $100. Well, that's gone. Would have driven to the states to get it too.
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Jan 17, 2020 15:53
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Replaceable storage happened years ago (first year of two of Chromebooks) but the tech industry decided that was a nice trend that had to stop ...
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Jun 12, 2020 16:06
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