Jim Mendenhall registered starryhope.com in 1998. The site started as a web hosting platform and morphed into a blog in the early 2000s, where it has stayed ever since: a long-running, independent tech publication based in Indiana.
For about twenty years (2005 to 2025) he ran Ubuntu almost exclusively, both at work and at home. Recent work demands and the pace of AI tooling pushed him onto macOS as the primary daily driver, but he still uses Ubuntu, Fedora, and ChromeOS on a weekly basis. He has been covering Chromebooks since the first generation shipped, and using one as a daily secondary machine for lighter tasks since 2011.
Today Starry Hope covers Chromebooks, Mini PCs, Linux, and Mac, with growing coverage of AI and how it’s reshaping personal computing. Much of Jim’s own focus has been on AI integration: putting it to work in his daily workflow at home and at work, and writing about how it actually changes what these machines are useful for rather than what the marketing claims.
His background is hands-on rather than theoretical, with years administering Ubuntu servers, Ruby on Rails development, and a long history of rebuilding the Starry Hope site itself. The current iteration runs on Astro, TypeScript, and Cloudflare Workers. The Starry Hope YouTube channel covers some of the same ground in video form.
Articles by Jim Mendenhall
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- Today's Best Chromebook Deals September 9, 2026
Find the latest Chromebook deals from Amazon and Best Buy, updated every 30 minutes. Compare prices on 100+ Chromebooks and save up to 60% on top-rated models.
- Quiet Active-Cooled Mini PCs Under 40 dBA Under Load in 2026 September 5, 2026
Which active-cooled mini PCs stay quiet under sustained load, using Notebookcheck's 15 cm measurements, plus why the same chip runs quiet in one chassis.
- Chromebook Stylus Support in 2026 with USI 2.0 and In-Box Pens by Model September 4, 2026
Which 2026 Chromebooks support USI 2.0, which ship a pen in the box, and which quietly leave the stylus silo empty. Sourced from OEM spec sheets, model by model.
- Omarchy Mini PC Setups Gave Developers a $499 Workstation September 4, 2026
Omarchy mini PC setups from the $299 Beelink EQR5 up, what version 4 changed, and how the boxes compare with Apple's Macs in 2026.
- Chromebooks With an SD Card Slot in 2026 September 3, 2026
Most Chromebooks still include a microSD reader, but on Chromebook Plus it is close to an even split. Here are the current models that have one.
- Gemini AI on Chromebook Plus Handles Real Workflows but Still Needs Polish September 3, 2026
Gemini in Chrome is live on Chromebook Plus in the US. The sidebar summarizes up to ten tabs for free, auto browse is still a preview, and reviewers say agentic tasks still need supervision.
- Gemini Auto Browse on Chromebook Plus Costs $20 a Month September 3, 2026
Google's Gemini auto browse handles multi-step web tasks for you in Chrome. Here's what it costs and whether it's worth it on Chromebook Plus.
- Ollama Cloud Makes Local AI Hardware Optional for Most Workloads August 30, 2026
Ollama Cloud serves DeepSeek V4 Pro on Blackwell GPUs from free; local hardware still wins on privacy, offline use, and all-day work. Updated for the M6 Macs and GPT-5.6 Luna.
- FydeOS vs ChromeOS Flex on Your Old Windows 10 PC August 30, 2026
FydeOS vs ChromeOS Flex in 2026: certified models, which one ships Android apps (neither ships Google Play), account choices, update costs, and which one fits your old Windows 10 PC.
- The Best Used Laptops for Linux in 2026 August 30, 2026
The used business laptops that run Linux well in 2026: ThinkPad T480, T14 Gen 1, Latitude 5490, EliteBook 840, with prices, RAM floors, and the traps to check.
- The Omarchy 4 Hardware Guide August 30, 2026
The hardware that runs Omarchy 4 clean in 2026: AMD and Intel iGPU mini PCs and laptops, the NVIDIA decision rule, and what the 4.0.1 release just fixed.
- The Chromebook Fingerprint Reader Is a Per-Configuration Option August 29, 2026
Lenovo's own datasheets list a fingerprint reader and no fingerprint reader for the same Chromebook. Here is what each vendor publishes, per configuration.
- Meteor Lake vs Panther Lake Mini PCs August 29, 2026
Tom's Hardware benched a $799 Meteor Lake mini PC against Panther Lake boxes in August 2026. The entry Panther Lake iGPU came out 18% behind on Solar Bay.
- Buy a 400-Nit Chromebook if You Work Outdoors August 27, 2026
Chromebook screens run from 250 to 500 nits, and 400 is the line for outdoor work. What each brightness level does outside, and the models labs measured brightest.
- How Much RAM a Linux Mini PC Needs in 2026 August 26, 2026
Windows 11 idles at 9.3GB and Linux at 4.7GB, but that does not halve your RAM tier. What a Linux mini PC needs for desktop, server, and local AI work.
- Chromebook Storage Types in 2026 Are eMMC, UFS, and NVMe by Price Tier August 6, 2026
Two Chromebooks can both say 128GB and ship completely different flash. Here is the storage type each 2026 price tier uses and the spec numbers behind it.
- ChromeOS Discards Tabs Sooner on 8GB Chromebook Plus Than 16GB in 2026 August 5, 2026
ChromeOS trims stale tabs on 8GB machines and leaves larger ones alone. Here is what that cutoff means for a 2026 Chromebook Plus buyer choosing a capacity.
- Buy the 10GbE Mini PC Up Front or Stick With 2.5GbE August 5, 2026
Which mini PCs ship dual 10GbE SFP+ in 2026, what a home NAS has to be doing before it passes 2.5GbE, and why a PCIe slot is a poor way to add 10GbE later.
- A Mini PC Replaces a Synology NAS in 2026 When You Accept Maintenance July 21, 2026
Mini PC or Synology for your 2026 NAS? A price-tier and workload map covering the Beelink ME Pro, MINISFORUM MS-01, used office minis, and where DSM still wins.
- Chromebook Docking Station Specs That Deliver Dual 4K60 in 2026 July 19, 2026
Most Chromebook docks quietly drop 4K to 30Hz or mirror your second screen. Here are the DP Alt Mode, MST, and HDMI specs that deliver dual 4K60 in 2026.
- Netflix on a Chromebook Streams in 4K, but Disney+ Stops at 720p and Prime Video at SD July 19, 2026
Netflix's docs allow 4K in Chrome on a Chromebook Plus. Disney+ limits computer browsers to 720p, Prime Video serves ChromeOS SD only. Widevine DRM explains why.
- Best Chromebook for Middle and High School Students in 2026 July 18, 2026
The best budget Chromebooks for middle and high school students in 2026, and which corners (RAM, panel type, AUE runway) matter across 3 to 5 school years.
- Chromebook Parental Controls for AI Chatbots Require Extra Filtering Layers July 17, 2026
Family Link controls sites and apps on a Chromebook, but it has no AI-chatbot category. Here is what stops ChatGPT, Character.AI, and Claude, and the tradeoffs.
- Chromebook vs MacBook in 2026 Compared on Price, Software, and AI July 17, 2026
Chromebook vs MacBook in 2026 compared on price, software, updates, and Google-ecosystem AI, with a clear framework for which one fits how you work.
- Mini PC vs Desktop Comes Down to Graphics, Upgrades, and Sustained Load July 16, 2026
Mini PC vs desktop tower, compared on upgradeability, thermals, graphics, and running cost. When a tower still wins, when it is just wasted space, and how to choose.
- Chromebook Ad Blockers to Use After uBlock Origin Ends on August 31 July 14, 2026
Google removes the last Manifest V2 extensions from the Chrome Web Store on August 31, 2026. Here is what Chromebook owners should use for ad blocking now.
- Chromebook vs Windows Laptop Depends on the Software You Need July 14, 2026
Chromebook vs Windows laptop comes down to your software, not the hardware. Here's when ChromeOS wins on price and reliability, and when Windows wins outright.
- Mini PC for Desk Use, Laptop for Mobility July 14, 2026
Mini PC vs laptop, compared on cost per dollar of performance, screen and keyboard freedom, portability, upgradeability, and the docked-laptop middle path.
- Mac Mini External SSD Costs Less Than Apple Storage After the $599 Base Died in 2026 July 13, 2026
Apple killed the $599 Mac Mini base in May 2026. Here is the math on a Mac Mini external SSD versus Apple's storage ladder, and which config to buy.
- What Is a Mini PC (and What People Use Them For) July 13, 2026
A mini PC is a small-form-factor desktop that runs a full operating system in a case the size of a paperback. Here is what counts as one, how it compares to a tower or a laptop, and the eight jobs people actually buy them for.
- How to Enable (and Disable) Developer Mode on a Chromebook July 13, 2026
Developer Mode unlocks root-level access on a Chromebook, but it wipes your data and turns off verified boot. Learn what it does, how to enable it, and how to turn it off.
- Chromebook Overheating? The Budget Models That Ship With a Real Fan in 2026 July 12, 2026
A budget Chromebook running hot and throttling under a video call and a dozen tabs often traces to one spec line: does it have a fan? Here is how to check.
- How to Play Games on a Chromebook, From Cloud Streaming to Linux July 12, 2026
Chromebooks play games four ways: cloud streaming, Android apps, browser games, and Linux. Here is which method fits your games, your Chromebook, and your internet.
- How to Install Linux on a Chromebook July 12, 2026
Learn how to install Linux on a Chromebook using the built-in Linux development environment. Enable it without developer mode, run your first commands, install apps, and know when a full Linux install makes more sense.
- How to Connect AirPods to a Chromebook July 12, 2026
Pair AirPods to a Chromebook over Bluetooth for music and calls, and learn which Apple features (Siri, auto-switching, the battery popup) do not come along.
- Mini PC vs Mac Mini for Your Next Small Desktop July 11, 2026
Mini PC vs Mac Mini compared on price, upgrades, gaming, software freedom, power draw, and ecosystem lock-in, with a clear pick for each kind of buyer.
- Home Assistant on a Mini PC July 11, 2026
Why a small mini PC is the right host for Home Assistant, how much hardware you need, and whether to install Home Assistant OS on bare metal or in a container.
- How to Choose a Mini PC for a Plex Media Server July 11, 2026
A mini PC makes an excellent Plex server, but whether you need Intel Quick Sync comes down to transcoding. Here is what hardware transcode buys you and when direct play is enough.
- Pick a Dual-NIC Mini PC for a Home pfSense or OPNsense Router July 11, 2026
How to pick a mini PC for pfSense or OPNsense. The two-NIC requirement most consumer boxes miss, why Intel NICs beat Realtek, and when fanless is fine.
- How to Choose a Mini PC for a Home Server July 10, 2026
Pick a mini PC for a home server using the four specs that actually decide it: idle power draw, RAM ceiling, network ports, and noise.
- The Right Mini PC for Emulation and Retro Gaming July 10, 2026
Which mini PC handles which console? A tiered guide to emulation on integrated graphics, from cheap N100 boxes for retro systems to Ryzen iGPUs for GameCube, PS2, and beyond.
- Mini PC vs Raspberry Pi Is a Choice Between Server Duty and GPIO Projects July 10, 2026
A practical comparison of a budget or lightly used x86 mini PC against the Raspberry Pi 5 on price, idle power, storage, and software compatibility, plus the projects where the Pi still wins.
- How Long Do Chromebooks Last? July 10, 2026
How long do Chromebooks last? Software support (the AUE date) is the real ceiling, up to ten years for newer models. Here is how to check any model and what limits the hardware.
- How to Split Screen on a Chromebook July 8, 2026
Learn how to split the screen on a Chromebook using the snap keyboard shortcut, drag-to-edge, Overview, tablet mode, and an external monitor.
- Clear Cache and Free Up Space on a Chromebook July 7, 2026
Clear the browser cache on a Chromebook in seconds, then work through a full storage-recovery checklist: Files app, Android app caches, and the Linux disk allocation.
- Chromebook Comparison Chart July 1, 2026
Find your perfect Chromebook with our interactive comparison chart. Sort, filter, and compare specs, prices, and features side by side to find your ideal Chrome OS device.
- Mini PC Comparison Chart July 1, 2026
Find your perfect Mini PC with our interactive comparison chart. Sort by price, performance, and specs, plus a complete buyer's guide to help you choose.
- Used Laptops That Survive ChromeOS Flex as a 2026 Daily Driver June 27, 2026
Google's minimum spec only decides whether ChromeOS Flex boots. Here is which used laptops survive a year of daily use in 2026, and which quietly expire.
- Your Mini PC's Bundled SSD Was Not Built for 24/7 Server Duty June 27, 2026
The SSD bundled in a budget mini PC is often cheap consumer QLC built for a desktop, not 24/7 server writes. Here is the TBW-per-TB number that tells you when to swap it.
- ChromeOS Powerwash 2026 Erases Linux Apps and Downloads Google's Cloud Won't Restore June 26, 2026
Before you sell or hand off a Chromebook, here is what a Powerwash actually erases, what the cloud restores, and the 10-minute checklist that prevents regret.
- The Mini PC That Skips the AI Tax in 2026 June 25, 2026
Which 2026 mini PCs skip the NPU and the Copilot+ premium, what going no-NPU actually costs you, and where the cheaper AMD and Intel lane stops being a deal.
- Sharing One Chromebook Across an Adult Household in 2026 with ChromeOS Profiles June 17, 2026
Share one Chromebook across an adult household with ChromeOS profiles: storage limits, the 19-account cap, fast switching, and cleanup when someone leaves.
- Family Link on a Chromebook in 2026 Enforces Real Limits and Leaves Four Gaps June 16, 2026
What Family Link really enforces on a kid's Chromebook in 2026, the gaps in screen time and web filtering, and what changes when your child turns 13.
- Local AI Hardware Is a Hedge Against Cloud AI's New Political Fragility June 15, 2026
On June 12, 2026 a US directive pulled Anthropic's top Claude models overnight. Here is what owning local AI hardware actually buys you as a 2026 cloud hedge.
- Proton Drive on Linux Is for Encrypted Backups, Not Full Desktop Sync June 12, 2026
Proton Drive's new Linux CLI brings end-to-end encrypted cloud storage to the terminal in 2026. Where it fits, and where Nextcloud and Syncthing still win.
- The 2026 SSD Crisis Buyer Worksheet for NAND and DRAM Price Spikes June 12, 2026
NAND flash is up more than 240% since early 2025 and another big jump is forecast. Here is the worksheet for sizing up storage now versus paying far more later.
- When a Chromebox Beats a Mini PC for the Family Living Room (2026) June 9, 2026
A $300 Chromebox or a Windows mini PC next to the TV? Here is when ChromeOS wins for a family living room in 2026, and when you still need Windows.
- Five Questions to Settle Before You Pick Your First Mini PC June 9, 2026
Overwhelmed by mini PC SKU sprawl? Settle these five questions in order (new vs used, CPU tier, chip vendor, cooling, brand) before you pick your first box.
- Your Mini PC Costs $10 to $100 a Year to Run 24/7 in 2026 June 9, 2026
Reviewer-measured idle and load wattage plus current EIA rates put a real yearly dollar figure on leaving a mini PC powered on around the clock.
- Your Intel Mac's Last macOS Is Tahoe 26 June 9, 2026
macOS Tahoe 26 is the last macOS for four Intel Macs. How to pick the next step: ride the security window, switch to Linux, or replace the hardware.
- Mini PC Wins for 24/7 Use Over the $599 MacBook Neo in 2026 June 8, 2026
Apple's $599 MacBook Neo lands right where a mini PC plus a display does. Here is the real cost math and the buyer scenarios where each one wins.
- Surface RTX Spark Dev Box Is a Mac Studio Rival, Not a Mac Mini One June 7, 2026
Microsoft's Surface RTX Spark Dev Box looks like a mini PC, but its specs, thermals, and price tier say workstation. Here's why it should not pause your purchase.
- On-Device AI Can Slow New 2026 Laptops on Mac, Chromebook, and Windows June 7, 2026
Your new laptop feels slower than the reviews promised. Often the cause is on-device AI scanning in the background. Here is how to spot it on any OS.
- Turning Off AI on a Chromebook, Mac, Windows PC, or Linux Box in 2026 June 6, 2026
A cross-platform guide to turning off AI on the computer you already own, with a clear-eyed verdict on which OS actually respects an AI-off preference in 2026.
- How to Compress Images on Linux in 2026 June 2, 2026
A 2026 guide to compressing images on Linux on Ubuntu 24.04 and newer. Covers Trimage and Curtail for drag-and-drop, plus jpegoptim, optipng, oxipng, ImageMagick, cwebp, and avifenc for the terminal.
- How to Enable and Type Emoji on Ubuntu June 2, 2026
Install the Noto Color Emoji font, use the GNOME emoji picker (Ctrl+.), and type emoji in any app on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and newer.
- Linux Break Reminder Apps to Prevent RSI in 2026 June 2, 2026
A 2026 guide to the best Linux break reminder and RSI prevention apps. Workrave, Stretchly, Safe Eyes, and GNOME Pomodoro compared, with install commands for Ubuntu 24.04 and the 20-20-20 eye rule explained.
- How to Check Ubuntu Version (Terminal and GUI, 2026 Guide) June 2, 2026
Check your Ubuntu version from the terminal with cat /etc/os-release, lsb_release, or hostnamectl. The Settings About panel shows the same number.
- NVIDIA's N1X ARM Laptops Just Joined the AI PC Race June 1, 2026
NVIDIA's RTX Spark (N1X) is real, ships this fall, and adds a fourth ARM laptop tier to a market Apple and Qualcomm had to themselves. Here's how to read it.
- Should You Wait for Valve's Steam Machine or Buy a Mini PC Now? June 1, 2026
Valve's Steam Machine cleared Vulkan 1.4 conformance and now lands on the same shelf as a mid-tier mini PC. Here is the structural buyer-decision framework.
- Chromebook Plus vs Android Tablet in 2026 Comes Down to Shape, Not Platform May 30, 2026
Chromebook Plus or premium Android tablet in 2026? The platforms have converged. The real decision is form factor, and we'll show you exactly how to pick.
- The $300 Snapdragon C Tier Just Arrived. Here's How It Reshapes the Chromebook vs MacBook Neo Decision May 30, 2026
Qualcomm's $300 Snapdragon C laptops arrive without Copilot+ access. Here's where they fit between Chromebook Plus and MacBook Neo for sub-$600 buyers.
- OLED Chromebook Screens Usually Outlast the AUE May 29, 2026
OLED Chromebooks now run $599 to $999. The four-year Duet 5 track record, OEM warranty wording, and AUE timelines say about longevity.
- Mid-Tier Mini PCs Are 2026's Quiet Best Buy May 29, 2026
The mini PC press chases $179 N100 launches and $2,000 Strix Halo flagships. The actual sweet spot is the $500 to $750 box almost nobody is writing about.
- Pi 6 Slips to 2028 and Mini PCs Replace It May 29, 2026
Per the Pi team's cadence math in the May 2026 AMA, Pi 6 ships no earlier than 2028. Which mini PC class replaces the Pi, and where the Pi still wins.
- Five Specs to Check Before You Pay for a Used Mini PC in 2026 May 29, 2026
A pre-click checklist for used corporate mini PC listings on eBay, B&H Refurbished, and NewEgg Refurb. Spot the five red flags that turn a bargain into a brick.
- Googlebook's Premium-First Launch Points to the Top Chromebook Plus Tier May 28, 2026
Googlebook is reported to launch premium-first and Google has pushed a developer hub live. Which Chromebook Plus tier those two facts point a buyer toward.
- Gorgon Halo Is a Strix Halo Rename May 28, 2026
AMD's Gorgon Halo (Ryzen AI Max 400) is a Strix Halo rebadge with one real change: a 192GB memory ceiling. Here is who should wait and who should buy now.
- Buy an N150 Box Now Unless You Need Wildcat Lake Intel 18A Features May 28, 2026
Beelink's Wildcat Lake EQ mini, EQi and ME Pro-2 land on Intel's 18A node. Here's how to decide between buying a Twin Lake box this summer or waiting.
- Pick OCuLink Over USB4 or MCIO 8i to Add a GPU to a Mini PC May 26, 2026
OCuLink, USB4, and the new MCIO 8i port decide whether you can add a real GPU to a mini PC later. Here is which connector to buy for, and when to skip eGPU.
- Can I Download Torrents on a Chromebook? May 23, 2026
You can download torrents on a Chromebook using Linux apps like Transmission or qBittorrent, or the JSTorrent Chrome extension. Here's how to set it up.
- Is Chrome OS a Linux Distribution? May 23, 2026
Chrome OS is officially a Linux distribution built on the open-source Chromium OS project. Here's what that means and why some Linux users disagree.
- Can I Install Chrome OS on My PC or Mac? May 23, 2026
Google's ChromeOS Flex is a free, official version of ChromeOS you can install on most PCs and Macs. Here's how it differs from the real thing.
- Can Chromebooks Access Network File Shares? May 23, 2026
Yes. ChromeOS has built-in SMB (Windows/Samba) file share support in the Files app, plus OneDrive integration and extensions for SFTP and WebDAV.
- Can I Install Steam on my Chromebook? May 23, 2026
Google ended its native Steam for Chromebook beta on January 1, 2026. Cloud gaming is now the practical way to play Steam-style games on ChromeOS.
- Can Chromebooks Run Windows Apps? May 23, 2026
Chromebooks don't run Windows apps natively, but the built-in Linux environment, Wine/CrossOver, and cloud PCs give you several real options.
- Adobe Lightroom Runs on Linux via Wine, With Darktable Still the Safer Pick May 23, 2026
A candid status report on running Adobe Lightroom CC on Linux in 2026. What the new Wine recipe actually does, what still breaks, the AI-patched-DLL trust question, and when Darktable is the smarter call.
- Chromebooks Are More Reliable Than Windows Laptops in the 2026 Data May 22, 2026
Five-year Chromebook failure rates range from 6.3% to 9.7%. The industry average hits 16% in three years. Here's what those numbers mean for your next laptop purchase.
- Do You Need Antivirus Software for Chromebooks? May 21, 2026
Chromebooks don't need traditional antivirus software. Learn how Chrome OS protects against viruses with sandboxing, verified boot, and auto updates.
- Does Apple Music Work on Chromebooks? May 21, 2026
Yes, Apple Music works on Chromebooks via the Google Play Store Android app or the web player at music.apple.com. Here's how to get started and which method works best.
- How to Check Chromebook Auto Update Expiration (AUE) and What Happens After May 21, 2026
Learn what Chromebook Auto Update Expiration (AUE) means, how to check your device's expiration date, and what you can do after software updates end.
- Can Chromebooks Play Video DVDs? May 21, 2026
Chrome OS doesn't support DVD playback by default, and workarounds are limited. Here's what you need to know about watching DVDs on a Chromebook.
- Can I Install Java on a Chromebook? May 21, 2026
Yes, you can install Java on a Chromebook using Chrome OS's built-in Linux environment. Enable Linux in Settings, then install the JDK with apt.
- What Is Chromebook Plus? Understanding Google's Premium Certification May 21, 2026
What is Chromebook Plus? Google's premium certification guarantees minimum specs (8GB RAM, 128GB storage) and exclusive AI features like Gemini and Magic Eraser.
- Keyboards for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes May 21, 2026
Chromebooks have a unique keyboard layout with special keys. Find the best wired and wireless keyboards designed for Chrome OS devices and Chromeboxes.
- What Is an Education Chromebook? A Guide for Parents and Budget Shoppers May 21, 2026
Learn what makes a Chromebook an "education" model, how they differ from consumer Chromebooks, and whether buying one for personal use is a good deal.
- Native Android Apps on Googlebook Free the Heavy Apps Today's Chromebooks Hold Back May 21, 2026
Googlebook runs Android apps natively instead of in a virtual machine. Here is which of your current Chromebook apps will change, which stay the same, and whether to buy now.
- A Mini PC Is a Better Computer for Your Parents Than a Laptop May 17, 2026
The laptop default ignores battery wear, hinge failures, and support logistics. A mini PC paired with a monitor is the smarter buy for your parents.
- Why Fedora Is the Linux Recommendation Most People Now Get in 2026 May 16, 2026
Ubuntu's Snap decisions eroded trust while Fedora shipped GNOME 50, DNF5, and Wayland-only. Here's what switching actually costs and whether it's worth it.
- Chromebook Battery Replacement vs Buy New in 2026 May 15, 2026
Your Chromebook battery is dying but AUE says years remain. Should you replace the battery, buy new, or repurpose? Here's the four-input decision framework.
- Ubuntu's Inference Snaps Run Best on NVIDIA, Partially on Intel, and Barely on AMD May 15, 2026
Canonical's Inference Snaps bring local AI to Ubuntu with six shipping models. Which hardware benefits today, and should it change what you buy?
- Use the 2026 Used Chromebook Worksheet to Check AUE Before You Pay May 14, 2026
Evaluate used Chromebook listings with the dollar-per-update-year metric. A practical worksheet to spot deals and avoid soon-to-expire devices.
- 64GB Chromebooks Leave Too Little Usable Storage in 2026 May 13, 2026
A 64GB Chromebook sounds reasonable until ChromeOS claims 17GB before you open a single tab. Here is the real storage math by tier and what to buy instead.
- 4GB Chromebooks Will Disappoint in 2026 May 13, 2026
4GB Chromebooks still line store shelves in 2026, but ChromeOS has outgrown them. Here is what 4GB gets you, what breaks, and the RAM floor.
- Googlebook Is Google's Official New Laptop Category for Chromebook Owners May 12, 2026
Google unveiled Googlebook on May 12, 2026: a new premium laptop category built for Gemini Intelligence. Here's what it means for your Chromebook.
- Mini PC Soldered RAM Blocks Future Upgrades on Some 2026 Premium Models May 12, 2026
Mini PC soldered RAM is permanent, and some 2026 premium models ship without SODIMM slots. Here is how to check for sockets before you buy.
- Should Your Next Computer Be a Chromebook in 2026? A Buyer's Decision Guide May 11, 2026
In 2026, a Chromebook Plus finally rivals mid-tier ultrabooks. Here's when it's the right buy, when a MacBook or mini PC fits better, and how to decide.
- Keep Windows on Your New Mini PC Unless You Plan to Tinker May 4, 2026
A decision framework for the first thing every mini PC buyer faces: keep OEM Windows, reinstall clean, or switch to Linux. Three branches, real trade-offs.
- Atria Confirms Nova Lake Chromebooks for Late 2027 May 2, 2026
A Chromium commit reveals 'Atria,' the first Chromebook baseboard wired up for Intel's Nova Lake silicon. Here's what it means for buyers this quarter.
- Active Cooling Beats Fanless for Most Mini PC Buyers in 2026 May 2, 2026
Fanless or active cooling? A workload-budget framework with real throttle data to help you pick the right 2026 mini PC for your use case.
- When a $400 Chromebook 2-in-1 Can Replace Both Your Laptop and Your Tablet May 1, 2026
A docked Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 with HDMI and USB-C can serve as your desktop, laptop, and tablet in one device. Four convertibles compared for the desk setup.
- Best Mini PCs for Running Local LLMs in the 2026 DRAM Crisis April 30, 2026
Memory prices surged 171% and every local LLM buyer's guide is outdated. Here's what to buy in April 2026, organized by what you need to run.
- Buy the Mac Mini M4 Now Unless You Need the M5 for AI April 30, 2026
The Mac Mini M5 is real but months away. Here is a practical framework for deciding whether to buy the M4 now or wait, based on your actual workload.
- Four Premium Chromebooks to Replace the Pixelbook Now That Google Quit Making Them April 29, 2026
Google quit making Chromebooks and Pixelbook update support is on the clock. Four premium Chromebooks now fill the gap, each matched to a different power user.
- Framework's First Ubuntu Certification Promises Tested Ubuntu LTS Support, Not Every Distro April 26, 2026
What does 'Ubuntu Certified' actually guarantee when you buy a Linux laptop? We decode Canonical's test matrix using the new Framework 13 Pro as our example.
- DIY Beats Hyperbox and Perplexity on a Mac mini AI Server You Own April 21, 2026
Hyperbox and Perplexity Personal Computer want to manage your always-on Mac mini AI server. Here's how they compare to just doing it yourself.
- Google Sees Schools as a 'Pipeline of Future Users.' They're Not Wrong, and That's the Problem April 20, 2026
Leaked Google documents call school Chromebooks a 'pipeline of future users.' Here's what that means for parents and schools.
- Video Editing on a Chromebook Works in 2026, Led by Google Vids and CapCut April 19, 2026
Google Vids went free, CapCut runs in the browser, and Chromebook Plus hardware handles real timelines. Here is what works for video editing on Chrome OS.
- Choosing a Linux Distro When Switching from Windows 10 in 2026 April 19, 2026
Windows 10 ESU now runs through October 2027. A guide to picking the right Linux distro: what you'll gain, what you'll lose, and how to try first.
- Run Whisper Locally on a Mini PC for Private Transcription April 18, 2026
Set up Whisper on a mini PC for private, always-available speech-to-text. Covers hardware needs, model selection, and the right tools for home offices and small teams.
- Project Glasswing Exists Because Claude Mythos Is Too Dangerous to Release April 17, 2026
Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview is too dangerous to release publicly. Here's what the model reportedly does and why Project Glasswing matters.
- Why Mainstream Tech Media Still Calls ChromeOS a Browser-Based OS (When It Hasn't Been for 8 Years) April 13, 2026
Engadget, TechRadar, and Tom's Guide still describe Chromebooks as browser-only machines in 2026, but Linux desktop apps have shipped in ChromeOS stable since 2018. Here's why the stereotype refuses to die and how much of the blame belongs to Google itself.
- The DGX Spark and the Reality of Local AI Hardware in 2026 April 12, 2026
NVIDIA's DGX Spark now lists at $4,699 after a February price hike, making the $2,199 Strix Halo alternative more compelling than ever. Here's who should care about dedicated AI hardware.
- Gemma 4 Runs Best on a Mini PC With the 26B A4B Variant April 12, 2026
Google's Gemma 4 lands in four sizes: E2B, E4B, 26B MoE, and 31B Dense. Here's which mini PC actually runs each variant, and what to expect.
- NYT Chromebook Remorse Investigation Reshapes School Device Policy April 8, 2026
The NYT investigation into Chromebook remorse at a Kansas middle school triggered legislative action in 16+ states. What changed and why it matters.
- Project N.O.M.A.D.: How to Build an Offline AI Survival Computer with a Mini PC April 1, 2026
Project N.O.M.A.D. turns any mini PC into an offline knowledge station with local AI, Wikipedia, maps, and Khan Academy. Here's how to build one.
- Sapphire's Strix Halo Cluster Runs 235B LLM Inference on Two Mini PCs April 1, 2026
Sapphire linked two Strix Halo mini PCs into a 256GB pool at Embedded World 2026. Strix Halo cluster LLM inference runs roughly 10-15 tokens per second.
- GEEKOM A5 Pro Linux Support Is Complete and Idle Power Is 3.8 Watts March 29, 2026
GEEKOM A5 Pro Linux support is complete under Ubuntu 25.10 in CNX Software's testing, with 3.8W idle draw, though older A5 models cost far less.
- Intel's Arc B390 iGPU in Panther Lake NUCs Finally Rivals Discrete Graphics March 29, 2026
Intel's Panther Lake mini PCs pack an Arc B390 iGPU rivaling the RTX 4050 laptop GPU. Here's how six new NUCs from ASUS, GMKtec, Khadas, and more compare, with the NUC 16 Pro starting at $999 and EVO-T2 at $1,899.
- The Chromebook Plus $240 AI Bundle Tips the Year-One Math Against the MacBook Neo March 28, 2026
Every Chromebook Plus now includes 12 months of Google AI Pro free. We break down whether that bundle tips the value equation against the $599 MacBook Neo.
- Google AI Studio on Chromebook Lets You Build Real Apps in the Browser March 27, 2026
Google AI Studio on a Chromebook builds full-stack apps from plain text prompts in the browser, with no Linux container and no local dev tools.
- Rising Chromebook Prices in 2026 Reshape Education Fleets and Consumer Budgets March 21, 2026
DRAM prices surged 171% and tariffs compound the squeeze. Here's how rising Chromebook costs are forcing K-12 districts and budget buyers to rethink everything.
- GPT-5.4 Mini Pricing Changes the Math on Local AI Hardware March 18, 2026
GPT-5.4 mini pricing is $0.75 per million input tokens. Cheap enough for agent work, but local AI hardware still wins on privacy and latency.
- This $3 USB Stick Revives Old Windows 10 PCs with ChromeOS Flex March 18, 2026
Google and Back Market's $3 ChromeOS Flex USB stick turns old Windows PCs into Chromebooks. Here's who it's for and how to DIY for free.
- Will Your Chromebook Get Aluminium OS? What We Know About Compatibility March 17, 2026
Google's Aluminium OS is coming in late 2026, but most Chromebooks won't qualify. Here's what the evidence says about hardware requirements and which models are likely compatible.
- The NZXT H2 Mini PC Puts an RTX 5080 in a 20-Liter Box for $3,500 March 17, 2026
NZXT's $3,499 H2 Mini PC crams a Ryzen 7 9800X3D or Core Ultra 9 285K with an RTX 5080 into a 20.7-liter Mini-ITX case. Here's what it means for SFF gaming.
- MacBook Neo vs Chromebooks in the Classroom Comes Down to a $1.25 Million Fleet Gap March 15, 2026
Apple's $499 MacBook Neo narrows the gap with Chromebooks in schools. Here's the real procurement math on fleet costs, management, and TCO.
- Beelink's Pre-installed OpenClaw Mini PCs Aren't Worth the Premium for Most March 12, 2026
Beelink is the first OEM to ship mini PCs with OpenClaw pre-installed. We break down the three tiers, SSD kits, and whether DIY makes more sense.
- Windows 365 Cloud PCs Make Sense for Managed Enterprises, Not Individual Buyers March 10, 2026
Microsoft's new Windows 365 Cloud PCs from ASUS and Dell look like mini PCs, but do the costs make sense? We compare them to budget mini PCs and Chromebooks.
- Japan Just Made the Biggest Chromebook Bet in Education History March 10, 2026
Japan's GIGA School Program triggered a twentyfold surge in Chromebook shipments. Here's what the 460-billion-yen initiative reveals about global education.
- Parents Are Opting Out of School Chromebooks and Asking for Pen and Paper March 9, 2026
Parents opt out of Chromebooks at school in growing numbers. What districts allow varies widely, and opting out costs accessibility tools and coding lessons.
- Lenovo's CRU Design Makes a Repairable Chromebook for Schools March 9, 2026
A repairable Chromebook for schools: Lenovo's 100e and 500e Gen 5 have customer-replaceable USB-C ports, batteries, and keyboards. Parts pricing is unproven.
- Chrome Is Moving to Two-Week Releases. Here's What That Means for Your Chromebook. March 7, 2026
Starting September 2026, Chrome moves from a 4-week to a 2-week release cycle. What faster updates mean for Chromebook owners, school IT admins, and ChromeOS.
- Google's Lightbar Returns on Snapdragon Chromebooks. That Means Something. March 6, 2026
The iconic four-color lightbar is returning on Snapdragon X Plus Chromebooks. Here's why this small design detail signals Google's premium ambitions for ARM Chromebooks.
- MacBook Neo vs Chromebook Comes Down to Creative Work March 4, 2026
MacBook Neo vs Chromebook: the $699 Mac is the pick for creative work, while ChromeOS still wins on schoolwork, repair costs, and fleet management.
- Flip-Screen Mini PCs Are a Real Category Now, and Useful for a Narrow Audience March 2, 2026
Multiple manufacturers now build flip-up touchscreens into mini PCs. We survey the AOOSTAR G-Flip, Ayaneo AM01S, and others to ask: useful feature or expensive gimmick?
- Lenovo's Yoga Mini i and the Race to Reinvent the Desktop PC Shape February 28, 2026
Lenovo's 0.65L cylindrical Yoga Mini i joins a growing wave of mini PCs abandoning the box. Here's why shape matters more than specs in the sub-1L desktop race.
- Everything We Know So Far About the Lenovo Sapphire February 23, 2026
Lenovo's Sapphire project could become the first Chromebook Plus tablet. Here's what Chromium code commits reveal about its specs, design, and what questions remain.
- RISC-V Mini PCs in 2026 Are Ready for Developers and Tinkerers, Not Everyday Use February 19, 2026
RISC-V mini PCs are finally real products you can buy. From the $60 Milk-V Jupiter to the $329 Titan with PCIe Gen4, here's a candid look at what works and who should buy one.
- GeForce NOW Fast Pass on Chromebook Offers 10 Free Hours of Cloud Gaming February 18, 2026
Every new Chromebook includes a free year of GeForce NOW Fast Pass. Here's what 10 hours of monthly cloud gaming gets you and whether it's worth it.
- Snapdragon X2 Mini PCs Point to a Fanless ARM Future February 17, 2026
Snapdragon X2 mini PCs are still Qualcomm reference designs. Lenovo's ThinkCentre neo 50q is the only ARM box shipping, on the older chip.
- Windows 11 SE End of Life Comes in October 2026 After Failing to Dent ChromeOS in Schools February 17, 2026
The Windows 11 SE end of life date is October 2026. Why Microsoft's ChromeOS competitor failed, what replaces it, and what schools should do next.
- Court Documents Set the ChromeOS Phase-Out for 2034, With 10-Year Device Support Intact February 15, 2026
Google's antitrust court filings confirm ChromeOS phased out by 2034, Aluminium OS delayed to 2028. What the timeline means for Chromebook buyers.
- BitNet 1-Bit LLMs Put Local AI on a Budget Mini PC With No GPU February 14, 2026
Microsoft's BitNet framework lets 1-bit LLMs run on CPUs without a GPU. Here's what actually works on budget mini PCs, what doesn't, and whether it's worth the setup.
- MediaTek Kompanio 540 Brings Silent, All-Day Battery Chromebooks to Students February 14, 2026
MediaTek's Kompanio 540 brings fanless designs and 15-hour battery life to student Chromebooks in 2026. Here's what buyers need to know.
- Acemagic Retro X5 Puts a Ryzen AI 9 Inside an NES February 14, 2026
The Acemagic Retro X5 puts AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 hardware in an NES-shaped case, with preloaded emulators, a $1,159 list price, and a store listing that has already sold out.
- Your School Can See Screens, Keystrokes, and Offline Activity on a Kid's Chromebook February 9, 2026
Monitoring software records keystrokes, flags searches, and often keeps logging after students go home. Here is what schools can see on a Chromebook.
- Can You Use a Chromebook Without Internet? February 9, 2026
Yes, you can use a Chromebook without internet. Google Docs, Gmail, Android apps, downloaded media, and Linux apps all work offline with some preparation.
- How to Take Screenshots on a Chromebook (Every Method Explained) February 9, 2026
Learn every way to take screenshots on a Chromebook: keyboard shortcuts, the Screen Capture toolbar, screen recording, and where files are saved.
- How to Build an Old Chromebook Home Server February 8, 2026
An old Chromebook home server runs Pi-hole, WireGuard, and Docker on 5 to 10 watts. Here is what works, what doesn't, and how to flash the firmware.
- The Chromebook E-Waste Crisis Continues Three Years After the Alarm February 7, 2026
Chromebook e-waste keeps growing as pandemic-era devices expire, and Google's ten-year update policy starts with models released in 2021.
- Chromebook Screen Time Research Is More Complicated Than the Debate Suggests February 7, 2026
Jean Twenge says school Chromebooks have failed. Teachers push back on screens. Here's what the research shows and what parents can do.
- Do Chromebooks Support Flash? February 7, 2026
Adobe Flash is no longer supported on any platform, including Chromebooks. Here's what happened to Flash and what modern alternatives are available.
- Can I Use iTunes on a Chromebook? February 7, 2026
Apple discontinued iTunes in 2019. Apple Music works on Chromebooks via web player and Android app. YouTube Music and Spotify are great alternatives too.
- Every Touchscreen Chromebook We Track February 7, 2026
Every touchscreen Chromebook we track, grouped by manufacturer, with what touch adds to the price and how convertibles compare to clamshells.
- How to Use Dropbox on a Chromebook February 7, 2026
Learn how to use Dropbox on your Chromebook using the Android app or web interface. Covers setup, offline access, and integrating with Chrome OS Files.
- Installing Firefox on a Chromebook February 7, 2026
Learn how to install Firefox on your Chromebook using the Linux development environment. Step-by-step guide covering Intel, AMD, and ARM architectures.
- How to Right Click on a Chromebook (Plus Essential Touchpad Gestures) February 7, 2026
Learn how to right click on a Chromebook using the touchpad, keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen. Plus essential gestures and touchpad settings.
- Video Calling on Chromebooks February 6, 2026
Learn how to make video calls on your Chromebook using Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WhatsApp. Complete guide to video conferencing on Chrome OS.
- Chromebooks with Upgradeable Storage February 6, 2026
Not all ChromeOS devices have soldered storage. Compare Chromebooks and Chromeboxes with user-replaceable M.2 SSDs that you can upgrade yourself.
- The Best Chromebook for Writers Is the One That Does Less February 5, 2026
The best Chromebook for writers wins on what it leaves out. Fewer apps to install, all-day battery, and a keyboard built for thousands of words.
- Best Chromebook Under $300 in 2026 February 5, 2026
The best Chromebook under $300 in 2026 is the HP Chromebook 14a 8GB. Compare it with budget picks from Lenovo and Acer on screen size and battery life.
- Best Linux Laptops of 2026 February 5, 2026
The best Linux laptops of 2026: Framework's upgradeable 16, System76's open-firmware machines, Ubuntu-certified ThinkPads, and budget picks under $500.
- The Best Chromebook for College Students in 2026 February 5, 2026
The best Chromebook for college students in 2026 is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 OLED, with budget, stylus, and STEM picks all supported past 2033.
- Best Chromebook for Kids by Age February 5, 2026
The best Chromebook for kids in 2026, picked by age: K-2, elementary, and middle school, plus a budget pick. Every pick gets updates for years.
- Chromebooks with Backlit Keyboards February 5, 2026
Browse our comprehensive list of Chromebooks with backlit keyboards. Find the perfect device with enhanced typing visibility for working in low-light conditions.
- Can You Run Android Apps on a Chromebook? February 5, 2026
Learn how to run Android apps on your Chromebook, which apps work best, performance tips, and what hardware you need for the best experience.
- Making Music on a Chromebook Works Best With Cloud DAWs Like BandLab and Soundtrap February 4, 2026
Can you produce music on a Chromebook? Yes, with caveats. A candid look at BandLab, Soundtrap, FL Studio Mobile, and the real limitations of Chrome OS.
- Should You Wait for an Intel Panther Lake Chromebook or Buy Now? February 3, 2026
Six Panther Lake Chromebook models are in development for Q1 2026 on Intel's 18A process. Buy a Kompanio Ultra now unless you can wait for reviews.
- How to Choose and Set Up a Chromebook for Your Parents February 3, 2026
Help your elderly parents get online safely with a Chromebook. A practical gift guide and setup walkthrough for adult children.
- The Chromebook Magnet Trick Is a Harmless Prank That Puts Laptops to Sleep February 3, 2026
A viral school prank uses magnets to put Chromebooks to sleep by triggering the lid sensor. Here's what parents, teachers, and IT admins need to know.
- The Best Chromebook for Digital Nomads Is a Budget Model February 2, 2026
The best Chromebook for digital nomads is a $250-350 budget model. Light enough to carry all day, cheap enough that losing it costs you an afternoon.
- Strix Halo Mini PCs Are the Best Value for Running Large Language Models at Home February 2, 2026
AMD Strix Halo mini PCs offer 128GB unified memory for running 70B+ parameter models locally. What actually works, who should buy one, and how it compares.
- How to Print from a Chromebook January 30, 2026
Learn how to print from your Chromebook using USB, WiFi, or network printers. Step-by-step setup instructions and troubleshooting tips for common issues.
- Steam for Chromebook Is Dead, But Chromebook Gaming Is Just Getting Started January 29, 2026
Google ended Steam for Chromebook after 4 years in beta, but GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and other services prove cloud gaming was the better path.
- The Year of the Linux Desktop in 2026 Means Normalization, Not Revolution January 29, 2026
Linux desktop market share hit 4.7%, up 70%. The year of the Linux desktop in 2026 means normalization, not revolution. Anti-cheat and hardware gaps remain.
- 2026 Is the Year Normal People Run Their Own Servers January 29, 2026
AI assistants, cheap N100 mini PCs, and Tailscale eliminated the barriers to self-hosting. Here's why 2026 is finally the year normal people run servers.
- Play More Media Formats on your Chromebook with VLC January 29, 2026
VLC for Chrome OS plays MKV, AVI, FLAC, and dozens of other formats your Chromebook can't handle by default. Install it free from the Google Play Store.
- How to Connect a Chromebook to an Ethernet LAN January 29, 2026
If your Chromebook didn't come with an Ethernet port, you can easily add one with a USB adapter. We compare the best USB-A and USB-C Ethernet adapters for Chromebooks.
- Disable the Touchpad on a Chromebook January 29, 2026
Learn how to disable the touchpad on your Chromebook when using an external mouse. Chrome OS includes native settings to turn it off automatically.
- Skyrocketing DRAM Prices Are Reshaping the Home Lab January 28, 2026
DRAM prices surged 171%, pushing Raspberry Pi 5 and N100 mini PCs to near-identical prices around $247. Why 2026 might be the year of used hardware.
- Developers Are Buying Mac Minis to Run Their Own AI Agents January 24, 2026
Clawdbot sparked a movement of developers running dedicated Mac Minis as 24/7 AI agents. Here's why the trend is growing and what hardware you actually need.
- MediaTek Leads Qualcomm in the ARM Chromebook Race January 21, 2026
ARM processors are reshaping Chromebooks. MediaTek's Kompanio Ultra leads, Qualcomm's Snapdragon X fights back, and Google's Aluminium OS looms on the horizon.
- ChromeOS and Android Are Merging into Aluminium OS in 2026 January 11, 2026
Google confirmed ChromeOS and Android are merging into Aluminium OS in 2026. Here's what it means for your Chromebook and which devices will upgrade.
- Best Chromebook Under $200 in 2026 January 11, 2026
The best Chromebook under $200 is the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go 14. Compare five budget picks on screen size, resolution, and update support.
- The CES 2026 Chromebooks ASUS, HP, and Lenovo Announced January 9, 2026
The CES 2026 Chromebooks from ASUS, HP, and Lenovo bring WiFi 7, brighter displays, and Chromebook Plus as the new mainstream tier.
- Tailwind CSS Lays Off 75% of Team as AI Kills Revenue January 8, 2026
Tailwind CSS laid off 75% of its engineering team as AI tools decimated revenue by 80%. What it means for developers and open-source sustainability.
- 5 Things Chromebooks Can't Do in 2026 (And Workarounds for Each) January 4, 2026
A candid look at what Chromebooks still can't do well in 2026, with practical workarounds and clear advice about when you should buy something else.
- 5 Mini PC Limitations in 2026 (And Workarounds for Each) January 2, 2026
A candid look at five real Mini PC limitations in 2026, from GPU upgrades to expansion slots and thermal constraints, plus practical workarounds for each.
- Chromebook vs iPad for School by Age, Cost, and Durability January 2, 2026
Chromebook vs iPad for school, compared on keyboards, total setup cost, durability, and update support. For most families the Chromebook wins.
- Mini PC vs Laptop for Remote Work in 2026 January 1, 2026
Mini PC vs laptop for remote work: a practical comparison of performance, multi-monitor productivity, cost of ownership, and portability trade-offs in 2026.
- How to Set Up a Mini PC Triple Monitor Workstation December 25, 2025
A mini PC triple monitor setup needs three native video outputs. Covers ports, GPU load, monitor choices, cables, mounting, and Windows or Linux config.
- Is the Mac Mini M4 Worth It? January 24, 2025
Is Apple's Mac Mini M4 worth it? Compare it against Windows mini PCs on performance, price, features, gaming, and long-term value to find your best fit.
- Chromebooks Offer Seniors a Safe and Secure Way to Navigate the Digital World January 18, 2025
Chromebooks suit seniors seeking a secure digital experience. Learn about built-in security, the simple interface, and online safety tips.
- Linux on Mini PCs in 2025 January 15, 2025
A practical guide to Linux on mini PCs in 2025. Covers AMD Ryzen, Apple M4, and Intel N150 hardware compatibility, plus recommended distributions for each.
- Chromebook Deals for Memorial Day Weekend 2023 May 28, 2023
Chromebook Memorial Day Sales 2023: Find top deals, bundle offers, and tips to score your perfect Chromebook!
- Chromebook Deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023 April 23, 2023
Find the best Chromebook deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Tips for preparation, price tracking, and scoring deep discounts on Chrome OS laptops.
- Amazon Prime Day Chromebook Deals 2021 June 22, 2021
Get the best Chromebook deals on Amazon Prime Day. Tips for finding discounts, comparing models, and scoring the lowest prices on Chrome OS laptops.
- 10 Alternative Web Browsers for Ubuntu Linux June 12, 2019
Looking beyond Firefox on Ubuntu? Explore 10 alternative web browsers for Linux, from privacy-focused options to lightweight and special-purpose tools.
- Can I Hack A School Issued Chromebook? September 10, 2018
Can you hack a school-issued Chromebook? No, and you shouldn't try. Learn why it's risky, potentially illegal, and what affordable alternatives exist instead.
- 5 Online Backup Solutions for Ubuntu Linux March 15, 2018
Five cloud services to back up your Ubuntu files offsite, including CrashPlan, SpiderOak, and Duplicati. Secure, encrypted, and often free online backup options.
- BQ Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition Photos April 22, 2016
Unboxing photos and first impressions of the BQ Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition tablet, one of the first commercial devices to ship with Ubuntu preinstalled.
- Ubuntu Unity 8 Convergence Desktop Mode January 20, 2016
A hands-on look at Ubuntu Unity 8 running in desktop convergence mode on a Nexus 4, with video showing the future Canonical was building toward.
- Dell Inspiron 14 Ubuntu Edition Review June 5, 2015
A hands-on review of Dell's budget Inspiron 14 Ubuntu Edition laptop. How this affordable notebook with Ubuntu preinstalled stacks up for everyday use.
- Speed Up Your Computer with Ubuntu MATE February 3, 2015
If your computer feels slow running Ubuntu with Unity, Ubuntu MATE can bring the speed back. A lightweight desktop that runs great on older hardware.
- Dear Computer Makers, I Want an Ubuntu Notebook January 16, 2015
An open letter to HP, Dell, Lenovo, and others: why can't we buy a nice $300-450 laptop with Ubuntu preinstalled? The case for affordable Linux.
- Going Static with Nanoc April 25, 2013
Why Starry Hope is now a static website built with nanoc. A look at why going static might be a good choice for your website.
- Installing Software in Ubuntu 13.04 April 8, 2013
A beginner-friendly video guide to installing software in Ubuntu using the Software Center and the Unity Dash. Includes a full walkthrough of the process.
- What Is the Best Tablet for a Linux User? June 4, 2012
Exploring the best tablet options for Linux users in 2012. Comparing iPad and Android tablet compatibility with Ubuntu desktops, sync options, and alternatives to cloud lock-in.
- Dell's Project Sputnik Wants to Be Linux Hardware for Human Beings May 8, 2012
Dell has announced Project Sputnik, an Ultrabook aimed at developers. Should they be focused on consumers instead?
- Mountain Goat Puts Ubuntu on Apple Hardware May 7, 2012
Adam Curry installed Ubuntu on his MacBook Air and called it Mountain Goat. Is pairing Apple hardware with open-source Linux the future of computing?
- Searching for Files in Ubuntu December 7, 2011
How to search for files in Ubuntu using the Unity Dash, the Search for Files tool, and the Nautilus file browser. Tips for finding your files fast.
- Is Ubuntu Still The Most Popular Linux Distro? November 30, 2011
2011 analysis comparing Ubuntu and Linux Mint popularity using website rankings, Google Trends, Twitter mentions, and Facebook shares.
- Tarsnap Is Online Backup for Security-Conscious Geeks July 18, 2011
Tarsnap is an encrypted online backup service for security-conscious UNIX users. Review of features, pricing, and step-by-step Ubuntu 11.04 install instructions.
- Introducing the Starry Hope Uploader for Facebook January 15, 2011
A simple open-source Facebook photo uploader for Ubuntu built with Python and PyGTK. Drag-and-drop batch uploads, album selection, and high-res support.
- OpenOffice Default Paper Size for Printing January 13, 2011
Fix OpenOffice defaulting to Letter paper size on Linux. Four solutions including /etc/papersize, CUPS settings, PPD files, and SGENPRT.PS configuration.
- What's New in Dropbox 1.0 for Ubuntu December 17, 2010
Dropbox 1.0 brings selective sync, Ubuntu Indicator Applet support, and a faster engine. Upgrade instructions and install guide for new Ubuntu users.
- Make your own templates for the "Create Document" menu in Ubuntu October 15, 2010
Customize Ubuntu's right-click 'Create Document' menu by adding files to your Templates folder. Works with OpenOffice, text files, and more.
- Ubuntu for Facebook Users May 2, 2010
Set up Ubuntu 10.04 for Facebook users. Video guides for Facebook Chat, Gwibber, Me Menu, and social integration with your desktop.
- What's New in Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx April 28, 2010
Complete guide to Ubuntu 10.04 LTS features including the new Ambiance theme, redesigned icons, moved window controls, and updated installer.
- Ubuntu Restricted Extras Lets Ubuntu Play Everything April 19, 2010
Install Ubuntu Restricted Extras to add MP3, Flash, Java, DVD support and more. Video tutorial for setting up multimedia on Ubuntu 10.04.
- Scrobbling and Streaming Last.fm in Ubuntu 10.04 April 11, 2010
Set up Last.fm scrobbling in Rhythmbox and install the Last.fm desktop client on Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx. Step-by-step guide with video tutorial included.
- Ubuntu's New "Light" Style Defaults to Dark Theme? March 5, 2010
First look at Ubuntu 10.04's new Ambiance and Radiance themes. Screenshots and thoughts on the controversial dark default theme.
- Ubuntu Desktop in the Cloud March 3, 2010
How to run Ubuntu 10.04 desktop on Amazon EC2 using NX remote access. Daily cloud images include full desktop environment with Neatx server.
- CrossOver 9.0 Improves Windows Application Support on Linux March 2, 2010
CrossOver 9.0 brings a redesigned GTK interface and community app recipes for running Windows software on Linux. Overview, screenshots, and Office 2007 testing.
- Ubuntu Lucid Makes Scanning Simple February 28, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04 introduces Simple Scan, a beginner-friendly scanning app. Quick guide to scanning, emailing, and saving documents with minimal fuss.
- 4 Cool New Features in Ubuntu Lucid Lynx Alpha 3 February 27, 2010
Preview of Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx Alpha 3 features including iPhone support in Rhythmbox, Gwibber social networking, Facebook Chat, and new sound controls.
- Ubuntu 10.04 to Include Chromium Web Browser February 27, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04 adds Chromium browser to its repositories. Install Google's open source Chrome browser from the Ubuntu Software Center.
- Confessions of an Ubuntu Fanboy February 21, 2010
A look at the gaps between Ubuntu advocacy and reality. OpenOffice compatibility, iTunes alternatives, Adobe support, and what the community needs to improve.
- Ubuntu MeMenu to Encourage Social Media Broadcasting February 20, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04's MeMenu lets you post to Twitter, Facebook, and Identi.ca from your desktop. Preview of this social broadcasting feature.
- Two Years After Moving From OS X to Ubuntu February 19, 2010
Two years after switching from Mac OS X to Ubuntu: revisiting my original complaints. Most issues solved, some still remain.
- Ubuntu Switches to Yahoo! Search ... Kinda February 18, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04 defaults to Yahoo! Search in Firefox, but Google is just two clicks away. Analysis of Canonical's search engine partnerships.
- Restore the Default Gnome Panels in Ubuntu February 18, 2010
How to restore deleted Gnome panels in Ubuntu with PanelRestore, a simple tool to backup and reset your top and bottom desktop panels.
- Facebook Chat on the Nokia N900 February 13, 2010
Step-by-step guide to set up Facebook Chat on Nokia N900 using XMPP/Jabber integration for a native messaging experience.
- 15 Ways Nokia's N900 Is Better Than Apple's iPhone (and 5 ways it's not) November 14, 2009
- Easily Install Chromium Daily Builds on Ubuntu July 4, 2009
Install Chromium browser daily builds on Ubuntu with just three terminal commands. Quick guide for Jaunty, Intrepid, and Hardy with PPA repository setup.
- Linux is Losing to Windows XP in Netbooks July 3, 2009
Analysis of why Linux netbooks are losing to Windows XP in 2009. Early Asus netbooks ran Linux, but Windows now dominates Amazon's top 25.
- $250 Desktop Runs Ubuntu, Windows 7 and OS X? July 3, 2009
Building a budget desktop with an Intel Atom dual-core motherboard that runs Ubuntu, Windows 7, and OS X. Full build guide and performance impressions.
- Is Ubuntu Still Popular? June 29, 2009
2009 follow-up on Ubuntu's popularity. Website rankings, Google Trends, Twitter mentions, and blogging trends all show Ubuntu on top.
- Find, Share and Install Ubuntu Apps on Facebook June 27, 2009
A Ruby on Rails Facebook app that lets you discover, share, and install Ubuntu software with your friends on the social network.
- Synchronize Tomboy Notes with Dropbox June 26, 2009
Sync Tomboy notes across Linux, Mac, and Windows using Dropbox. Simple setup guide for keeping notes synchronized between computers.
- Just How Popular Is Ubuntu? November 3, 2007
2007 analysis of Ubuntu's popularity using DistroWatch rankings, website traffic, Google Trends, and Digg data compared to other Linux distros.
- 10 Things I Miss After Switching From OS X to Ubuntu October 18, 2007
10 things I miss after switching from Mac OS X to Ubuntu Linux: Dashboard, Quicksilver, Adium, professional graphics apps, and more.
- The Dell Inspiron 1420N with Ubuntu, Reviewed August 15, 2007
Hands-on review of the Dell Inspiron 1420N running Ubuntu Linux, covering design, heat management, WiFi, Bluetooth, and the frustrating lack of 3D video drivers.
- Dell Inspiron 1420N with Ubuntu Unboxing August 1, 2007
- Skype on the Nokia N800 July 29, 2007
- Safari for Windows Could Threaten OS X, iPhone and Apple's Image June 13, 2007
Analysis from 2007 examining security concerns when Apple released Safari for Windows, including potential risks to Mac OS X and iPhone users.
- Google Maps on the Nokia N800 May 18, 2007
- Install Ubuntu 7.04 on Your Intel Mac with VMware Fusion May 2, 2007
How to install Ubuntu 7.04 on an Intel Mac using VMware Fusion, with a comparison to Parallels and direct installation methods.
- GTD Tools For Your Mac February 9, 2007
A roundup of GTD productivity apps for Mac OS X including kGTD, Actiontastic, Ghost Action, Midnight Inbox, OmniFocus, and Tracks.
- 10 Ways The Nokia N800 Is Better Than Apple's iPhone January 12, 2007
- 10 Great OS X Application Icons December 21, 2006
A showcase of 10 Mac applications with beautifully designed icons, including AppZapper, Cyberduck, Transmit, and Toast.
- KeyFixer Fixes the Home and End Keys in OS X November 14, 2006
KeyFixer was a free utility that fixed the Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys in Mac OS X to work like Windows. The download is no longer available but manual instructions are provided.
- MacBook Screen Problems November 8, 2006
Personal experience with MacBook screen defects in 2006: diagonal lines, gradient distortions, and Apple's response to the widespread hardware issue.
- First 24 hours with Edubuntu 6.06 June 3, 2006
First impressions of Edubuntu 6.06 after installing on a notebook and a dual Xeon server for a university computer lab terminal server setup.
- Mac OS X Home and End Keys March 13, 2006
Learn how to fix Mac OS X Home and End keys to move the cursor to the beginning or end of a line instead of the entire document. Step-by-step Terminal instructions.
- WebKit Nightly Builds Offer Great New Features For Web Developers January 19, 2006
Discover WebKit nightly builds featuring the Web Inspector and SVG support: essential tools for Mac web developers ahead of Safari releases.
- Why I'm Switching to Mac and Linux December 30, 2005
Why I switched from Windows to Mac OS X and Linux in 2005. Daily security flaws made Windows too risky for everyday use, pushing me to safer alternatives.
- Goodbye Windows (Sorta) December 30, 2005
Switching from Windows to Ubuntu Linux in 2005. Installing Ubuntu 5.10 on a Sony laptop, setting up VMWare for the occasional Windows need, and going mostly free.