The Spam Thread!

[cpd2009]

If it's for something like a dumb terminal for accessing a remote or headless server, I guess that wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Otherwise it's still trash.

Walmart has been selling EVOO laptops for awhile now, seemingly just on their online store. I haven't seen these in real Walmart stores, but maybe I haven't been looking hard enough. Purchasing an EVOO laptop (or any low cost Windows 10 device) is a gamble, such as this tablet/laptop convertible above. Like the first EVOO above, this one has questionable build quality issues along with a serious defect out of the box. These low cost devices are meant for people who can't afford even a low end HP or Dell laptop, but with poor quality like this, even the target market will be frustrated and disappointed. Be on the lookout for scores of these cheapie tablets and laptops junking up resale shops and thrift stores at some point.

[huckleberrypie]

If it's for something like a dumb terminal for accessing a remote or headless server, I guess that wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Otherwise it's still trash.

Walmart has been selling EVOO laptops for awhile now, seemingly just on their online store. I haven't seen these in real Walmart stores, but maybe I haven't been looking hard enough. Purchasing an EVOO laptop (or any low cost Windows 10 device) is a gamble, such as this tablet/laptop convertible above. Like the first EVOO above, this one has questionable build quality issues along with a serious defect out of the box. These low cost devices are meant for people who can't afford even a low end HP or Dell laptop, but with poor quality like this, even the target market will be frustrated and disappointed. Be on the lookout for scores of these cheapie tablets and laptops junking up resale shops and thrift stores at some point.

The shoddy build quality reminds me of those Cubby tablets sold under the Sprout Channel branding as well as the PBS Kids tablet, both running off what I presume is an Allwinner A31s SOC. And it was a rickety piece of shit I tell you -- the internals aren't as well-packed and it looks like as if they merely sandwiched the LCD, battery and logic board together unlike the Amazon or name-brand ones where the components are well-placed and thought out.

[cpd2009]

Today is WWDC, where the latest news regarding Apple stuff becomes public. Lots of speculation regarding the Intel to ARM transition, updated software, and a redesigned iMac.

I agree the iMac really needs a redesign. The current design has become iconic, yet stale at the same time, featuring massive bezels around the screen in contrast to their other hardware. This design hasn't been updated since 2012, and people really want thinner bezels these days. (personally, I could care less about bezel size on a desktop PC.)

[cpd2009]

So iOS gets app grouping and real home screen widgets. Apple also introduced something called App Clips, where you scan a QR-code like icon to bring up things like paying for coffee or parking without having to install or open the actual app. You just see the relevant part of that app.

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The next macOS is called Big Sur, and it's getting a massive redesign, taking many cues and features from iPad OS. The menu bar has become more translucent, and all the icons for Mac apps have become rounded squares. Translucency is becoming more noticeable throughout.

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The Intel-to-ARM transition is confirmed, being marketed as "Apple Silicon". macOS is apparently ready to run on ARM along with all their native apps like Final Cut and Garageband. They also say Adobe and MS have their own apps ready to go on ARM as well. Universal Binaries and Rosetta are making a comeback.

[cpd2009]

And that's that. No new iMac was shown, but Tim Apple Cook said new Intel Macs would come out this year, along with the first ARM-based Mac by the end of 2020. Transition is expected to take two years, and Tim claims they will continue to update macOS for Intel Macs "for years to come". Big Sur public beta launches in July.

[cpd2009]

Took a look at the earliest Macs that will be able to run Big Sur without a patch, and it goes back to the 2013 MBP, MB Air, and trash can Mac Pro. 2012 Macs were recently declared obsolete by Apple, so it was expected those old machines wouldn't get Big Sur.

Of course, dosdude1 will probably create a patch tool. In all seriousness, hackintoshes themselves may not be possible by the end of the decade. Tim claims they will continue to support Intel machines for several more years, but once macOS becomes ARM only, it's the end of the line for the hackintosh, as well as patch tools for older Macs.

Perhaps some other hackers will find ways of getting macOS to run on non-Apple ARM chips such as ARM-based PC laptops or Android tablets. It's going to be difficult since macOS will be tied down to the hardware capabilities of their own chips, but it might not be impossible either.

[huckleberrypie]

Took a look at the earliest Macs that will be able to run Big Sur without a patch, and it goes back to the 2013 MBP, MB Air, and trash can Mac Pro. 2012 Macs were recently declared obsolete by Apple, so it was expected those old machines wouldn't get Big Sur.

Of course, dosdude1 will probably create a patch tool. In all seriousness, hackintoshes themselves may not be possible by the end of the decade. Tim claims they will continue to support Intel machines for several more years, but once macOS becomes ARM only, it's the end of the line for the hackintosh, as well as patch tools for older Macs.

Perhaps some other hackers will find ways of getting macOS to run on non-Apple ARM chips such as ARM-based PC laptops or Android tablets. It's going to be difficult since macOS will be tied down to the hardware capabilities of their own chips, but it might not be impossible either.

I reckon it would be like iOS where Apple locks things down tight given they're no longer off-the-shelf IBM-derived stuff unlike the x86 stuff they're using.

[cpd2009]

I was tempted to enroll my new MBP in the Apple Beta Program in order to get early access to the Big Sur beta, but passed on it after seeing it in action on YouTube. It runs, but it's rather buggy. It's probably better to wait until the public beta drops in July.

[cpd2009]

I stand corrected. You have to enroll an eligible Mac to take part in the public beta, and it will be delivered through Software Update. May as well, since I've toyed around with macOS beta releases before on the old Mini.

[cpd2009]

I have an interesting vintage computer restoration in progress, but instead of posting it here, I'm going to make a new thread in the appropriate sub forum going forward. It's been a bit of a wild ride, and I also sacrificed Greta's SSD for use in the restored computer.

It should be done by the end of the day.