Menorlektrikul; New Tech

This post follows up on how things are going with OctoKan. I could keep it very, very short and simply tell you, "Fab!"

I could extend it by saying there is still some learning and practice required, as not all tasks previously undertaken on Voovoo have been emulated on OctoKan. For example, my favourite photo editing software (Irfanview) is not available for Chrome OS. The on-board gallery permits very basic edits, but I cannot add in my watermark or refine images to the same extent. I need to do further research on available applications.

The post can be further built by telling you how much I love that there was virtually no set-up needed due to the cloud-based nature of all things Go and Ogle... and that I have learned that if one sticks with Chrome OS, no matter what machine I opt for in the future with that OS, everything will be carried over. For those working in teams on multiple projects, the ability to so easily set up separate workspaces ('desktops') on the one screen and share those to local machines or in groups is a real bonus, particularly as one can set access permissions for each desktop. The crossover between Android and Windows-style working is seamlessly covered by Chrome OS. This is the sort of thing that Windows is trying to catch up on with Win 11. 

When I had that black screen incident a few days after its arrival, my searches brought up lots of sites with 'help' - but the one where I found the simplest and, as it turned out, the most straightforward solution was Schooled in Tech. Dave's a school teacher, so he knows how to get things across in short order! I love my How-To-Geek and Tom's pages, but Dave saved the day on this and one or two other basic matters.

In all the looking around for Chromebook inspiration, I happened upon the channel called Chrome Unboxed.

I have been returning each day to watch a few more of their extensive archive of footage and have now bookmarked their website, which offers a great deal more, including podcasts. This site is not so much about sorting out tech trubs but about keeping up with all the latest news, views and reviews regarding Chrome OS specifically, as well as Google/Android. For example, to discover that there are actually desktop (All-In-One) dedicated Chrome OS machines available, and that too at costs less than some of the higher level laptops was interesting. As was the news that Chrome Flex OS is now out, which will enable older PCs and Macs to convert to Chromebook-style running.

Interesting, to me at least, because this is how quickly I have adapted and LOVE Chrome OS. Within a matter of days, I said that I didn't think I would go back to Windows! So, the operating system checks out and meets my approval. The physical difference of a Chromebook, though? I still have to get the fingers fully functioning on the slightly different keyboard layout; resetting the search key to CAPS LOCK has helped a lot, and I really like the shortcut keys along the top taking the place of what would be function keys on PCs. The return key on this model is still frustrating me slightly, as the hashtag key is placed where my little finger used to reach, and it is still adapting to having to stretch just a few millimetres further! The speaker sound on this little thing matches Voovoo's heavier duty tech - and may even better it. Then there is the trackpad... I have a poor history with trackpads on laptops. Those who have been around here long enough may recall that I covered Voovoo's with cardboard to stop it making up actions for me. Then, when actually wanting to use it (or any other machine I may have borrowed), their control was erratic and problematic, to say the least. 

With OctoKan, though, I could be converted! The touch and feel are quite different to what I had grown to hate. In fact, I would say it is closer to the touch action one might use on the screen itself. While working on posts, in particular, I find that I love the opportunity for full dexterity to play out. I use the mouse, the trackpad and the touchscreen in harmonious sequence and union! This form of working has fallen into place naturally, and I only realised it a couple of posts back. It really has been smooth sailing.

image source Asus

There is still stuff to discover, of this I am sure. Even as I prepared this post on Wednesday afternoon, I discovered that there is a camera on the keyboard that I had just not noticed till now. Turns out I can flip into portrait board mode, and it has 5mp to it, so much better than the front-facing screen camera. Still not brilliant, but passable, as you can see on this image to the left. It wouldn't hold up to closely enlarged scrutiny, though!!!

Something new for me - but those of you who have updated long before this might find laughable - is that now I can roam around the Hutch with the OctoKan. In contrast, Voovoo was locked into place because her battery was long dead and needed to be permanently plugged into the wall. It's a novelty factor item, but it takes a bit of getting used to - as will remembering that OctoKan will require regular rejoicing!

That's the extended post, after all! I know of only two readers currently working with Chrome OS, but I hope that others might consider it an option in finding they need to update their tech. Apart from anything else, it is very cost-effective/budget-friendly, and you really don't have to have gained the computing degree to work the thing. Highly recommended!