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2 Nov 2024

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The argument for the Barretts being the best sporting family in the world right now
With combos like Ryan and Grant Fox, NRL’s Burgess brothers and Serena and Venus Williams, they do have some competition.

Recap: Black Caps take three wickets in final 10 minutes of first day’s play
Look back at live coverage of the first day of third test between the Black Caps and India from Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

4 goals conceded in 23 mins: Phoenix women endure horror start
Defending was optional as the Phoenix went from 1-0 up to 2-1 down in the blink of an eye before conceding two more before halftime.

Why I switched from Windows to Chromebook and haven’t looked back
I’m not saying Windows is a terrible operating system, but it’s definitely no longer the one I choose to use on a day-to-day basis. After 30+ years of using Windows in its various forms (starting with Windows 95), I have moved on — but not to macOS! In fact, I’ve switched from Windows to ChromeOS and I’m loving every minute of it. Now, I want to be fully transparent: I admit that I still own an all-in-one Windows PC (currently running Windows 10 because Microsoft doesn’t think it’s capable of Windows 11), and I’m also likely to buy a new Windows PC before support for Windows 10 officially ends. However, my Windows PC only exists as a backup for those increasingly rare times when my Chromebook isn’t right for the task. Most days, my Chromebook is more than sufficient. Here’s why I switched and why I now love Chromebooks more than Windows laptops. Related: The best Chromebooks for every budget Why I switched to a Chromebook Why did I switch from Windows to ChromeOS? There were several factors that influenced my decision. Some may resonate with you, while others may differ from your own experiences. Reason 1: A simpler, less frustrating operating system Dave Parrack / IDG After decades of using Windows in its various forms, I grew tired of how frustrating it has become to use. It feels bloated and slow more often than not, even with a decently specced machine and everything updated. I don’t want to wait minutes for an operating system to fully boot and be ready to use, I don’t want it to constantly grind away in the background doing God knows what, and I don’t want to be troubleshooting it all the time when things inevitably go wrong. I want an operating system that boots on demand in seconds and simply works without fuss or obstacles. I just want to get on with my day and do what I need to do. That’s what I found in ChromeOS. Reason 2: Less stress about malware and security issues Mohamed Hassan / Pixabay Windows has always been the favorite target of scammers and hackers due to its mainstream popularity and the many vulnerabilities that continue to pop up even as older ones are fixed. In other words, while Microsoft has admittedly improved in this area, malware is more likely to hit and infect a Windows machine than a Chromebook. (Windows is riskier to use than macOS and Linux, too.) ChromeOS is especially safe and secure thanks to a range of built-in security features, including Verified Boot (which checks for unexpected changes on startup), Sandboxing at all levels (which ensures any issues are kept isolated), and the inability to run random executables. All of this, combined with the fact that malware creators are less likely to target ChromeOS, means I can use my Chromebook without worrying as long as I’m mindful of best practices for digital security. Related: Can Chromebooks get viruses? It’s complicated, but don’t worry too much about it Reason 3: No system updates that take hours to complete Dave Parrack / IDG Another constant frustration of using Windows that made me look around for an alternative is the seemingly never-ending updates that Microsoft pushes onto users — updates that aren’t seamlessly applied in the background but disruptive to daily productivity. I’ve often heard my PC chugging away as it downloads a massive Windows update, which then prompts me to restart my computer in order to install it. That can sometimes take upwards of an hour. ChromeOS, on the other hand, is such a lightweight operating system that its regular updates are fast, silent, and without fuss. It takes the hassle out of maintaining an operating system. Reason 4: Productivity without spending a fortune Dave Parrack / IDG As a freelance writer and editor, I have the privilege to work anywhere — at home, at an office, at a coffee shop, or even while on vacation. But only if I have a machine that’s light, portable, and user-friendly enough. Sure, there are plenty of Windows laptops and MacBooks out there that fit the profile, but they generally come with higher price tags than Chromebooks. For me, a Chromebook strikes the right balance between usability, performance, and affordability. Related: Don’t go below these specs in a budget laptop Reason 5: I’m already embedded in Google’s ecosystem Dave Parrack / IDG The final reason why I made the switch away from Windows to ChromeOS is the fact that I’m already embedded in Google’s ecosystem. I own an Android phone and I use most of Google’s apps (including Gmail, Meet, Calendar, Maps, Photos, etc.), so it wasn’t a huge leap to ditch Windows and go (almost) all-in on ChromeOS. In fact, the switch has made things easier for me as I now have full access to all of my data across my phone, Chromebook, and other devices. Why I don’t regret making the switch I have no regrets about buying a Chromebook and I have no shame in preferring ChromeOS over Windows. Here are three big ways in which the switch has left me in a better place than before. I’m actually more productive Matthew Smith / IDG The most obvious benefit I’ve felt after switching is a boost to my productivity, and that in turn has improved my work-life balance. As a writer who works from home but also needs the option to work outside of the home at times, a Chromebook offers the perfect blend of power and portability. I can get my work done with little fuss and I can do it from anywhere, without the operating system bogging me down. ChromeOS boots instantly and is ready when I need it Dave Parrack / IDG Despite being a desk worker, I don’t actually have to be sat at a desk for 8 straight hours every day. I have flexibility in my schedule, and that’s why I need a machine that’s always ready to use on demand. Sure, I could leave my Windows laptop running all day and jump on/off as required, but I don’t like the idea of needless idling. Sleep and hibernation modes are also options, but Windows is too sluggish for me when it comes to waking up. ChromeOS offers a more practical and environmentally friendly alternative. Given how lightweight Google’s OS is, it’s no surprise that it boots instantly and can be used at a moment’s notice. Web and Android apps are enough for me Dave Parrack / IDG One of the bigger worries I had when leaving Windows was losing access to all the Windows programs I’d been using for years. However, those fears proved (mostly) unfounded as there are adequate Android apps and web apps to replace the ones I used on Windows. What you may not know is that Chromebooks aren’t just limited to websites and Chrome extensions. A few years ago, Google added the ability to natively run Android apps on Chromebooks, and most apps in the Google Play Store are compatible with ChromeOS. Some work better than others, of course, and there was a lot of trial and error as I sought apps that most closely matched my needs and preferences. But these days, web and Android apps are pretty darn good and you can easily get by except in very specific situations. Related: Why your next laptop should be a Chromebook What you might miss if you switch from Windows to Chromebook ChromeOS works perfectly for me 99 percent of the time, but if you decide to follow suit and switch from Windows to Google’s operating system, there are some things you may miss — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention them. Access to your full-featured desktop applications Microsoft While I was able to find suitable web and Android apps to replace most of the Windows programs I previously relied on, some niche programs simply don’t have viable web or Android alternatives. For example, if your job requires that you use a particular Windows-only app — maybe even an in-house app that’s specific to your company — then you may not have a choice. Another example is software that comes in web and Windows versions, with the Windows version being more full-featured or more performant. In that case, switching to the web version might be an obvious downgrade that seriously harms productivity or usability. Therefore, you really have to do your research before making the switch, whether you’re switching to ChromeOS or some other operating system like macOS or Linux. Windows-only apps are a valid deal-breaker. PC games without needing to rely on cloud gaming Dave Parrack / IDG Contrary to popular belief, you can game on a Chromebook — and the experience is far better than you’d probably expect it to be. The caveat is that you can’t just install Steam and play all the same PC games that you can enjoy on a Windows machine. Yes, you can install Steam on Chromebooks now, but not all games on Steam are compatible with ChromeOS. You can also install most Android games on ChromeOS, which opens up a whole world of casual gaming opportunities (along with mobile ports of popular games like Stardew Valley, Dead Cells, and Hollow Knight). Otherwise, you have to rely on cloud gaming services if you want to play mainstream AAA games on a Chromebook. Using platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna, you can stream gameplay to your Chromebook… but it’s notably not the same as playing games locally on a high-end machine. If these limited gaming options are a problem for you, then you should probably skip the Chromebook. (Or keep a separate gaming PC.) Related: Are Chromebooks good for gaming? System upgradeability and customizations Framework If you’re a fan of either customizing your system to your heart’s content or upgrading your hardware to stay ahead of the curve, then ChromeOS probably won’t be for you. It’s meant to be a lightweight operating system that works out of the box, not something for tinkering and customizing and messing around in. And while that suits me perfectly, it won’t suit everyone. The same goes for the hardware, as you’re pretty much stuck with what you buy. Thankfully, ChromeOS isn’t at all heavy on resources, so as long as you buy smart to begin with, the hardware should last. Further reading: How to turn an old laptop into a Chromebook

Run out of Kohli caps day of hard toil for Black Caps in Mumbai heat
Daryl Mitchell and Will Young kept their cool to score valuable first-innings runs, before India imploded in the final 20 minutes of play.

The Cure's Robert Smith: 'Singing new album live helps me grieve'
The goth icons played two sets at the BBC in support of their new record, Songs Of A Lost World.

Morning Bid: Amazon calms the horses, payrolls due

Lemokey X0 keypad review: A great add-on for any PC gamer
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Great form factor Cheap Mechanical switches Cons No adjustable feet No per-game profiles Our Verdict The Lemokey X0 is a great entry point into a fantastic, but sadly neglected, one-handed keypad form factor. Give it a shot if you’re curious, or you’re on a budget and want to experiment before upgrading to a pricier design. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Lemokey X0 Keypad Retailer Price $32.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The keyboard that’s best for typing is rarely the one that’s best for gaming. That’s why I love little side keypads, like the Razer Tartarus. I love them so much that I chopped a GameSir one up so I could add in better switches and a bigger battery, because there aren’t any decent wireless options. But more than 100 bucks for what’s essentially half a keyboard is a lot, especially if you’re not sure that you’ll be as obsessed with the form factor as I am. Enter the Lemokey X0, a budget option that’s quickly become one of my favorite gadgets of the year. I’d recommend the X0 for just about any PC gamer who uses a keyboard on a regular basis. As I said, this is basically half a keyboard, meant to be used with your left hand only. It’s also rather cheap — and I say that without any insult — at $33. But at that impulse-buy price, I’d recommend it for just about any PC gamer who uses a keyboard on a regular basis. Single-hand design The X0 includes six rows of keys cutting off at the F5 column. It adds a couple of modifiers and an oversized, cross-shaped Space key. Under all of that it has a big, solid, rubberized pad for your palm. It also features mechanical switches (again, rather cheap ones) and keycaps (ditto), something that’s a little hard to find in this extremely niche form factor. A non-removable USB-A cable, red LED lights, plus compatibility with Lemokey/Keychron’s online programming tool round out the features. Michael Crider/Foundry The utility of this kind of gadget should be obvious. They’ve been around in one flavor or another for over 20 years — I think the Belkin N50 SpeedPad was the original, eventually morphing into the Razer Tartarus I mentioned earlier. They’re a dedicated left–hand-only keyboard, intended to be a more focused and ergonomic tool than your typical full-sized keyboard, while still letting your right hand handle mouse duties. (Sadly there’s really no way to make this work if you use your left hand for the mouse, and I say that sincerely, since I’m a lefty. Maybe try a full split keyboard design and a wrist rest.) Michael Crider/Foundry I genuinely love this layout, and I’ve been using something like it since I transitioned from console to full PC gaming in college. Not only is it much easier to position a smaller gamepad for more comfy and ergonomic gaming, it lets me keep a full dedicated keyboard that’s focused on typing. Which, as someone who writes all day long to put food on my table (usually next to the keyboard), is a big deal. Not much competition I’ve tried many of these things. I wouldn’t say that the X0 is the best — that goes to my customized GameSir pad, with the mechanical (and discontinued) Razer Orbweaver in a distant second. But among the cheap ones I’ve tried, the X0 shines bright as the best of the bunch. In terms of layout it’s exactly what most PC gamers want, a faithful reproduction of all the keys you’re likely to reach with your left hand. The only exception is the double Fn buttons to expand programming options, and the space bar, which isn’t really a bar. Like the Tartarus and the ancient Logitech G13, it repositions the space input to more naturally fit the positioning of your thumb. There is an important omission here: a D-pad. That’s a feature that originally drew me to the Belkin-slash-Razer designs, as a way to wean myself off of console-style movement. And it still persists in some modern offshoots, like the Azeron. But speaking as a big fan of this category I’m okay with its omission, especially on a budget device. If you’re used to the far more flexible WASD input for most shooters and first-person games, I think you’ll agree. Michael Crider/Foundry Lemokey (nee Keychron, for its non-gaming parent company) went with brown tactile switches on my review unit. They’re not the best in the world, but they’re light and snappy, certainly good enough for me to get up to speed in Fortnite right away. Note that the X0 is also available with red linear switches, though you won’t be swapping them out. That’s an okay sacrifice for a budget device, especially when pretty much everything else in this price range omits mechanical switches entirely. You can also use standard mechanical keycaps on this pad, though sizing might be tricky for the extended T, G, and V keys. If you’re okay with legends not matching up, it’s easy to find them on a full-sized set. Michael Crider/Foundry Long sessions with the X0 were comfortable, far more so than a standard gaming keyboard — though again, I should point out that this is a form factor I prefer anyway. I could use a little more cushion in the palm rest, and I wish there was a way to adjust the angle (I lifted up the right side of my custom board with keyboard feet), but it’s still far more comfortable than anything else I’ve used in a while. Programmable…but not much The X0 can be programmed with Keychron’s browser-based GUI, which I recommend, or QMK, which I do not. (Yes, mechanical keyboard fans, wag your finger of shame at me.) It’s straightforward and blatantly inspired by VIA, which is not a bad thing, covering just about everything you could need without overcomplication. This includes up to three sub-layers, though none are actually programmed with any alternates from the get-go. You can adjust the keypad’s red-only lighting…though I don’t really see the appeal. My only big change is remapping Caps Lock to M for easily bringing up a map in shooters. Here I’ll point out the only big problem with the X0 from my perspective: Both QMK and Keychron’s online tool lack the ability to bind specific layout profiles or macros to the running game or program. You could conceivably program the four layers for four different games, and then manually switch between them. But that’s a lot of work and tweaking, for something that’s still fairly limited — for example, the Keychron tool has no way to program in mouse buttons or scroll wheel commands. Michael Crider/Foundry This is, frankly, a bummer, and I’ve pointed it out on previous gaming keyboards from Keychron and Lemokey. Program-based presets are one of the core features I consider essential for a gaming keyboard, and it would make sense to offer them here. But I’m inclined to forgive the absence, if not forget it entirely, for a budget-focused design. I made the same concession for the G.Skill KM250, which remains my go-to pick for a budget gaming keyboard. If you must have programable profiles that activate with a game or program, the Razer Tartarus is right there…for more than triple the price, and with far fewer keys. And it’s worth pointing out that none of the other alternatives below the $100 mark offer that game profile option. A great impulse buy for PC gamers So yeah, I’d be happy to recommend this little gadget for anyone who wants a primary typing keyboard and a gaming keyboard, and can’t find one that works for both of them. Note the limitations of the software and the form factor — I doubt a Starcraft pro would be okay essentially cutting their immediate keys in half, for example. The Lemokey X0 with my modified Gamesir pad. Michael Crider/Foundry But even as an experiment, it’s definitely worth the $33 asking price. If you like it and want to go further you can step up to the Tartarus, or consider the ReDragon K585 if you want something wireless. Even as an experiment, The X0 is definitely worth the $33 asking price. In the meantime, I’ll wait patiently for someone (Lemokey, maybe you folks?) to make a wireless version of this gadget that comes with a big battery, a nice metal body, and hot-swap switches. Something tells me I’ll be waiting for a long, long time.