Rich Stroffolino

Finally figured out a quick and easy way to do decent audio for my phone videos.

The Verge’s Version History episode on AIM made me realize that AIM was probably the first browser-based app I ever used, through AOL QuickBuddy (I assume it was Java-based). Used it in my school library through the AOL Australia site to chat with friends.

In comparison, working on the OG Surface Go with Ubuntu is very different. Plug into my regular USB-C dock and my monitor and peripherals just work. RAM is fine for a few more tabs, but multitasking is murdered by that dinky Pentium Gold processor. It just chugs doing 2 things at once.

Just tried getting my morning done on a 2019 iPad Air. In some ways surprisingly doable. Safari with extensions goes a long way. Bluetooth mouse and keyboard worked great. Display is nice and big enough. But you’re constantly hitting the RAM filling up. 4 tabs and Clickup app running was too much.

Just had to get a new garage door opener, a Chamberlain MyQ model. Had an add-on Meross smart garage door opener (available for $28); worked great with CarPlay integration. MyQ wants me to spend $43 a year for the same functionality….

It’s crazy to see someone with all the masters for the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack just on their desk

I added a FeedLand Blogroll! I always used to love the blogroll on Dinosaur Comics, so why not one here?

So on the Department of Know yesterday I realized that using ChatGPT for answers is reaching the same level of parlance as Googling something.

Trying not to make Amazon my default. Found a watch I was looking for at JCPenney. Price was right, add a few other Christmas odds and ends to get free shipping, place the order. Two days later told watch out of stock, 2 other items delayed possibly til after Christmas. Watch still says in stock…

I bought a smart humidifier and it rules. Integration with Google Home is nice, get full control of humidity level, lights, and sound on my Google Home. And way more responsive to voice commands than my old Philips Hue lights.

One of my favorite things from this year was getting an old Canon 50mm f1.2 LTM lens. This is an old one that was used on Canon rangefinders in the 50s and 60s. It’s compact, all metal, and delightfully soft and glowing wide open. Pairs great on my Sony A7R2.

Yes, your teen social media ban that doesn’t ban Discord, Roblox, or most encrypted messaging services will be very successful

The most striking thing about the Pebble Index is that it feels deeply personal. In that, Eric Migicovsky wanted to have this device in the world, he has a use case for it. I don’t know if that will make it a success, but what’s the last gadget that felt like one person’s specific idea?

Recently got to talk about my experience running Ubuntu on an OG Surface Go. TL;DW: surprisingly good, Linux can still be a little clunky, but LLMs make CLI stuff way less intimidating for newbies www.youtube.com/watch

Switching to my Keychron K2 HE, my first time going to a 75% layout, outside of a laptop. Mostly a smooth transition, other than occasionally reaching for the numpad. Biggest thing, I guess I never realized how often I use the Delete key. Luckily, can remap “page up” to match my muscle memory.

Shooting old Sigma digital cameras with Foveon sensors is my closest digital equivalent to shooting film. You get a unique look, but the hardware makes it a pain to review images on camera or spray and pray shots. Like scanning film, you need to invest time in processing images in clunky software

Recent pics from a walk with my Sigma DP1 Merrill. While the camera is mostly limited to the most optimal shooting conditions, I’ve really come to enjoy it.

The 5x reach on the iPhone 16 Pro is nice to have

Still my favorite smartwatch