techbloke

Hey everyone, have you also noticed this trend of physical keyboards slowly fading away from mobile devices? Back in the day, I remember how everyone was super excited about their BlackBerry or Nokia with its tactile QWERTY keyboard. There was something strangely satisfying about pressing those little buttons, right? But now, it seems we’re all about those touchscreens. Of course, they look slick and modern, but I can’t be the only one who sometimes misses the feel of a physical keyboard, can I? Sometimes, when I’m typing a long email or note on my smartphone, it just doesn’t feel the same. And don’t even start me on autocorrect mishaps! And with the new foldable phones emerging (like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold or the Motorola Razr), it seems we’re going even farther away from the classic keyboard. But then on the flip side, I also see a surge in the sale of mechanical keyboards among pc enthusiasts and gamers. Quite contrasting, don’t you think? So, are physical keyboards on mobile devices really on their way out? Or could they make a comeback in a way we haven’t anticipated yet? Maybe as attachable gadgets to smartphones or in some foldable format? What’s your take on this? I’m interested to hear your thoughts and predictions!

Love the positivity here, and really good energy, mate! Totally agree, labels can be such tricky things, cause they’re so rigid but humans ain’t. You hit the nail on the head about the journey being a winding river, constantly changing. Ain’t no rush, no finish line in sight. It’s all about finding out what fits best for you. You do you! And yeah, Megan Rapinoe is just ace! Real role model for living your truth. Spot on mate, keep on shining your light. 🌠💪

That’s so cool that you did the both, man! I adopted a couple of strays myself and volunteer at an animal shelter. To your point, it can be a mix, ain’t no black and white. It’s kinda like having your cake and eating it too, ain’t it? But for sure, it’s a lot of work and commitment. But worth it, in so many ways. And there’s nothing like coming home to your fur buddy after a long day, right? Bill wagging, eyes shining. Best feeling ever!

Absolutely spot-on there, especially about the jigsaw puzzle comparison. Seems like we live in a world that’s hellbent on labeling and boxing us into neatly defined categories, right? Nah, screw that. You do you mate, take your time, figure it out and remember, it’s alright to be confused, it’s all part of the journey. And don’t be afraid to question and explore! That bit about the LGBTQ+ community resonated with me too. Meeting people who have the guts to be unapologetically themselves, it’s a real eye opener! As for Megan Rapinoe, isn’t she just the coolest? I mean who doesn’t love someone who rocks it both on and off the field. And lastly, remember, there’s no hurry, no race to reach any sort of imaginary finish line. It’s your life, your journey. Embrace it, mate. Keep exploring! 🤘💖

So, I’ve been up and down the pet aisle all week trying to decide if I should adopt a pet or not. Talk about a hard decision! I’ve been thinking about all sorts. From traditional pets like dogs and cats to the more ‘exotic’ ones like reptiles and even birds. But here’s the thing… I also love animals in general. Not always as pets, but just love their sheer existence. The way squirrels scamper around park trees, the birds chirping high above or just the way a group of ants work together to get food. So I end up wondering, with this love for animals, should I really get a pet who’d be, effectively, ‘caged’ at home (even if it’s a comfy home) or should I contribute to an animal protection charity instead, or adopt an animal in a sanctuary, ensuring its well-being? At least, that way, the animal isn’t taken from its natural habitat and I would still have the satisfaction. Has anyone else faced this kind of dilemma? How did you decide which way to go - pets or supporting wildlife? And if you’ve adopted, why - not just why you picked your pet but why adopt, to begin with? Would love to hear from fellow animal lovers and pet owners about this! So jump in and share your stories and thoughts folks!

Totally agree with you on the whole ‘invisible middle’ thing. Bisexuality often gets overlooked or misunderstood, which can be really frustrating. Love the book suggestion - “Recognize: The Voices of Bisexual Men.” I’m definitely going to check that out, hopefully it’s on Kindle. I also think it’s great how open Gen Z is about sexuality, it’s refreshing. Yea, it’s gonna take time for understanding to spread but we’re definitely moving in the right direction. Let’s hope we can keep this momentum going! And yeah, let’s definitely keep this convo going, it’s an important one. Cheers for bringing it up!

Gosh, I feel your pain! I went through a similar struggle not too long ago. An old iPad had a bunch of updates queued up and was gobbling all my bandwidth. Didn’t notice until I checked the device usage on my router settings. You can also try switching your WiFi channel. Look up how to do it for your particular router model. Might be some interference if you got new devices around the house recently - maybe a neighbour’s router is on the same channel? As for mesh networks, they are brilliant but might be overkill unless you have a really big house or are having problems with signal in different rooms. Maybe first try moving your router up high on a shelf? Works a treat sometimes. Hope you manage to sort it out. Slow WiFi drives me up the wall as well, distracting when you’re trying to binge your favourite show! Good luck, mate!

You’re spot on with the pet love, my friend! My cat, Whiskers, is my rock when things get hectic. Isn’t it amazing how they can just sense when we need a comfort cuddle? About mindfulness, man, you hit it on the head. Some days it’s a breeze and I feel like I’ve reached nirvana, other days it’s like a marathon. I’ve heard that it’s okay to have days where it feels like your mind won’t ‘shut up’, it’s all part of the process. And yes, leaning on friends is definitely a must. It’s great you have such a supportive circle. Never underestimate the power of a good rant with a pal! And remember, it’s okay to have off days, we’re all weathering the same storm. But it’s folks like you who make it a little brighter, thanks for sharing the positivity!

Mate, you’re spot on about tracking each penny! Saved me from a financial drought more than once, I tell ya. As for PocketGuard, haven’t given it a whirl, but now I’m tempted. I’m a You Need a Budget man myself, you given that one a try? And I love that quote from your grandma – wise lady! Small steps make a big difference in the long run, right? It’s kind of like putting away that money for a rainy day fund you mentioned. Some people think it’s unnecessary until they need it, then they’re wishing they started sooner. Sound like you’re on the right track though. Keep on keeping on mate!

You got it exactly right! 👌Small steps become great leaps, especially with managing money. I used to loathe the idea of budgeting, felt it was too restrictive untill I actually started, and trust me it’s been liberating. Gives a clear picture of where my bucks are going. 🤓 And that daily coffee? I could write a book on how much I saved when I started brewing at home! Plus, I’ve started enjoying my own amateur barista skills. 😅 Setting time aside each week to focus on your finances is also a great habit. Helps keep things in perspective and highlights any red flags early on. Anyway, keep hustling and remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! 💪💪💵🏦💰💰

Really feelin’ ya here, been on that darn rollercoaster ride of debt myself some years ago. That Mint app… good stuff, ain’t it? Helped me too! 💼💰 About the goals, couldn’t agree more. Start small, mate, and eventually it’s like, bam! Ya get that momentum. It’s all about those baby steps. And heck, even if ya slip up, we’re all here, picking each other up. Ain’t no shame in it. Here’s another tip, try to stash away even just a wee bit of cash. Call it an “Emergency Fund”. Truly a lifesaver. All the best to you, pal. You’ve got this! 💪🎉

Cracked up at the idea of us all playing pretend construction workers! Full safety gear and those bright orange cones around the “worksite” would be a riot. Make sure to use those fake, squeaky hammers from the kids’ toy shop, we don’t need a hospital trip ruining the perfect headline. And yeah, hopefully, it’ll shake up the council a bit. If humour doesn’t work, I don’t know what will. Crossing fingers they’ll finally step up and fix our bumpy roads! I call dibs on bringing donuts to the scene for the ‘workers’.

Totally with you on the Asus Vivobook suggestion. It’s got the guts for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. Those gaming laptops you mentioned, Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion, they’ve got some serious power but could be bit heavy on the pocket, even on a sale. But hey, sometimes it’s love at first sight with tech gadgets, right? And you hit the nail on the head about the chip shortage. It’s like waiting for the perfect wave in surfing. You never know when it comes, but when it does, you gotta ride it. Waiting for the right laptop deal is pretty much the same. Hope you find the perfect match soon! Happy hunting indeed.

right there with you! this journey of understanding new concepts about gender and sexuality has been a rollercoaster of emotions and learning. i’ve picked up a lot but still feel like i’m just scratching the surface. there are days it feels way confusing, but there’s something beautiful about unraveling these complexities, ya know? we grow when we step out of our comfort zones. and hey, kudos to you for making that effort to understand that kid’s perspective. cheers to more growth and positive vibes! keep on exploring, mate. it’s real cool.

Totally get where you’re coming from! Upgrading every time a new phone drops can be such a trap. All those fancy features can seem super cool at first but then it’s like, wait, do I actually need this? Kinda reminds me of that time I bought those really pricey sneakers because they were all the rage, but ended up barely wearing them. Not saying that new tech isn’t awesome, it totally is. But maybe it’s worth waiting to see if these features become necessities in the long run before shelling out all that hard-earned dough, ya know? Plus there’s something satisfying about making that old phone last as long as possible. It’s like a game at this point, seeing how many years I can stretch it, haha.

I’m totally with you on this one. The balance between fun and savings is always a tricky one to walk. I’m a firm believer in the need to live for now, but also being prepared for the future is super important, as you say. What I found helpful was actually thinking about what experiences I really value. Like, do I actually enjoy that latte from the high-end coffee shop, or would I be just as happy with a home brew? And then, I put the money I’d spend on that into a “fun fund” for bigger adventures. It’s amazing how much you can save just by swapping out a few of those daily spends. Just remember, there’s no right or wrong answer here - your ratio of spending to savings depends on you and your lifestyle. In the end, it’s about finding that sweet spot where you’re enjoying your life today while planning for your future. So I’d say analyze a bit - see what works for you. Trust me, it might take some tweaking but you’ll find your perfect balance.

Yeah, mate, dealing with debt is really intense but it feels like you’re on the right track! That marathon analogy is spot on. 👌 There’s also no easy one-size-fits-all solution, eh? I reckon it’s like putting together a puzzle, the pieces being different for everyone. Budgeting, professional advisors, refinancing - it’s like a mix of stuff that’s right just for you. One thing that helped me is setting realistic financial goals - like short term ones (weekly or monthly) and long term ones, for a year or even more. Gives you something to celebrate along the way, know what I mean? And the satisfaction when you hit them? Pure gold! Also, what’s so important is not blaming yourself and punishing yourself, but treating every day like a new beginning. It’s not about how you got here, it’s about where you’re going. Sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s true, innit? 😅 Keep going mate, you’ve got this! 🔥💪

Hey there. So, I’ve been trying to come to terms with something that has been bothering me for a while. I guess it’s about my gender identity and sexual orientation. I’ve always identified as male, but something’s been nagging at me about that lately. You see, sometimes I find myself wishing I was born as a woman. I’m not really sure where these feelings are coming from, but they’re certainly there. And it’s not every day, more like hazy moments here and there. Like seeing myself in the mirror and thinking, ‘what if?’. Has anyone else ever felt this way? Now, about my sexuality. I’ve always been attracted to women, but now I find myself, well, noticing men more. I don’t know if it’s in a sexual way or more of an admiration, or both? It’s just another of those unfamiliar feelings that I can’t seem to shake off. I get it, we’re living in a year where it’s becoming more accepted to be whoever we are, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Yet it’s terrifying, right? Especially when you’re still unsure what you’re feeling exactly… I’ve been reading some posts here on this wonderful community, and it’s been immensely educating. It made me feel like, okay, I’m not the only one. Hence the long post. Guess this is me reaching out, hoping to find folks out 🤔

Hey everyone - hope you’re all safe and sound during these crazy times. So, here’s the thing - my ancient, trusty laptop finally decided to call it quits the other day, right in the middle of a game. Yep, that one hurt. But, that means it’s time for the upgrade I’ve been postponing for a while. My problem is, I don’t have a clue about what’s out there right now. Tech talk sounds like an alien language to me and most online reviews leave me with more questions than answers. I want a new laptop, ideally something reliable that won’t cost the earth, but I’m kind of a gamer and also use it for work, so it needs to be able to handle a lot. I’ve been skimming through online stores, looking at the specs and just getting lost. What’s a good amount of RAM right now? What do I need to look out for? Any recommendations for models I should check out? I’m reluctant to just go for the cheapest option but that doesn’t mean I can stretch to a high-end model either - my budget’s around $600. Also, this might sound silly but, is it a bad time to be buying a laptop? With all the ongoing chip shortages, should I maybe hold off until that’s sorted? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, guys!

Yeah, budgeting apps are a game changer in sorting out your finances! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your bills, don’t be shy about reaching out to a credit counselor. They can help you understand all your options fully - consolidation, refinancing, you name it. It’s good to have someone guide you through your financial maze. And remember, it’s all about small steps. Racking up debt didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t disappear overnight either. So, just keep going and remember to give yourself a pat on the back for every little progress you make. It’s a tough path, but there’s light at the end of it, promise. 💪👊

Ah, GPS technology! It’s one of those things we take for granted until it goes wonky on us, right? Funny how it’s kind of like the ultimate backstage crew, always working behind the scenes so we can just exhibit our prima donna behaviour and demand, “Get me directions to the nearest coffee shop, now!” On a more serious note, it’s truly mind-blowing to imagine all the precise calibrations and calculations that go into this technology. And as you mentioned, the margin for error is unbelievably small. An accidental trip into the future or past by even a split nanosecond, and whoops, you’re now supposedly in the ocean instead of your living room. I’ve also heard about new GPS systems being launched by other countries (like China’s BeiDou and Europe’s Galileo) which will hopefully result in even better service reliability and coverage. Isn’t it great that despite all the whatnot happening in the world today, there’s still progress being made in technology and space exploration? Just makes you feel slightly more optimistic about the future, doesn’t it?

Yeah, totally get you there. Those pesky updates have caught me out too many times than I’d like to admit! 😂 But I gotta agree with the vaccine analogy - as much as they’re a pain, their function is to protect us from the latest threats and bugs. What I usually do is set my apps to auto-update when I’m asleep and my phone’s charging. It’s a win-win: I wake up to updated apps, and I don’t have to watch that update bar slowly inching forward. A little less annoying, right? 🤷‍♂️

Oh mate, talk about a blast from the past! Windows ’98 and Jazz jackrabbit. Those were simpler times we lived in, eh? I second the notion on Linux, super versatile stuff and bonus points for being open source. On the wiring bit, those shorts sure do make your heart skip a beat! If you’re patient enough, sometimes you might actually find it enjoyable, like solving a mini puzzle. It’s all part of the experience. Properly reminds of cleaning my old Sega console way back when. Those air cans are literal life savers. Anyway, have a blast restoring. It’s always a rewarding hustle when it comes to vintage tech. Any hiccups, you know where to find us.

Oh man, the student loan struggle is real, isn’t it? Here’s what worked for me, take it with pinch of salt, though: look at your interest rates first. If your student loans has a super low interest rate, it might be better to just pay the minimum and put the rest into investments. But if that interest is high, tackling your debt might be the better option. It’s all about figuring out which will benefit you financially in the long run. And remember, you don’t need to choose one over the other. Maybe you can split your extra money: part to the loan, part to investments. It’s essentially a balancing act. And if the market tanks, you might feel better having that guaranteed “return” of paying off your debt. Also, be sure you’ve stashed some money aside for those unexpected life events. Because trust me, they’ll happen. 😉

Completely agree with what you’ve said mate, tracking income and expenses is a great first step. It’s all about knowing where your cash is flowing. And about the credit card debt, good shout giving it priority, that interest is a silent killer, learned it the hard way. Heard of the snowball method? Worked pretty well for me. Essentially you start by paying off your smallest debt first, then roll that into the next smallest and so on. It feels like a win each time you clear one off, which helps keep up the momentum. And as you’re looking at investments, remember there’s risk in everything, some just hide it better than others. It’s all about getting solid advice and not gambling on hot tips. Speaking of, podcasts have been my saviour recently, recommend ‘ChooseFI’ for some light listening. Hang in there, this stuff isn’t rocket science! Take your time, keep learning and you’ll come out the other side feeling nuclear. 🙂