![]() ![]() The available information is undoubtedly valuable, as it allows players to achieve a near complete micro-management control of the colony. This level of information and control is a severely two-edged sword. And the cherry on top of this informational sundae is an ever-present on-screen list of all of the materials the player possesses, broken down by category. But Oxygen Not Included isn’t done yet, there’s also a Wikipedia-style database that collects information on all the new species and technology players find or develop, as well as keeps all survivor journals and research reports. On top of that, there are seven informational sub-windows that let players manage colonist sleep and work schedules, track colonist health, and conduct research. At the start of the game, players have 11 different overlays to help manage their colony, from food production to room decor, and more overlays are added as new technologies are developed. But don’t worry, Oxygen Not Included has everything covered and then some. Living life on an asteroid is pretty complicated, you have to worry about food, breathable atmosphere, and where the waste goes when you flush the toilet. But, you play the hand you’re dealt, so players will use these tools to build farms, power plants, ventilation systems and more in an attempt to make a derelict space rock feel like home. The equipment given to the player looks like it came from a discount bin and the workers are replicas of bygone explorers, printed from a poorly explained bio-goo. To start, there’s no planet to colonize, instead players have to make a life inside an asteroid. ![]() ![]() Unfortunately, not very much money was spent on this venture, so everything is a bit off. In Oxygen Not Included, players serve as the disembodied and possibly psychic commander of a team of explorers sent to colonize the stars. However, my resolve failed this week and I took a look at Klei Entertainment’s Oxygen Not Included. The one that has changed is me, and I’ve learned to limit my exposure to these tempters. These days, I spend a lot less time with management games, but it’s not because they have become any less alluring. I can’t explain why, but something about these games grabbed my attention completely. And I would suggest following a guide for new players as there are not really any tutorials in the game and there are many systems you will need to learn and master.Like I’m sure many of you did, I played a lot of simulation management games when I was younger, games like Roller Coaster Tycoon and Sim City. Even with a guide this happened to me a bunch of times, so don't beat yourself up over it. In the beginning you will build several bases that just crumble away due to unforeseen problems. This is a pretty hard-core base building game. The cartoony graphics and animations also added charm to the game without getting in the way later on.Īlso, don't let the cartoony graphics fool you. A functioning little habitat for the people I was watching over. By the end I felt like I had actually built something real. They often didn't' make sense or feel that realistic. So many base-building games I've played in the past just seem to have exaggerated tech trees and buildings just to give you something to do. Everything I built, everything I researched, it all actually felt like it did something and had meaning in the game. What makes this game so enjoyable is that everything actually makes sense. I'm not usually very interested in base-building games, but after watching my partner play it obsessively for a few weeks I decided to give it a try.
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November 6 (0:00 AM UTC) - November 16 (0:00 AM UTC) - Preparation period: In this 10-day phase, Binance takes hourly snapshots of the BNB holdings of each user.Here's how the timeline for the PORTO token sale on Binance Launchpad will work, as explained by Binance: FC Porto Fan Token IEO Subscription Timeline If you pass all of these requirements, you can participate in the FC Porto Fan Token IEO and acquire PORTO tokens at the token sale price. Residents of these countries are not allowed to participate in the FC Porto Fan Token IEO:īelarus, People's Republic of China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Singapore, Sudan, Syria, United States of America and its territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. In order to be eligible for the FC Porto Fan Token IEO, you have to complete the identity verification process, accept the token purchase agreement, and be a resident of a supported country. To ensure a fair allocation for all participants, we will be setting a max cap of token allocation per user. Select the FC Porto Fan Token IEOĪfter you're verified, select the FC Porto Fan Token from the list of upcoming and completed Binance Launchpad token sales.īinance introduced a new Launchpad subscription format that allows BNB holders to commit an amount of BNB towards a token sale, where their final allocation of the new token is determined by the ratio of their committed BNB against the total committed BNB by all participating users. How and Why you Should do KYC on Binance? 3. If you have any questions about the KYC process on Binance, you can find a step-by-step guide on the link below: We have already covered Binance’s identity verification process in another guide. This is done to verify your identity and location, as residents of some countries are prohibited from buying tokens on Binance Launchpad. In order to participate in Binance Launchpad IEOs, you have to pass a know your customer (KYC) process. Now, you can see all the completed and upcoming IEOs on Binance. How to buy Binance Coin (BNB) on Binance?Īfter you successfully register, go to the Launchpad section of the navigation menu. The first step for participating in the token sale is to create an account on Binance. ![]() You will also have to hold some BNB and verify your BNB account if you want to participate. The FC Porto Fan Token sale on Binance Launchpad is available to users from supported countries. How to invest in the FC Porto Fan Token IEO on Binance Launchpad? Here's a quick recap of the timeline for the FC Porto Fan Token sale: The PORTO token will be issued on the Binance Smart Chain blockchain as a BEP-20 token. Supporters of the club can buy PORTO tokens to participate in exclusive polls held by the club, earn NFTs and special perks like signed merchandise and meet-and-greets. ![]() ![]() The FC Porto Fan Token (PORTO) is the result of a collaboration between Binance and Portuguese soccer club FC Porto. The PORTO tokens will be sold at the equivalent of $1 each (the price will be set in BNB). FC Porto Fan Token will be the 23rd project featured on Binance Launchpad, and they're looking to raise $4 million by selling 10% of the token's total supply. Binance will start recording BNB balances on November 6, and will be doing so until November 16. To become eligible for participating in the token sale, users need to hold BNB tokens on the Binance cryptocurrency exchange. Binance has announced that FC Porto Fan Token (PORTO) will be the next project featured on the Binance Launchpad platform. “Together, we will tackle these challenges head on and help our customers become more resilient and secure.” “The IT landscape is changing faster than we’ve ever seen - with hyper-connectivity, AI and increasing cyber threats, the value of data only increases, and that’s why this deal makes sense,” Robbins said on the conference call. The deal is a bet on information technology departments increasing their investment in data management services, driven in part by economywide excitement in artificial intelligence. ![]() It competes with companies like Datadog Inc. Splunk, based in San Francisco, is known for data observability services, which allow companies to monitor internal systems for network health, cybersecurity risks and other insights. The companies expect the acquisition to be completed by the end of the third quarter next year. The deal should be cash-flow positive in the first year after closing and add $4 billion in annual recurring revenue, Cisco Chief Financial Officer Scott Herren said on a conference call with analysts Thursday. Splunk is its most expensive push yet into that area and will help Cisco reach a broader base of customers, who can use the new services to gain insight into their network and computing operations. Under Chief Executive Officer Chuck Robbins, Cisco has been trying to lessen its dependence on one-time sales of expensive hardware and shift toward software and services. The purchase represents roughly 10% of Cisco’s market value. The networking giant will pay $157 a share in cash, the companies said in a statement Thursday, or a 31% premium to Splunk’s closing price on Wednesday. ![]() Stock, Bond Selloff Resumes as Dollar Advances: Markets WrapĭOJ Steps Up Probe of Credit Suisse and UBS Over Sanctions Breaches Republican Moderates Turn to Rare Maneuver to Avoid Lengthy Government Shutdownĭimon Warns 7% Fed Rate Still Possible, Times of India Says in a deal valued at about $28 billion, representing its biggest acquisition yet and a massive push into software and artificial intelligence-powered data analysis.Ĭhina Puts Evergrande’s Billionaire Founder Under Police Control When starting out painting in Acrylics, I would suggest buying just a set of basic colors in student quality. The downfall is that they’re more expensive than the student-grade ones. There will be more colors to choose from, and the pigments will be more vibrant -which will look better once on the canvas. ![]() The professional quality paints are obviously going to be the best to work with. (You may also see craft paints in the acrylic section, but you’ll want to avoid those) If you are an absolute beginner, then the wide variety of different colors and brands can be overwhelming.įortunately, choosing paint for your first canvas painting is easier than you think.Īcrylic paints come in two grades: professional (or artist) and student quality. ![]() The first thing you’ll need to do is figure out what paint colors you want to purchase. Acrylics for beginning: A 10 Step Tutorial to Creating Your First Painting Acrylic paint dries very fast, if you need the paint to stay wet for longer (like overnight) check out this 8 ways to keep acrylic paint wet overnightįor more quick and easy acrylic painting tips: check out this post.This method works beautifully with abstract paintings, as the dark colors give an interesting depth with the consequent light colors layered over it. Start with the darkest acrylic colors first, then work your wait up to the lightest values in your composition.Roughly sketch out your painting with a pencil before starting (especially for beginners in acrylic painting).When layering, let each layer dry before the next is applied.Buy a color wheel and watch a color theory tutorial.Cover your acrylic paints in an airtight container when not in use.Paint in a well lit and ventilated room.3 full step by step painting tutorials (paint and sip friendly).Easy paint color (theory) formulas you can use to make your paintings more captivating.How to make beautiful blends and strokes (#1 beginner challenge solved).It includes everything in this post and more, including: If you want to learn how to paint with acrylics in an easy to follow and convenient format, you’ll love this Acrylic For Beginners: an A-Z guide to your first acrylic masterpiece all-in-one PDF e-book. If you have a question that I haven’t already answered, please feel free to drop it in the comments section and I’ll reach out with an answer. We’ll also go over information about clean up, safety, painting ideas and painting techniques and to make sure you enjoy the whole experience.Īt the bottom of this post, you’ll find answers to common questions that beginners have about acrylics. This step-by-step guide will take you through the ten steps you need to get started with painting. If you’re a beginner who is learning to paint, then choosing to paint with acrylics is a great option for you! Acrylic painting is a wonderful skill to learn, and one of the easiest paints to work with if you’re new to the world of painting. ![]() How to Paint with Acrylics: Getting Started ![]() Also, add some rock formations or some artistic object to your design to form a great appreciation and serenity of your style. The idea of creating an artistic kind of planting which could seem minimal does not mean it is minimal plantings. This would serve as an inspiration to how you can create your unique idea of paradise. These desert plants are great choices for people who don’t want to spend lots of time digging in the yard but want a nice, simple and colorful look in their desert garden. Through this article, you will greatly see that backyard deserts can be a great use to your home giving it a high level of functionality and attraction. Another good attribute of this is that it affects the way you set your outdoor furniture, irrigation system, and others. Having all four all attributed in your home, it is very much at home in any backyard. One special factor of desert landscaping is that they are easy to maintain, good growing habits and neat appearances. You could decide to create a beautiful calm, simple and attractive realm of beauty. Deserts is a beauty on its own, a plant of life and it’s full of wealth that when it is combined will form a beauty.ĭesert landscaping also known as xeriscaping is about your personal idea of style whereby you can form whatever you want of your surroundings. It is all about knowledge and good planning. It’s believed to be dirt and should remain where it belongs but honestly, these ideas can be nicely implemented on a budget whereby it pulls great attention. With careful preparation and plant selection, you can create a desert garden that is far from barren.When people hear of deserts, they put it over the context of barren and sand dunes because bringing a backyard desert into landscaping doesn’t sound nice to them. Examples of desert gardens featuring modern décor characterized by bright colors, geometric shapes, and abstract sculptures or fountains.Placement, material options and shade structures for outdoor kitchens in desert climates.Using a fire pit or fireplace to make your patio more comfortable on cool desert nights.How to cut energy consumption by using solar lights to illuminate a desert garden. ![]() ![]() How to select furniture for a desert landscape that will reflect heat, stay cool and resist sun exposure.Other factors to consider when paving a desert garden, such as avoiding dark-colored materials that will absorb the heat of the sun and make the garden even warmer.How to add decorative appeal to desert patios through the use of stone borders, different colored aggregates, stains, and special designs.Good permeable paving materials to use for a desert patio to avoid water runoff, including pervious concrete, natural stone and concrete pavers.Using synthetic or artificial grass versus a natural lawn that will require a lot of water.Advice on growing desert plants in beds or containers.A look at the many varieties of succulents, ground covers, trees and other drought-tolerant plants that will grow well in a desert environment.The best type of irrigation system for desert plants and why it's important to group plants according to irrigation needs.How to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrients available in your soil and how to supplement the natural soil to create optimum growing conditions.In this section, you'll find tips from landscaping professionals on: Armed with the right desert garden design ideas and tips for choosing plants that thrive in an arid environment, creating a lush desert garden will be easier than you think. This guide will help you select paving materials, native plants, irrigation systems, outdoor furniture, and other amenities ideal for a desert garden. In order to have a lively, functional garden that also has low water and maintenance requirements, you will need to make educated plant and hardscape choices. The keys to successful desert landscaping are knowledge and planning. Beautiful gardens can exist in the desert, and many desert gardens are incredibly vibrant and full of plant life. If you are one of the people who think of the term "desert garden" as an oxymoron, it's time to reconsider and push the images of barren sand dunes out of your mind. It is a great starting point for any desert landscaping project. You'll get ideas for color, décor, materials, plants and fabric. Use this design sheet to help you create the perfect Southwestern landscape. ![]() ![]() This week's Midweek Report will first be shown at 8. The timing of Rosberg and Hamilton's first on-track collision of the season comes at arguably uncomfortable timing for Mercedes given the team had publicly accepted ahead of this weekend's race that the rules of engagement in their driver's in-house rivalary had been forced to change owing to the tight nature of their title duel. It's a bad result for the Mercedes team altogether - and Lewis." "If they fight all the way to the end these things can happen, but not in the second lap. "Lewis was clear in the lead, there was no question about it, Nico was behind and why in the second lap someone has to explain to me. "I said sorry because for him it's bad, no question about it," Lauda told Sky F1. Sherry Liu / Bonilla / / 877.817.7890 ext.Niki Lauda says there will be a meeting to discuss the incident between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in the Belgian Grand Prix. The GunCon controller (known as G-Con 45 in Europe) uses the cathode ray timing method to determine where the barrel is aimed at on the screen when the trigger is pulled. Get it wrong and it's a single wheel peel or stalling out. Ease clutch out until it starts to bite, Simultaneously, let out the e-brake/park brake/handbrake, add more revs and let out the clutch. For more information, visit:, or call toll free: (855) 562-6699.Īll products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies. Check first gear (or engage first gear if the previous driver left it in neutral) Give it some revs. PowerVision has acquired nearly 1000 independent intellectual property rights in the form of patents, trademarks, and copyrights, including nearly 400 core technology invention patents. Presently, PowerVision is the only company in the world producing aerial, water-surface, and underwater robotic devices, as well as the only robotic company to achieve mass production of underwater AI robotic devices. In addition to improving core company technology, PowerVision has revolutionized industry research and development. Since its establishment in 2009, PowerVision has continued to push the frontiers of cutting-edge research, development, and design. At the heart of the company is a corporate culture that prides itself on continuous learning, innovation, and technological excellence. PowerVision pushes the boundaries of possibilities, with the aim to change the world through innovative artificial intelligence. The waterproof housing, two batteries, additional propellers, and the water landing pads all together are priced at $1,249: įor more information about PowerVision, the PowerEgg X, and the company's complete line of products, visit .Ībout PowerVision: The PowerVision Group, founded in 2009, headquartered in Beijing, is a company with a clear mission to innovate the future. The PowerEgg X currently sells for $899, including the camera, drone arms, one battery, remote, extra propellers, camera strap, and a camera bag. "We hope to meet the needs of consumers as much as we can and PowerEgg X is just the perfect versatile aerial drone for that goal." "It is PowerVision's responsibility to provide consumers with easy-to-use, multifunctional and professional drones," said Wally Zheng, CEO of PowerVision. PowerEgg X was produced by PowerVision in 2019, the only company in the world producing aerial, water-surface, and underwater robotic devices, as well as the only robotic company to achieve mass production of underwater AI robotic devices. The only company producing both underwater and aerial drones President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial will once again put an uncomfortable spotlight on Joe Biden and his son Hunter, but also offers the former vice president an exceptional opportunity to. ![]() The PowerEgg X wizard version is equipped with two robust strap-on floats and a fully waterproof housing that protects the entire body and camera, enables it to land on the water and flying in the rain smoothly with level 5 wind resistance. It can be an autonomous personal AI camera, a hand-held anti-shake camera equipped with a triaxial mechanical stability augmentation gimbal, and a high-performance waterproof drone. ![]() PowerEgg X can adapt to various scenarios by using different accessories. PowerEgg X was admitted by the jury made up of 98 international independent design experts for its outstanding product design. This year's product design competition included more than 10,000 entries from 52 countries. Recognized as a symbol of design excellence around the world, the iF DESIGN AWARD welcomes over 5,000 submissions from 70 countries every year. iF Design Awards are a world-renowned design prize based in Hannover, Germany. PowerEgg X has been selected as a winner of this year's iF Design Award for product design.Įach year, iF International Forum Design GmbH organizes one of the world's most celebrated and valued design competitions: the iF DESIGN AWARD. ![]() ![]() Voltage drop refers to the decrease in voltage that occurs as electrical current flows through a wire. The difference in wire size has implications for electric applications, particularly when considering voltage drop. This means 4 AWG wire has lower resistance and less voltage drop than 6 AWG gauge wire. Related Reading: 50 Amp Wire Size Guide: What Wire Size for 50 Amp Breaker? 6 AWG vs 4 AWG Wire Size and Voltage DropĤ AWG wire has a larger diameter than 6 AWG gauge wire. Voltage determines the electrical potential and compatibility of devices, while ampacity determines the maximum current-carrying capability of the wire. Choosing a wire with sufficient ampacity to safely carry the expected current load without exceeding its wire rating capacity is important. The ampacity of a wire depends on its size, material, and insulation type. As the temperature rises, the capacity to carry more current decreases. It is measured in amperes (A) and indicates how much current a wire can handle without overheating or causing an electrical safety hazard.Īs the load on wires increases, temperature also increases. Ampacity: Ampacity refers to the maximum current-carrying capacity of a cable or conductor.Typical voltage levels in residential settings include 120V and 240V in many countries. It determines the force or pressure that drives electric current through a conductor.Įlectronic devices and electrical appliances require specific voltage levels to operate correctly and safely. Voltage: Voltage, measured in volts (V), represents the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit.It is crucial to consider both voltage and ampacity to ensure safe and efficient electrical installations. When choosing the correct wire size for a 60 amp circuit breaker or sub-panel, ensuring that the wire’s ampacity is equal to or greater than 60 amps to handle the load safely is crucial.įactors like the number of conductors bundled together and the installation method can also impact a wire’s ampacity and may require adjustments to the proper wire size selection. The National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines for the maximum ampacity allow for different electrical wire sizes and insulation types. The ampacity of a wire is determined by factors such as its gauge, insulation type, ambient temperature, and intended use. Wire ampacity refers to the maximum electric current a wire can safely carry without exceeding its ambient temperature rating. The higher the wire gauge, the more amps the wire can carry. This is measured in amperes (A), or amps for short. What is Wire Ampacity?Īmps refer to the electric current flowing through a circuit. Thicker wire sizes can mitigate the extra heat the electrical current flows through the cable. It’s common knowledge that larger and thicker wire sizes can handle higher amperage loads than smaller and thinner wires. If the wire you install can’t handle the amperage, it might melt accidentally or even burn, causing a fire.įor the above reason, it’s essential to understand the size of wires and their actual capacity to carry an amperage load. The right size wire of a breaker determines whether the conductors of the wire will handle the amperage flowing through it. Getting the co rrect wire size is critical in any breaker due to safety. Related Reading: Wire Size for 100 Amp Electric Service: Complete Guide Why Is Wire Size Important? We have a residential electric load calculator that will help determine the ampacity you need. At the same time, a 6 gauge can not provide the same voltage without exceeding its capacity and potentially overheating. 4 AWG wire is larger and can carry more current (approximately 85 amps) than 6 AWG wire (approximately 55 amps).įor example, a 4 gauge copper wire size can comfortably have 60 amps of power. The main difference between 4 AWG and 6 AWG wires is their size and ampacity. Since almost all residential cables are rated at least 600V, amperage is the only factor determining wire gauge.įor instance, the wire size for a 220v, 60-amp falls between 6 AWG and 4 AWG size. ![]() You must increase the wire thickness if you intend to use aluminum wire. The appropriate size for a 60-amp breaker is between 6 AWG and 4 AWG (American Wire Gauge).Īs mentioned above, licensed electricians recommend using a wire size between 6 gauge and 4 gauge. ![]() You might wonder about calculating wire size, especially if you want to add more circuits to your home. Conclusion What Wire Size is Needed for a 60-Amp Breaker? ![]() You can either manually select a server to connect to with a single click or allow the extension to automatically pick the fastest server for you. This proxy offers servers in 3 countries: Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands. You can access this service through the website or by using Chrome and Firefox extensions. proxy service is a good choice if you’re conscious of user privacy - it does not store logs, helping your online activities to stay anonymous. Plus, you can try it risk-free for a limited time with a 45-day refund guarantee. It offers strong encryption, a broad server network, and an effective kill switch feature. The proxy plugin also lacks the round-the-clock live chat support that you get with the VPN, a drawback if you require immediate assistance.įor enhanced security and top features, I recommend you get CyberGhost’s VPN instead. This omission potentially exposes your IP address and personal data if the connection is interrupted. But I encountered blocks when trying to access HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.Ī significant downside is the lack of a kill switch, a security feature that is available in the CyberGhost VPN. Streaming on Netflix was smooth, delivering HD quality without buffering. The streaming performance, however, was inconsistent. ![]() The plugin consistently kept my IP address concealed during DNS queries. Plus, it lets you choose your server location and change your IP address in seconds.ĭuring my testing, I performed a series of DNS leak tests while the plugin was enabled. Once installed, a single click on the power button connects you to a CyberGhost Proxy server. The plugin features a One-Click Connect option which impressed me with its speed and secure connection capabilities. ![]() This extension provides access to 8 servers located in Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, and the US. You can quickly download it from the official site or from respective web stores. The CyberGhost Free Proxy Plugin is a simple, no-signup extension for Chrome and Firefox users. Best Parental Control for iPhone & iPad.IPVanish VPN vs Private Internet Access.The website also offers detailed tutorials and FAQs to help users get started with their proxies quickly and easily. Oxylabs’ customer service and technical support teams are always on hand to provide assistance if needed. For those looking for a reliable, secure online proxy website, Oxylabs is the perfect solution. Furthermore, Oxylabs offers an automated proxy rotation system, so you never have to worry about switching IPs manually. The website also offers customizations and security features that let you tailor your experience to meet your specific needs. With its easy setup process, Oxylabs allows you to create an account and start using proxies in minutes. The reliability of Oxylabs’ services is unparalleled, making it a top choice for both professional and casual users who want to stay safe while browsing the web. Oxylabs provides a huge range of proxies, including residential, mobile, and datacenter IPs, with over 100 million total IP addresses available across more than 195 countries and cities. Oxylabs allows you to get access to the web from anywhere in the world. Conclusion Top Online Proxy Websites List #1. ![]() ![]() The original iPod's physical appearance was inspired by the 1958 Braun T3 transistor radio designed by Dieter Rams, while the wheel-based user interface drew on Bang & Olufsen's BeoCom 6000 telephone. The power supply was then designed by Michael Dhuey, while the display was designed in-house by Apple design engineer Jonathan Ive. Within eight months, Tony Fadell's team and PortalPlayer had completed a prototype. Fadell partnered with a company called PortalPlayer to design software for the device this work eventually took shape as the iPod OS. Time constraints forced Fadell to develop various components of the iPod outside Apple. Because most of Apple's engineering manpower and resources were already dedicated to the iMac line, Fadell hired engineers from his startup company, Fuse, and veteran engineers from General Magic and Philips to build the core iPod development team. įadell found support for his project with Apple Computer and was hired by Apple in 2001 as an independent contractor to work on the iPod project, then code-named project P-68. Rubinstein had also already made substantial progress on development of other key hardware elements, including the device's screen and battery. Rubinstein had already discovered the Toshiba hard disk drive while meeting with an Apple supplier in Japan, ultimately purchasing the rights to it for Apple. Fadell had previously developed the Philips Velo and Nino PDA before starting a company called Fuse Systems to build the new MP3 player, but RealNetworks, Sony and Philips had already passed on the project. Īt Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ direction, hardware engineering chief Jon Rubinstein recruited Tony Fadell, a former employee of General Magic and Philips, who had a business idea to invent a better MP3 player and build a complementary music sales store. To address these deficits, the company decided to develop its own MP3 player. They also identified weaknesses in existing models' attempt to negotiate the trade-off between capacity and portability flash memory-based players held too few songs, while the hard drive based models were too big and heavy. Portable MP3 players had existed since the mid-1990s, but Apple found existing digital music players "big and clunky or small and useless" with user interfaces that were "unbelievably awful". From left to right: iPod 5th generation in a case, iPod 4th generation, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle During the middle of 2010, iPhone sales overtook those of the iPod. While the iPhone and iPad have essentially the same media player capabilities as the iPod line, they are generally treated as separate products. As of iOS 5, separate Music and Videos apps are standardized across all iOS-powered products. īefore the release of iOS 5, the iPod branding was used for the media player included with the iPhone and iPad, which was separated into apps named "Music" and "Videos" on the iPod Touch. Prior to macOS 10.15, Apple's iTunes software (and other alternative software) could be used to transfer music, photos, videos, games, contact information, e-mail settings, Web bookmarks, and calendars to the devices supporting these features from computers using certain versions of Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems. Some versions of the iPod can serve as external data storage devices, like other digital music players. At over 20 years, the iPod brand is the oldest to be discontinued by Apple. Apple discontinued the iPod product line on May 10, 2022. Apple sold an estimated 450 million iPod products as of 2022. The first version was released on October 23, 2001, about 8 + 1⁄ 2 months after the Macintosh version of iTunes was released. The iPod is a discontinued series of portable media players and multi-purpose mobile devices designed and marketed by Apple Inc. ![]() ![]() ![]() This creates a slight incline, which makes the Folio more comfortable for smartpen usage. As you do so, the top and back of the display push down, and the leather folds under it. To get into this tablet mode, you simply pull the display forward yet again. But there are advantages to HP’s approach, too. The Spectre Folio is no different, and the resulting tablet PC form factor is, of course, a bit big and heavy compared to using a true tablet like Surface Pro. (You can also do so with touch, of course.) And as important, the incline of the display in this mode is perfect for that most classic of scenarios in which you might need to use the PC like this: The cramped quarters of a coach airline seat.Ĭonvertible PCs are designed to be versatile, but they also favor the traditional laptop form factor because this is the way that most people will use the PC most of the time. The touchpad is still available, too, so you can control media playback, perhaps, far more easily. Unlike with other convertible designs, where the keyboard is under the PC and touching the table or surface on which it rests, the keyboard here never moves and is hidden behind the forward-leaning display. Here, too, (less strong) magnets guide the way so that the display falls naturally into the correct position. You can still choose from a range of useful screen angles in laptop mode, for example, and the display stays where you leave it.īut to move the Spectre Folio into a content consumption mode, you actually detach the display panel from the base and pull it forward, at the bottom, so that it will rest in the area between the bottom of the keyboard and the top of the touchpad. These magnets-and the lack of a hinge-do not in any way detract from a usability perspective. Put more truthfully, there is no hinge: Instead, the bottom of the display panel is attached to the keyboard deck by very strong magnets when used in folio and laptop modes. And it relies on a completely different kind of hinge. But the way in which you convert this PC into those usage modes is new and unique. Like other convertibles, the Spectre Folio supports other usage modes related to viewing content and using it like a thick tablet PC. It looks and works exactly like any laptop, though the comfortable, leather-clad wrist rest will be a regular reminder that you’re using something special.īut this is where things get interesting. ![]() You open the Spectre Folio into a traditional clam-shell-style laptop usage mode as you do with any laptop: Just open the display lid, exposing the display, keyboard, and touchpad. In transit, it’s a literal folio, and thanks to the leather, many observers will simply assume you are, in fact, just carrying a folio full of documents. The Spectre Folio is, I think, the most elegant convertible PC design yet. And in using this PC over the past month or so, I’ve become ever more convinced that they’re onto something here. In an interesting twist, this in turn influenced the unique way in which you move the Spectre Folio between its various usage modes. But I suspect that HP’s decision to make the Spectre Folio a more versatile convertible laptop necessitated the more sophisticated design we see here. It is, at least, available in two colors, the Cognac brown on the review unit, which I prefer, and a more purplish Bordeaux Burgundy.įrom a more pragmatic standpoint, adding a leather covering on top of a traditional, clamshell-style laptop would probably be no more difficult than gluing a carpet to a keyboard deck. But you also won’t experience the pleasant patina effect that occurs to other leather products as they age. That’s by design, and the HP-chosen leather will withstand years of use and abuse without discoloring or thinning. It looks and feels high-quality because it is.įrom an aesthetic standpoint, the leather that HP used more closely resembles a basketball than it does the leather used on an expensive wallet, iPhone case, or jacket. There is never any sense that the leather and metal might separate, because they won’t, and there is every sense that this is a single, harmonious creation. Instead, it used leather as the chassis for this PC and then integrated a metal frame, batteries, display, and an incredibly small motherboard into this base. Nor did it glue this material to metal, as Microsoft did, infamously, with the Alcantara. It is, after all, the first thing that anyone will notice, and it is the obvious starting point for any conversation about the Spectre Folio.įrom a design perspective, HP didn’t simply create a convertible laptop and then wrap the outer frame in a leather shell or slipcase. |
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