decisions

There are numerous changes happening at the moment. I decided to make a few changes to my gear, resulting in some updates.  Recently, I made a purchase of a brand new monitor, specifically the Alienware - AW3423DWF model, which is a 34-inch Quantum Dot OLED Curved Ultrawide Gaming Monitor with a refresh rate of 165Hz and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology.

My preference was to have a laptop that could replace the AIO as a desktop, rather than opting for a traditional desktop. The laptop I ultimately decided on is equipped with blazing fast power and functionality, making it perfect for handling multiple tasks simultaneously. With its large screen, powerful dedicated graphics, high-speed processor, and a generous 32 GB RAM, not to mention the dual SSDs that offer a combined storage capacity of 1.5 TB, this laptop is truly a powerhouse. I have combined the Alienware and MSI GE65 Raider 9SF, primarily due to the fact that I was able to secure an excellent deal on the latter.

When considering desktop replacement laptops, it was crucial to acknowledge that while they aim to replicate desktop-level performance, the inherent trade-offs related to portability, upgradeability, and connectivity might not make them the optimal choice for me seeking a complete desktop replacement solution. However, after carefully considering all the factors, I ultimately reached the logical conclusion that I already possess the reliable and versatile Dell XPS Pro laptop, which I can conveniently take along with me during my travels.

When it comes to using a desktop replacement laptop, I have discovered that having a reliable laptop dock is absolutely essential. This is because it not only enables me to conveniently charge my device but also seamlessly connect it to various external accessories such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The USB-C ports on the front charge my device and transfer data at a faster rate, whereas the USB-C ports on the back can support dual 4K monitors, creating impressive desktop displays.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a reliable external keyboard and mouse in optimizing your setup. With my Logitech Vertical mouse, I can navigate effortlessly and comfortably, while my Logitech MX keyboard provides a seamless desktop experience, allowing me to forget about my laptop’s trackpad. Despite my efforts, I haven’t been successful in finding a trackpad that suits my needs. Although I have my eyes on a new mechanical keyboard, I find it difficult to justify making the purchase at this moment. 

 The elephant in the room is the question of which distribution I chose. The apple, like its tree, didn’t stray too far from its roots. I stayed in the Arch family. When it came to choosing an operating system, I ultimately settled on Arco Linux, an old favorite of mine. I selected it for the freedom it provides me with. Using the GUI, I can take a more relaxed approach while still having complete control over customizing the system I desire with the advanced installation option. The combination is truly beautiful. In all honesty, I must admit that I do not find the distributions visually pleasing; however, I wouldn’t go as far as to call them ugly. Maybe it’s just a girl thing. The ability to extensively tweak and customize Linux to my heart’s desire is something I greatly appreciate, as it enables me to transform any distro into a personalized and customized experience. The tools from Arco and Garuda have won my heart and I absolutely love using them. They’re experts when it comes to tools. These tools have proven to be incredibly useful in tackling the persistent issues that commonly afflict Arch.

Besides switching to Arco, I also made the decision to change my desktop environment. The key is to understand the environment that is most suitable for your workflow and where you feel the most comfortable. I was contemplating opting for a tried-and-true choice, but with minimal changes to my base distro, I thought it was time to venture into unfamiliar territory. I am currently experimenting with the Cinnamon and finding it to be quite enjoyable. While it may not have as many options as KDE, this software is still highly customizable, making it a nice middle ground between GNOME and XFCE. The consistent updates and attention to detail give it a polished feel. With the Cinnamon desktop, you can enjoy the convenience of tiling, hot corners, and the option to have multiple workspaces. Following a long period of repetitiveness, I am now thrilled to be using my system once more and find myself genuinely pleased with my current setup.

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