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General Software Discussion / Re: calendar that is happy in Windows and on tablet

« Last post by Dormouse on September 10, 2016, 06:50 PM »

What's the problem with going through Google Calendar, or similar? There might be 2 steps, but they take place automatically in the background. And easy to replace a component if one is discontinued or you dislike its progress.

I use VueMinder Pro on Windows and Business Calendar on Android. I assume I had something on ios when I tried it out, but don't remember now. I have no problems with it and it all seems pretty seamless and effective. I have EssentialPIM Pro but have never used its calendar really.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on August 18, 2016, 11:29 AM »

And has carried on working.
Bought a mouse/keyboard combo just to use with it (Logitech MX800). Tried a cheaper one first (but mouse button didn't work) and then the MX800 (but had to return it because the i key didn't work - but knew it was a much better option for me). And in doing that worked out why the Dock was such a big issue for me.

I spend a lot of time leaning back in my chair, keyboard on lap, mouse on chair arm. Eyes about 4 or 5 feet from the screen. I use the backwards/forwards/zoom controls on the mouse all the time. Productivity slumps if I can't do it.

So now using the Surface most of the time as my main computer, though it still doesn't displace the Samsung. Happy bunny 
 

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on August 09, 2016, 03:19 PM »

I think, maybe, I might have found a working solution.

The setup described above stopped working completely, let alone just being unreliable. I think I have tried every known type of cable, adapter and interface (active and passive) but the Surface Dock never simply worked/s with them although there have been occasional glimmers of function. Latest drivers and Windows OS installed. I considered getting other monitors; would probably have been cheaper in the end than all the cables and adapters etc but would have been a relatively big expense in one lump and I had no faith that even an approved monitor would work.

I found that the Surface was becoming by far my least used device. I used my Samsung Note extensively - a better tablet anyway - and also used my desktop quite a lot. And the Surface only when there was no alternative. A much nicer device than my other laptop but equally under utilised.

But now, I hope, (and actually believe) I have a solution. I have attached another dock. This time a Plugable USB dock. I attached it first to the Surface and then to the Surface Dock and it simply worked as if working was never something to be questioned. I am using both docks mostly because I have them both, but prefer to avoid regularly attaching and detaching the dock to the USB port; the MS magnetic charger/connector is easily attached and detached without any mechanical stress on the port. It is very early days, and it might turn round and bite me, but it feels stable just as it ought to be.

It will mean I use the Surface very much more. I've been happy to use it for portability and when I'm just doing one thing, but I really like a lot of screen space for my usual multitasking.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on July 11, 2016, 03:17 AM »

Device in general remains really nice.

Apart from the monitor issue, the dock usually works.
The monitor issue has really irritated me. Seems to be a widespread issue affecting many monitors and makes, and should,  I  would have thought, have been fixable but no sign of MS doing so. It would be easier if it worked or didn't work but when a solution works sometimes, but not always, you can never sit down to work knowing it will be there.

I've switched one of my big monitors back to my desktop.  Probably a better idea tbh. I can manage OK with the current set up so long as it keeps working and keeps its settings. Maybe I'd have fewer resolution problems if I'd got the graphics card option but saw nothing on the Internet to suggest that.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on July 10, 2016, 03:07 PM »

Thanks.
It has been a real pig to deal with and isn't stable.
The ports on the Surface and dock are mini displayport.
I have been through connections via Displayport, HDMI, DVI and VGA on the monitors.
Nothing worked initially on the dock. But I got them (mostly) to work direct. And sometimes they would then work on the dock. Though not necessarily twice. And not at the correct resolution.
I now have 2 monitors working from the dock. One on DVI and one on VGA. Not at the optimum resolution but functioning. Although the function has been coming and going. I can live with this although it is not what I planned and may not prove reliable.

Would have been easy to be diverted by Internet memes that said my intended monitors  (I switched one out. I hadn't got it working but may have been able to but changed my mind about which monitors to use.) didn't work on W10. I knew they did because they did before.

So, sort of OK for now. Judgement suspended.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on July 08, 2016, 01:56 PM »

Have come across my first major problem.
The failure of the dock to work with my monitors. Seems to be a common and well known problem.
My monitors are not on the list of monitors that don't work, but not on the list of monitors that should either.
I got one to work (once) by connecting it directly and then back to the dock. But it stopped when I switched it from duplicating to extending screen. Hasn't worked since. And the other  (identical) model has never worked on the dock or on the Book directly.
Means I cannot use the Book as I intended, and the dock isn't very useful at all. Might send them both back.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on June 20, 2016, 06:17 PM »

 
I'm afraid I forgot completely about the GPU. Wasn't important to my use and I'd been put off a little by some comments saying that it made the balance of the Book worse. So my decision was between i7/16GB/256GB/dGPU and i5/8GB/128GB/integrated graphics; put like that it may not have been the right decision but I'm still very happy. If they can produce hardware like this, I cannot understand why MS didn't do it years ago; I hope they keep it up.

I'm being very minimalistic in what I'm installing. If I don't see a program as an essential part of my working ecosystem, it doesn't get installed (I'll use my desktop for the times I need those); happier to try programs that don't need installing.

On the Samsung front, they picked it up on Thursday (the earliest day convenient for me) and will deliver it back tomorrow (Tuesday). Seems like very impressive service to me.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on June 18, 2016, 05:23 PM »

Interesting that you're going with the 256gb ssd. Locally that is nearly 25% more expensive, and I couldn't justify that. Instead I'm going with a big, fast sd card and a Samsung T3 portable SSD. Easier to switch the use between computers which I will be doing fairly often, and still cheaper. Also bought a dock, so will see how well it works as a desktop replacement.

Got pushed a bit into buying since my desktop was playing up a bit and my tablet suddenly stopped (battery I assume, and Samsung may take up to a week to get it back to me fixed). I didn't even think of using my ipad, which was an interesting comment to self.

My initial impressions of the Book are very positive. Best laptop I've ever had by far - though that's not saying a great deal since I've never liked laptops. Only installed a few very frequently used programs so far.

Glad I went with the book as Windows is clearly poorer than Android (and iOS, I suppose) for use on a tablet. But I have no problems with the tablet size, which is very nice for some things. The pen is nice, but I would have liked a smaller one which fitted inside as the Samsung does; the magnetic attachment may be better than the last version but is hardly a secure attachment. I think I will revert mostly to using the Samsung for pure tablet use when I get it back.

Otherwise, I can see myself feeling like this:

I'm absolutely in love with the machine. The sound quality and video quality is phenomenal, the responsiveness is amazing, and the versatility is hard to beat - you can either use it as a standard tablet, as a tablet + stylus, or as a laptop with the type cover. The pen is great, it attaches to the Surface magnetically, it has an eraser, the palm-block technology they use is wonderful, so is their handwriting and speech recognition.

-w3bcrawler (April 09, 2016, 03:40 PM)

I will update as and when I have more observations, but seems likely I will shift to using this most of the time for everything.

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Living Room / Re: Thanks again for the Windows 10 upgrade reminder - NOT

« Last post by Dormouse on June 18, 2016, 04:34 AM »

It was also like a double slap in the face because I'm an IT person. We (if nobody else) shouldn't have to put up with this sort of nonsense. A little professional courtesy, at least within the Guild,  Mr. Gates!

-40hz (June 15, 2016, 06:20 PM)

You could try sending him a bill. Focus stealing is a curse whatever does it, and seems very common on Windows particularly.
Also second using ebay snipers. I don't use ebay much but the snipers help sometimes, especially if I have a plan.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Where has Clipmate Support Gone?

« Last post by Dormouse on June 18, 2016, 04:24 AM »

Has been a problem for a long time - noted here.
Forums closed in 2013 (iirc); never a good sign.
I liked Clipmate and it was generally stable and worked. But developers do have real lives and do move on sometimes. I've not found companies or groups to be better than individuals, and think these situations are just things we have to deal with. And better to be grateful for what we have/had than resentful. I haven't really moved on from Clipmate and use a number of programs that haven't been updated in years - and paid for them knowing that too - but have been using clipboard managers much less as a technique, possibly because of multi platform use. Mouser's program is very good and Clip Cache is recommended by many too.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft OneNote - some experiential Tips & Tricks

« Last post by Dormouse on June 13, 2016, 05:22 AM »

I have used the container idea since I read it here (thanks), and it all makes sense - but that's not quite the same as being able to do it myself. But does give me signposts and that digital book does give me a destination (I particularly liked the links to other books, each in their own subfolder). But feels like a lot of effort to get there as Onenote always has for me.

btw, I get more and more confused by attempts to compare Onenote and Evernote. What's here is wonderful but it doesn't impact on my Evernote usage at all.

It's clear that people use Onenote in many different ways, each developed for their individual purposes.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft OneNote - some experiential Tips & Tricks

« Last post by Dormouse on June 12, 2016, 06:48 PM »

Cognitive processes underlying handwriting are quite different to typing and the 'muscle memory' is more about words than letters. Many people who have difficulties with writing have no such difficulty with typing. There's a number of ways handwriting would be expected to enhance memory & it also gives the option of larger/smaller, drawing relationships and organising points differently on a page.
What, so far as I know, has not been demonstrated is a similar advantage using a digital pen and a tablet - but many though not all) of the explanations underlying the effect would apply to that too. Where a lecture is made available digitally before it is actually given orally, it allows the possibility of comments being made by handwriting on the pdf.

Completely separately, my understanding of the possibilities of Onenote use was massively expanded when I came across this page. Amazing how much more power there is in having an example you can understand and are interested in. Still need to get my head around how to do it myself though.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on June 12, 2016, 06:29 PM »

Decided to buy now. Too much uncertainty over whether the next version will be out during this tax year. And I can use it now. And might still have business profits to offset in a few years when it comes to replace it.
Was going to go for the i7 8/256GB Book but in the end went for i5, 8/128GB; I didn't think I could justify paying 44% more, when I can just do anything needing more power on a desktop. I expect it will significantly reduce my desktop usage.
So hoping for the best now.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on June 01, 2016, 05:42 PM »

I read this article on the 'Sleep of Death'. Doesn't do a lot for Microsoft's reputation or their ability to sort Surface bugs out but wouldn't inconvenience me - I've never found sleep or hibernate reliable enough to use and remember having problems restarting sometimes years ago when I did try it. But further encourages me to wait until the next generation is out.

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Living Room / Re: Goodbye to my father

« Last post by Dormouse on May 24, 2016, 02:31 PM »

I am truly sorry for your loss, (though also relieved his pain has stopped).

But a wonderful tribute to him (though your existence and presence here is tribute enough).
I can't remember a time when I laughed in a eulogy from someone in the moment of suffering the loss. A wonderful person to have known.
My thoughts are with you. And with my own father a bit.
Thank you.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on May 13, 2016, 03:10 PM »

I think I have decided, more or less, to buy the Book version. Sounds as if it is the best laptop replacement. No one saying I would be mad, despite the price, and even a mild positivity. But I'll hope to wait for the next generation to be out. It might be better, and, if it isn't, the current generation will probably be reduced in price. And I'm unlikely to need to buy earlier.

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General Software Discussion / Re: How to encrypt external hard drives using USB in Windows 7 Pro and Home?

« Last post by Dormouse on April 18, 2016, 09:27 AM »

Bitlocker was/is only available on Pro or higher versions of Windows 7 or later.

-4wd (April 03, 2016, 08:00 PM)

Bitlocker isn't available in Win7 pro, as it's only available in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions.

-Stoic Joker (April 04, 2016, 06:48 AM)

Oops . Sorry. I forgot I'd set it up originally on a W8 machine.

I must say that the unanimity of support for Veracrypt will take me in that direction. I much prefer multi-platform. I've still been using TrueCrypt.

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Living Room / Re: Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on April 18, 2016, 09:19 AM »

Thanks. I don't really know myself.

atm, I have a Samsung Note 10" tablet. I like it, use it a lot, including the pen; browsing, writing, some spreadsheet work. Screen size is convenient for carrying and using anywhere. Is always on, so no waiting turning it on and off. Can do much of what I need. Limitations are insufficient screen space for some applications and not running some applications because it is Android not Windows.
I have a pretty powerful desktop with 2 very large monitors. Mostly I think I only like it because of the screen space and having a full size keyboard. I use it when I'm multitasking intensively or have to run a Windows program.
I do have a Windows touchscreen hybrid laptop. It works OK. But I rarely use it. Touch pad doesn't work as well as a mouse on a desk, and using a mouse with it isn't that convenient. So, mostly, when I have a task that needs a Windows program, it gets put off until there's enough to do to justify turning the laptop desktop on.

I think my usage would be general stuff plus spreadsheets with better compatibility with the work I do on the desktop. I would only do photo or video editing on the desktop because of the calibrated monitors (though maybe the Surface could hook into some sort of workstation). I worry that the larger size would mean that I use it less than my Samsung. And delays in starting and spontaneous updating waits would put me off too. Did I say I like my Samsung?

I'm only thinking about it now because there would be an advantage to buying it this tax year. And I'll be giving up one of my jobs in the next year and won't have the laptop and desktops that go with that, meaning that I can concentrate on just using my own systems.

I've found it hard to get a clear idea of how it might be in practice from the internet with the multiple complaints about problems and reviews being glowing but based on virtually no real life use. Your experience does help me weigh it up. I did have a slight veer towards the book version, as it seems to be better reviewed as a laptop replacement with better keyboard  - but even bigger. Luckily I still have lots of time to mull it over.

I think of it partly as a replacement for the Samsung, but am also aware that a lot of Android apps are more usable than their Windows equivalents; and cheaper.

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General Software Discussion / Re: How to encrypt external hard drives using USB in Windows 7 Pro and Home?

« Last post by Dormouse on April 04, 2016, 02:47 AM »

You should be able to download and run bitlocker on your Wpro machine, and then read encrypted drives on other computers. EFS will encrypt files and folders.

I wouldn't disagree with 4wd's suggestion either, although if you do use the drives regularly you'll probably leave them out sometimes.

Mostly I'd suggest multiple copies in multiple places. Including cloud.

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Living Room / Surface Pro 4 (etc); observations from long term use?

« Last post by Dormouse on March 14, 2016, 04:49 AM »

I have a Samsung Note tablet I very much like and use a lot. Use the pen a lot. The only other tablets that use the same technology are the Surface Pro and the latest iPad. When I eventually have to replace my Samsung, I have wondered whether the Surface Pro of the time would be a reasonable alternative. If it also replaced my laptop, it would only be twice the price overall and might offer more convenience in programs - though I have serious doubts about the size which seems unwieldy to use and distinctly not portable. I assume I'd need one of the more powerful models for this use but any comments on this would also be welcome.

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General Software Discussion / OneNote, Evernote (and Tagspaces?) . Best practice for multi-platform use.

« Last post by Dormouse on March 14, 2016, 04:30 AM »

After through Iain's OneNote insights thread recently, I again reviewed my usage of these programs. Didn't want to clutter his thread with my personal issues, so starting my own.

I have never been much helped by the comparisons on the net because they always seem to be written by people who use one and have a limited insight into the other; compounded by not being familiar with their functionality on all the platforms I use. I've never been expert on either program, which is why I'm happy to learn more, every now and again. But I have used both from soon after they launched (sometimes more and sometimes less) and I have always used both rather one only (have Office365 and Evernote Premium).

Evernote for clipping, speed and similarities across platforms; visually intuitive and works well without organisation. OneNote for stuff that requires more organisation, or more functionality, and where speed isn't an issue, though often irritated by quirks and omissions; but it does seem to be getting much more corporate love recently with some emphasis on other platforms.

I also have been frequently  discomfited by the moving boundaries of the entry boxes - not at all controllable on Android - but impressed with the idea of using tables as containers which I think I will find very useful. I still don't find it clipping as well as Evernote, or working so fast, and still seems cumbersome for random and unsorted notes, but I can see myself using it much more. If only...

.. it's tagging was more functional. So ironic.  I can remember being one of those who protested when Evernote dumped hierarchical folders and shifted to tags. But now I really appreciate the value of tagging as a system and OneNote's isn't good enough. And  hierarchical folders aren't the same thing. So, with that insight, I've been thinking of moving heavily to a system organised around a tagging hierarchy for everything; still keeping folder setup as it is now.  No problem on Evernote and I can use the same system on OneNote, so far as it is able. And hopefully the same for files using Tagspaces - though I've not used it before and it may fail woefully in practice. Doing that on Dropbox and Google Drive should give me access on all platforms. I certainly won't be organising more than a small amount of stuff in this way, but I can see it helping a lot with many projects, and smooth my use of multiple platforms.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft OneNote - some experiential Tips & Tricks

« Last post by Dormouse on February 20, 2016, 03:05 PM »

Using multiple platforms, and mostly not being on my desktop, has heavily reduced the number of options I have. Simpler is generally better than complex because I can make it work anywhere.

I tend to use Evernote most because it works well and similarly whatever the platform. OneNote doesn't, so I will use it on the desktop/laptop and add to notebooks when I am on on other platforms. But unless I am already using OneNote for something, I'll just use Evernote.

Pretty much the opposite of a card index system. I bung everything in and search for stuff I need later.  Tag only when I need, and practically never when I put stuff in.

I might use OneNote more on the desktop but have always found it quirky and taking time to work out when it isn't obvious how to make it do something I want. Much less of an issue in other programs.

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General Software Discussion / Re: In search of an alternative to InfoSelect ...

« Last post by Dormouse on February 20, 2016, 02:30 PM »

Not sure if anyone ever reads this thread anymore, but I just discovered TreeDBNotes Pro 4 (v3.5, actually), and it is the first software program I've found which I think compares favorably to InfoSelect v9.

-skas (February 07, 2016, 03:17 AM)

I really like TreeDBnotes, especially for writing. I do remember some complaints in the, now defunct, forum about data loss but never had a problem myself. Use it much less than I did because I switch platforms a lot and need programs that make my life simpler. Agree that Pro is much the most useful version.

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General Software Discussion / Re: Opera Browser being sold off

« Last post by Dormouse on February 20, 2016, 02:09 PM »

Time for me to uninstall it, I think

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General Software Discussion / Re: Agnitum (makers of Outpost Firewall and AV) has been acquired by Yandex

« Last post by Dormouse on January 24, 2016, 09:45 AM »

Another disappointed Outpost user. 
I used Kaspersky once, but found it too intrusive and slow.
I might try it, but can't imagine I will continue after the 2 years are up.
Don't know what the best alternatives are now.
Maybe the 2 years will be enough for me to be fully Android & Linux. And a Windows machine without internet access.