I use Surfshark as well and have your problem 1, as I assume most VPN users do, but not your problem 2. My connection and speeds seem pretty stable, even allowing me to max out my connection many hours later.

Perhaps the issue is which server you’re connecting to.

Over time, as CPUs get better integrated graphics, it might be worth it. Essentially, if you’re fine with playing last-gen games at ok framerates and you don’t need maxed-out graphics, a mini PC is an option. If you want to play recent AAA blockbusters at 100fps, obviously it’s a big no. But the next generation might get you close to those results on current-gen games.

As a matter of principle, I don’t save my credit card number anywhere. It’s a little more tedious when I make a purchase, but I’ve got my number memorized anyway, so it’s not a big deal, and it’s definitely more secure in that respect.

If you got nothing to hide, what’s your credit card number?

Mostly, the design is motivated by the aesthetics, but also TPU sucks at bridging and supports.

Have you ever tried Creality’s HP-TPU? It only comes in transparent and white unfortunately, but I’ve printed it at 150mm/s and had no issues with bridging at all. I don’t have much experience with other TPU, but I’ve liked using that one. The base price isn’t very good, but sometimes they have really nice discounts on it.

The vast majority of micro plastics are from car tires yet that is not what people freak out about.

The majority of microplastics are from synthetic fibers in clothing, actually. Your point is valid though.

Barns usually have a mezzanine or a second floor for storage. At least the ones I’ve seen have never been tall but empty.

I use the web client because I don’t like having a separate app for every single thing I do on my phone.

I would imagine that admitting fault is a bad look when it comes to fighting the lawsuit that inevitably comes after. Hard to claim you’re not liable when you’ve made a statement saying it’s your fault.

Literally the company that RDR2 portrays as the bad guys, that sued the makers of the game and lost because they objectively ARE the bad guys.

The shield isn’t meant as a gaming device, it’s a streaming device. I mean you can run games on it, I guess, but it’s an Android device and its purpose is to stream from PC to your TV.

How much did your laptop cost compared to something like a $199 Shield?

They still sell them. They made newer models since, though I have no idea if it’s still as popular as it once was.

If you’re looking for pretty, Fractal Design have great looking cases. Not cheap though.

RGB on the back

Hall effect joysticks and should buttons are nice to have.

16GB RAM I don’t think is a big deal when you’re running a slimmed-down linux distro, but with Win11 it seems like a bad idea. Most people who buy this won’t be installing another OS on it.

The trackpads are one of the key features that makes a handheld’s interface so much more effective, and all the other Steam Deck competitors kept getting called out for omitting them. Nice to see here.

BG3 was definitely a complete game upon release. This is just icing on the cake.

I’ll have to try it again another time. My cable just broke off. I’ll have to figure out the wiring again before I give it another go.

I’m running a 7900XT and run most things maxed out or nearly so at 1440. FSR may not be as effective as DLSS but it still gives a nice boost to framerates. I got mine for about 900 CAD this summer, so if you’re willing to put in the extra cash, an XTX will get you some extra performance on top of that.

For example, on CP2077, I only have a few settings below max, and have raytracing on Ultra (which is the 2nd highest setting), and I don’t think I ever go below 60FPS. I have FSR on, but no framegen. I think during gameplay, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference if I turned the other options any higher, but my framerate would drop below 60.

What are some games that you currently play or expect to play, for reference?

Not sure what the price is in Euros, but it’s also %41 off on Fanatical.

I don’t know get why they would make it with UE5 when they have their own in-house engine.