Computer question: for help with visual sensitivities

[MC1Rcat]

@MC1Rcat : I have just remembered that there is one Linux developer (System76) I know of who not only makes the Pop!OS22.04, but also markets it with a laptop as well. One of the few Linux distros that seems to be marketed towards gamers.

Makes me wonder if System76 is doing something more when it comes to the thermodynamics issues of laptops and Linux. Though it does appear their laptops use a discreet GPU as well, which means better cooling with two fans rather than one dedicated only to the CPU.

That you might also consider experimenting with that distro as well. Another distro I have had much success with, not to mention the GUI is more "Mac-like".

Some of the Linux "gurus" tend to rate it as average, but for me it remains the least problematic Ubuntu-based distro I have found to date. Though I'm acutely aware they are working to deliver a rather different updated version sometime this year.

Laptops

This looks very interesting! The Pangolin has 144 Hz refresh rate on the screen, and the AMD Ryzen processor and AMD graphics. Which are 3 things that I am looking for in a laptop. I have heard that intel and AMD processors are most compatible w/ Linux. But, I think I would prefer the AMD because I have been reading tons of info on laptops w/ intel, and it seems they can have more of a problem w/ overheating than the Ryzen. Also, the AMD graphics seems to be very compatible w/ Linux. I was surprised to see that one of System 76's laptops has NVIDIA on it. They must have changed their software to be more compatible. I will have to get an external SSD to play w/ the Ubuntu more, I may also try the POP OS. Thanks

 

[Judge]

This looks very interesting! The Pangolin has 144 Hz refresh rate on the screen, and the AMD Ryzen processor and AMD graphics. Which are 3 things that I am looking for in a laptop. I have heard that intel and AMD processors are most compatible w/ Linux. But, I think I would prefer the AMD because I have been reading tons of info on laptops w/ intel, and it seems they can have more of a problem w/ overheating than the Ryzen. Also, the AMD graphics seems to be very compatible w/ Linux. I was surprised to see that one of System 76's laptops has NVIDIA on it. They must have changed their software to be more compatible. I will have to get an external SSD to play w/ the Ubuntu more, I may also try the POP OS. Thanks

Sadly this reflects one consistent frustration with Linux Mint versus Pop!OS22.04. In the last 20 years, as a dedicated Photoshop user, I've always gone with using an Nvidia video card. Worked seamlessly with Windows, but Linux Mint is another matter, which can occasionally create issues like random freezes. Usually I find workarounds for them from online sources, but on occasion it can also take time to rectify such issues.

Yet with Pop!OS22.04, I have never experienced any issues associated with my Nvidia GPU. Interestingly enough, with POP!OS, it gives you a choice of downloading an ISO file either associated with Nvidia drivers or none at all. With Linux Mint, they do not give you a choice at the outset. It defaults to a gutless Xorg/Nouveau video driver, in which you can run, or opt to download various Nvidia drivers which would make full use of my video card.

It's no secret that the father of the Linux Kernel Linus Torvald has many words to use in explaining Nvidia's slow and sometimes painful acknowledgment of Linux as a viable OS. But nothing is so clearly explained as when Linus Torvald turned to the camera and raised his middle finger when mentioning Nvidia.

Torvalds blasts Nvidia over Linux support, gives them the middle finger during speech

 

[Outdated]

Also, I have a question for you...if you are using Linux on a laptop, does it make your computer ever overheat? Some of the forums have threads about users having more overheating issues w/ Linux. Not sure why. I wish I could do a desktop, bc I hear Linux is best on desktops.... but I am stuck sitting up in bed most of the time and I don't know how that could work.

Check the dates of those posts.

There was a period back in 2014/15 where some distros had a lot of trouble with power management but everything's been good since then.

 

[MC1Rcat]

Check the dates of those posts.

There was a period back in 2014/15 where some distros had a lot of trouble with power management but everything's been good since then.

That's good to know. I am glad to know that has been resolved. I think a lot of people also may have been having issues due to a recent problem with intel processors. My brother just put together a desktop computer for his home and he sent me this article about the intel issue. I am definitely going AMD on a laptop.

Intel CPU Crashing Bug Affects Many More Chips Than We Thought

 

[Judge]

That's good to know. I am glad to know that has been resolved. I think a lot of people also may have been having issues due to a recent problem with intel processors. My brother just put together a desktop computer for his home and he sent me this article about the intel issue. I am definitely going AMD on a laptop.

Intel CPU Crashing Bug Affects Many More Chips Than We Thought

Wise decision.

Yep. I wouldn't touch a 13th or 14th gen Intel CPU. Even if you undervolt them through your BIOS. Not sure if their "patches" are working through various BIOS or not. They own this mistake and they can't continue to sweep this issue under any rugs with public relations campaigns that achieve no tangible results for customers.

Ironic to consider that in the past, it was always the AMD processors that ran a bit too hot for my liking. Now it's all reversed. Even with my 12th gen Intel i5 I chose to use Thermalright's corrective anti-bending retainer to combat any excessive amounts of heat that could potentially warp the CPU and impact performance. Though the operating range of that CPU is only 65 watts to 117 watts max. So far heat has not been an issue. (Knock on wood!)

https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Replacement-Aluminum-Correction-Mounting/dp/B0CSMP16RX

And then just look at how scandalous Nvidia continues to be with their latest releases of series "5" GPUs that are marginally better if even that? And then there's Microsoft Windows 11. OMG.

What is wrong with this industry ???? Too many corporate giants I suspect who over decades have become accustomed to resting on their laurels.

 

[MC1Rcat]

Wise decision.

Yep. I wouldn't touch a 13th or 14th gen Intel CPU. Even if you undervolt them through your BIOS. Not sure if their "patches" are working through various BIOS or not. They own this mistake and they can't continue to sweep this issue under any rugs with public relations campaigns that achieve no tangible results for customers.

Ironic to consider that in the past, it was always the AMD processors that ran a bit too hot for my liking. Now it's all reversed. Even with my 12th gen Intel i5 I chose to use Thermalright's corrective anti-bending retainer to combat any excessive amounts of heat that could potentially warp the CPU and impact performance. Though the operating range of that CPU is only 65 watts to 117 watts max. So far heat has not been an issue. (Knock on wood!)

https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Replacement-Aluminum-Correction-Mounting/dp/B0CSMP16RX

And then just look at how scandalous Nvidia continues to be with their latest releases of series "5" GPUs that are marginally better if even that? And then there's Microsoft Windows 11. OMG.

What is wrong with this industry ???? Too many corporate giants I suspect who over decades have become accustomed to resting on their laurels.

OMG...
I wish I could just use my old macbook pro forever. It's going great and its been 10 years. My brother and mom told me that new PCs are expected to last 2 - 5 years... what!!!!!!! I am disgusted by how much money they charge for computers that are not expected to last. I guess I am just too old fashioned and I expect things to be good quality and last a long time. Hell, I still have my grandma's toaster from the 1950s and it works great! It is really sad how things are engineered to break so that corporations can make money selling more junk.

 

[Judge]

OMG...
I wish I could just use my old macbook pro forever. It's going great and its been 10 years. My brother and mom told me that new PCs are expected to last 2 - 5 years... what!!!!!!! I am disgusted by how much money they charge for computers that are not expected to last. I guess I am just too old fashioned and I expect things to be good quality and last a long time. Hell, I still have my grandma's toaster from the 1950s and it works great! It is really sad how things are engineered to break so that corporations can make money selling more junk.

One of the reasons I continue to build my own. Using most if not always with all top brand components, and without breaking the bank. Without focus only on top performance possible, which comes at a premium and may over time not be in one's best interest.

Otherwise with store-bought computers, you never can be quite sure where they skimp on things until you actually open them up and take a peek inside. I still recall many years ago when we had a major electrical storm and power outage, and going into a Best Buy to see all these people lined up with the E-Machines computers that got zapped.

One company that continues to intrigue me is Framework's laptop computers. All built with proprietary components, but all modular. If a component fails, you replace the module- not the entire laptop. But otherwise as a builder I've always frowned on laptops in general, given the reality of thermodynamics and the inherent insufficient cooling and airflow of most any laptop over time.

Order a Framework Laptop 13 with Intel Core Ultra Series 1

Of course even my own perspective goes to hell when hardware manufacturers and software developers are forcing customer to upgrade major components if not entire computers. Meanwhile my circa 2012 Intel i5-3570k PC continues to run great with Linux Mint 22.0. The same computer I ran Windows 7 & Windows 10 on.

My oldest "legacy" system (circa 2002) would also be fine if my 20-year old power supply for it hadn't died. But then truthfully even with old Windows 98/XP games it's so slow compared to my other systems I stopped using it a long time ago. Keeping it around only because it still worked.

I have no qualms about saying that I expect both of those systems will likely outlast me. But whether the industry makes them obsolescent before their time is anyone's guess. I know that Ubuntu was quietly conducting a study to determine the impact on their OS in the event they were to create hardware requirements along the lines of Microsoft. Never did hear the results of it though. But in seeing the backlash of Windows 10 users, maybe it is a moot point for most Linux distro developers. One can only hope!

 

[MC1Rcat]

One of the reasons I continue to build my own. Using most if not always with all top brand components, and without breaking the bank. Without focus only on top performance possible, which comes at a premium and may over time not be in one's best interest.

Otherwise with store-bought computers, you never can be quite sure where they skimp on things until you actually open them up and take a peek inside. I still recall many years ago when we had a major electrical storm and power outage, and going into a Best Buy to see all these people lined up with the E-Machines computers that got zapped.

One company that continues to intrigue me is Framework's laptop computers. All built with proprietary components, but all modular. If a component fails, you replace the module- not the entire laptop. But otherwise as a builder I've always frowned on laptops in general, given the reality of thermodynamics and the inherent insufficient cooling and airflow of most any laptop over time.

Order a Framework Laptop 13 with Intel Core Ultra Series 1

Of course even my own perspective goes to hell when hardware manufacturers and software developers are forcing customer to upgrade major components if not entire computers. Meanwhile my circa 2012 Intel i5-3570k PC continues to run great with Linux Mint 22.0. The same computer I ran Windows 7 & Windows 10 on.

My oldest "legacy" system (circa 2002) would also be fine if my 20-year old power supply for it hadn't died. But then truthfully even with old Windows 98/XP games it's so slow compared to my other systems I stopped using it a long time ago. Keeping it around only because it still worked.

I have no qualms about saying that I expect both of those systems will likely outlast me. But whether the industry makes them obsolescent before their time is anyone's guess. I know that Ubuntu was quietly conducting a study to determine the impact on their OS in the event they were to create hardware requirements along the lines of Microsoft. Never did hear the results of it though. But in seeing the backlash of Windows 10 users, maybe it is a moot point for most Linux distro developers. One can only hope!

My brother is working on me for building my own system..for that very reason.. I would have to get one of those bed desks w/ wheels to put it on... but I am thinking about it. I am still trying to figure out what kind of screen would be best for the neurological / migraine issues. I cannot do LED or any kind of slow refresh rate. My brother suggested that a smaller screen TV could be used as a monitor. I wish they still made plasma TVs. We have one that is probably 18 years old and it is one of the few screens that does not bother me. I guess I have to go to Best Buy and see what they've got.

My mom on the other hand, is telling me a laptop is better because she thinks that the main reason why you would have to replace parts in a desktop computer would be to upgrade the processor to be compatible with new software. She thinks that it's not worth it because you might have to replace the motherboard also, so that it is compatible with the new processor. And, she thinks getting a pre made laptop would be cheaper than building a desktop and buying a monitor.

I don't know who to believe. I just need a computer that will not trigger migraines or give me any operational troubles. I really hope Ubuntu isn't going to be requiring newer hardware for their software to work.... in the future. I just got an external SSD yesterday and am going to be trying it out on my mac. I really love this computer and want to keep it going..... if only the browsers could keep updating w/ my old OS...sigh... I know it is for security reasons.. but I hate when my favorite tech becomes obsolete.

 

[Judge]

My mom on the other hand, is telling me a laptop is better because she thinks that the main reason why you would have to replace parts in a desktop computer would be to upgrade the processor to be compatible with new software. She thinks that it's not worth it because you might have to replace the motherboard also, so that it is compatible with the new processor. And, she thinks getting a pre made laptop would be cheaper than building a desktop and buying a monitor.

Laptop computers are even more restrictive when it comes to hardware. With a number of them having components literally soldered to the motherboard. More to the point, is the likelihood of component failure due to excessive heat over a few years. Whereas a desktop system is more likely to sustain higher heat with adequate cooling considerations and last much longer compared to laptops. Provided of course you buy quality components rather than nameless ones at cheaper prices.

And with a laptop, if you have vision problems, right off you're dealing with a very small screen compared to desktop options with 24, 27 and 32 inch monitors. I can't imagine the eye fatigue I would experience looking at a laptop screen at 17, 16 or 14 or even 13 inches diagonally measured.

I don't know who to believe. I just need a computer that will not trigger migraines or give me any operational troubles. I really hope Ubuntu isn't going to be requiring newer hardware for their software to work.... in the future. I just got an external SSD yesterday and am going to be trying it out on my mac. I really love this computer and want to keep it going..... if only the browsers could keep updating w/ my old OS...sigh... I know it is for security reasons.. but I hate when my favorite tech becomes obsolete.

Seems to me the most critical component in your case is something you can use whether you purchase a laptop or build or purchase a desktop. - A separate monitor and one designed to best handle your particular type of vision and neurological issues.

Best Monitor For Migraines Sufferers - Monitors Pick

How to Avoid a Computer Headache

https://www.whitworth.edu/cms/media...rt-services/tips-for-heavy-computer-users.pdf

Are Your Phone and Computer Screens Triggering Your Migraines?

 

[MC1Rcat]

Laptop computers are even more restrictive when it comes to hardware. With a number of them having components literally soldered to the motherboard. More to the point, is the likelihood of component failure due to excessive heat over a few years. Whereas a desktop system is more likely to sustain higher heat with adequate cooling considerations and last much longer compared to laptops. Provided of course you buy quality components rather than nameless ones at cheaper prices.

And with a laptop, if you have vision problems, right off you're dealing with a very small screen compared to desktop options with 24, 27 and 32 inch monitors. I can't imagine the eye fatigue I would experience looking at a laptop screen at 17, 16 or 14 or even 13 inches diagonally measured.



Seems to me the most critical component in your case is something you can use whether you purchase a laptop or build or purchase a desktop. - A separate monitor and one designed to best handle your particular type of vision and neurological issues.

Best Monitor For Migraines Sufferers - Monitors Pick

How to Avoid a Computer Headache

https://www.whitworth.edu/cms/media...rt-services/tips-for-heavy-computer-users.pdf

Are Your Phone and Computer Screens Triggering Your Migraines?

Thanks for this! I did not know that a lot of the gaming monitors also have blue light filter and eye care settings... very nice.. they have the best refresh rates. The ASUS is $150 on Amazon..that's a good price and combined w/ a desktop... may just be cheaper than buying a laptop at $800 or over.... which is what the laptops w/ higher refresh rates or OLED screens are going for. I will just have to go to a store that sells them to see if I can tolerate the screen type. It says it is LCD LED. I'm assuming that's LED backlit LCD.

One more star next to the desktop side of the equation

 

[Judge]

Thanks for this! I did not know that a lot of the gaming monitors also have blue light filter and eye care settings... very nice.. they have the best refresh rates. The ASUS is $150 on Amazon..that's a good price and combined w/ a desktop... may just be cheaper than buying a laptop at $800 or over.... which is what the laptops w/ higher refresh rates or OLED screens are going for. I will just have to go to a store that sells them to see if I can tolerate the screen type. It says it is LCD LED. I'm assuming that's LED backlit LCD.

One more star next to the desktop side of the equation

There really are a handful of more expensive monitors out there with combinations of features and functionality that you simply won't find with monitors under $150 or so.

Things like IPS monitors that have very low response times giving you both image quality and speed. And without defaulting to higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K that require obnoxiously powerful video cards. 1080p resolution is still very important to me. Fine enough to present quality imagery, while allowing for text not so tiny I have to struggle to see it. So I can relate to some of your concerns as well.

Most gamers won't bat an eye at purchasing a "VA" monitor with a fast response time, (1ms/gtg) but for someone like me who works with Photoshop and image enhancement I want an IPS monitor first and foremost. But to find one at 27" that has the lowest response time in addition to other attributes seems optimal to me.

Most of the market being reticent to pay for them, so they aren't so apparent on the shelves or in the marketplace. But as you can see, they do exist:

TUF Gaming VG279QM1A｜Monitors｜ASUS USA

You might also investigate LG's product line of such monitors in comparison. No bargains likely to be found in cost, but in terms of functionality in your case (or mine) they may well fit the bill.

 

[Outdated]

There really are a handful of more expensive monitors out there with combinations of features and functionality that you simply won't find with monitors under $150 or so.

Mine is also an ASUS 27" but without all the extraneous features that are useless to me. It supports the higher resolutions and the faster refresh rates and has a 1ms response time but it only cost me Au$150. That's about US$100.

1080p resolution is still very important to me. Fine enough to present quality imagery, while allowing for text not so tiny I have to struggle to see it. So I can relate to some of your concerns as well.

Same here, older eyes. I tried the 1920x1080 resolution on my laptop and had to drop it lower because of the text size, it's now set on 1366x768.

I also can't use any colour filters on my monitor. I was a printer and one of the best colour matchers you'll ever meet, and I also do a bit of photo editing from time to time, to not have the colour temperature on the monitor set accurately would drive me mental.

 

[MC1Rcat]

Thanks guys! It is also good to know about the screen resolution affecting the size of text. I didn't know resolution could affect that. I have old eyes myself

 

[blitzkrieg]

You can also set your web browser to different zoom levels which can help with magnifying web pages.

 

[Judge]

Mine is also an ASUS 27" but without all the extraneous features that are useless to me. It supports the higher resolutions and the faster refresh rates and has a 1ms response time but it only cost me Au$150. That's about US$100.

At that price I'm guessing it's a VA monitor and not an IPS.

TN vs. IPS vs. VA: What's the Best Display Panel Technology?

 

[saturnv]

I have heard good things about framework laptops. They are made to be repaired and upgraded. They also have good linux compatibility. The swappable usb-c expansion gizmos look great too. You can pick what ports you need and if a connector wears out, you can pop in a cheap replacement and carry on.

edit: oops. I see these were already mentioned

If you are trying out different linux distributions, I recommend ventoy. It lets you keep many bootable iso images on one drive and presents a menu to select which one to boot.

The only reason to prefer a laptop over a desktop is portability.
If you do want mobility, you can still hook a laptop up to a monitor and keyboard when using it at home. You sacrifice ability to repair and upgrade and it costs more, but it can work equally well as a desktop for light-medium use as long as you get good peripherals.

 

[Angular Chap]

Looks like you’ve joined the Linux club, @MC1Rcat. Welcome! Always good to see a new Linux user.

 

[MC1Rcat]

I just wanted to say that I think I may have finally found a good combo of hardware and apps to make computers useable for people with migraines. I ended up getting a desktop computer and got a monitor by BenQ that has a 100 Hz refresh rate, blue light filter and dimmer. This is helpful, but the LED was still killing my eyes because I am not able to make the screen dim enough with either the monitor's manual buttons or the PCs software. But, I found this awesome app called Dimmer! OMG, it is the freaking best thing. It helps so much. I can make the screen all the way down to black.
Dimmer - Adjust the brightness of all monitors, screens and displays

 

[Outdated]

I just wanted to say that I think I may have finally found a good combo of hardware and apps to make computers useable for people with migraines.

I'm glad you found the answers you needed. Not a cheap exercise, but worth it.

 

[MC1Rcat]

I'm glad you found the answers you needed. Not a cheap exercise, but worth it.

Thanks ... it was a lot of research and trial and error... but it is worth it since I use the computer a lot. Thanks again for all of your great advice