Is it cheating if you learn to play better watching other gamers?

[Joshua the Writer]

There is a boss I can not beat and I watched a favorite gamer of mine play him. He kept his distance from the boss. He kept moving back very fast and only sometimes would go in to stab him. He was always pulling back. I never thought of that. I tried to fight him. That gamer beat the boss pretty easily.

I still have not beaten that boss but I am getting better by doing what he did. I did not keep trying on my own to learn it, I got frustrated because I could not leave that level and decided to watch how somebody else did it. Is is cheating if I watch someone else's technique so I get better?

No, not cheating. I've encountered bosses I have had trouble beating but have found guides where they slowed down their animations to better show their attack telegraphs and when to dodge them. It's pretty fine and honestly to be expected, especially in more challenging games such as souls likes.

 

[grommet]

No, not cheating. I've encountered bosses I have had trouble beating but have found guides where they slowed down their animations to better show their attack telegraphs and when to dodge them. It's pretty fine and honestly to be expected, especially in more challenging games such as souls likes.

How can I find guide like that?

 

[Misery]

I don't understand directories, updates, which seem to be large and happen when I want to play. So hard. I just want to turn it on and play.

That's what Steam is for. It effectively performs the functions of a console, but on PC. It's the exact same interface you'd use to launch Half-Life Alyx. There's no difference between launching that, and launching any other game bought from there. Actually, something occurs to me as I type this: Have you seen the "Big Picture Mode" on Steam? It essentially puts the thing into a mode that simulates a console-type interface, formatted for a TV rather than a PC monitor (though really the two are the same thing, I dont know why there's even a distinction these days). Which also means it can be navigated by controller. I dont use it myself (I actually probably SHOULD use it, it'd help my arm) but everyone sure seems to like it. Plenty of people use it ONLY in that mode.

Understand, consoles technically do many things a PC does, in terms of how you'd use the games. Updates? Gotta be done on consoles too (usually very, very slowly, and I'm not sure why that is). Drive space? Consoles gotta deal with that too, they dont have like, some data black hole with endless space. Particularly with big games you're going to run into issues sooner or later. And you're going to run into errors and weird bits and stuff like that. You cant completely avoid that nonsense. There's no such thing as a piece of tech that wont screw up at times.

Also, that bit about the PC getting hot: I can tell you right now, if the PS5 is anything like the Xbox Series X (Microsoft's most current console) it's going to put out WAY more heat than a proper PC. I've got an Xbox Series X, blasted thing could heat up a room. Dont get me wrong, nice console, I really like the thing, but still, it's a freakin' furnace (compared to my PC, I mean). A properly built PC though shouldnt really be putting out any heat (there's a reason they've got like 200 fans in them). if you've got a PC (or laptop or whatever) that is for any reason starting to seriously heat up, that could be a tech issue to show to a professional. Seriously, the last time I dealt with a PC that was pumping out tons of heat, it turned out that the reason it was doing so was because the video card was frying itself (it took me weeks to figure that out, stupid thing smelled like pure evil, made the whole room smell like that too, even my dog's breath doesnt smell THAT bad).

The reason I'm mentioning all of this to you, is because it'd be a shame for you to spend hundreds on a device that does something, when a device you already own and use can do all of it, and probably better.

Dont get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a console or anything, I've got an Xbox myself. But I mean, really, if you're going to spend that kind of money... because it is indeed a lot, to get a console or anything like that... really do the research, and consider the tech you already own. Dont just jump into a huge purchase, is what I'm getting at. Yes I know it's a pain in the butt. But tech is like that.

Would you tell me when I should buy something or wait for the newest version?

This is a problem for me. The PS5 Pro is coming in November but that is a long time. Sometimes people on YouTube say you do not need the new things. It always seems a bad time to get an iPhone because the new one will be better and I'll feel bad with my old one, which was the better phone they told me to get. It is so hard.

What do you think, how do you know when to not worry about what is coming and buy something now?

Well, I dunno.

I dont update stuff like, at all. I'm too lazy to keep track of what the newest whatcha-whatever is (and yes I'm aware of how ironic that is), or the newest phone version, or blah blah blah. Even for as much as I'm into PCs, I do not upgrade until the one I have falls apart. And I mean that literally. This one I'm currently using is new, and I bought it because the previous one is all sorts of dead. I kept that previous PC functioning long past the point when I should have upgraded, because when someone suggested I upgrade, I'd be like "but I already have a PC". I had the money to upgrade at any time, I just... you know, couldnt be bothered to actually do it. Not until I had no choice.

Something being shiny and new doesnt mean it's better. Honestly, part of why some people buy into every new shiny model of the latest iPhone or whatever, is sort of like "Well see now I have the lastest one, but freaking Bob next door doesnt have one LOL".

I've always found it really baffling, honestly. People buy these hyper-expensive phones (or whatever) and barely even know how to use them, after they barely even used all the power their previous one had. Just to show off that they own the big new model (with lots of features they'll never use) before everyone else has it. Why buy all that power if you aint gonna use it? I dont get it. Never did. But that's a whole other rant for another day.

I love looking at wet bricks

This is the funniest sentence I've read all month

 

[grommet]

That's what Steam is for. It effectively performs the functions of a console, but on PC. It's the exact same interface you'd use to launch Half-Life Alyx. There's no difference between launching that, and launching any other game bought from there. Actually, something occurs to me as I type this: Have you seen the "Big Picture Mode" on Steam? It essentially puts the thing into a mode that simulates a console-type interface, formatted for a TV rather than a PC monitor (though really the two are the same thing, I dont know why there's even a distinction these days). Which also means it can be navigated by controller. I dont use it myself (I actually probably SHOULD use it, it'd help my arm) but everyone sure seems to like it. Plenty of people use it ONLY in that mode.

Understand, consoles technically do many things a PC does, in terms of how you'd use the games. Updates? Gotta be done on consoles too (usually very, very slowly, and I'm not sure why that is). Drive space? Consoles gotta deal with that too, they dont have like, some data black hole with endless space. Particularly with big games you're going to run into issues sooner or later. And you're going to run into errors and weird bits and stuff like that. You cant completely avoid that nonsense. There's no such thing as a piece of tech that wont screw up at times.

Also, that bit about the PC getting hot: I can tell you right now, if the PS5 is anything like the Xbox Series X (Microsoft's most current console) it's going to put out WAY more heat than a proper PC. I've got an Xbox Series X, blasted thing could heat up a room. Dont get me wrong, nice console, I really like the thing, but still, it's a freakin' furnace (compared to my PC, I mean). A properly built PC though shouldnt really be putting out any heat (there's a reason they've got like 200 fans in them). if you've got a PC (or laptop or whatever) that is for any reason starting to seriously heat up, that could be a tech issue to show to a professional. Seriously, the last time I dealt with a PC that was pumping out tons of heat, it turned out that the reason it was doing so was because the video card was frying itself (it took me weeks to figure that out, stupid thing smelled like pure evil, made the whole room smell like that too, even my dog's breath doesnt smell THAT bad).

The reason I'm mentioning all of this to you, is because it'd be a shame for you to spend hundreds on a device that does something, when a device you already own and use can do all of it, and probably better.

Dont get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a console or anything, I've got an Xbox myself. But I mean, really, if you're going to spend that kind of money... because it is indeed a lot, to get a console or anything like that... really do the research, and consider the tech you already own. Dont just jump into a huge purchase, is what I'm getting at. Yes I know it's a pain in the butt. But tech is like that.



Well, I dunno.

I dont update stuff like, at all. I'm too lazy to keep track of what the newest whatcha-whatever is (and yes I'm aware of how ironic that is), or the newest phone version, or blah blah blah. Even for as much as I'm into PCs, I do not upgrade until the one I have falls apart. And I mean that literally. This one I'm currently using is new, and I bought it because the previous one is all sorts of dead. I kept that previous PC functioning long past the point when I should have upgraded, because when someone suggested I upgrade, I'd be like "but I already have a PC". I had the money to upgrade at any time, I just... you know, couldnt be bothered to actually do it. Not until I had no choice.

Something being shiny and new doesnt mean it's better. Honestly, part of why some people buy into every new shiny model of the latest iPhone or whatever, is sort of like "Well see now I have the lastest one, but freaking Bob next door doesnt have one LOL".

I've always found it really baffling, honestly. People buy these hyper-expensive phones (or whatever) and barely even know how to use them, after they barely even used all the power their previous one had. Just to show off that they own the big new model (with lots of features they'll never use) before everyone else has it. Why buy all that power if you aint gonna use it? I dont get it. Never did. But that's a whole other rant for another day.



This is the funniest sentence I've read all month

This is very good information. I will try Big Picture Mode. I never understood what it was. The heat coming off my PC is I think from the graphics card. It seems like normal heat but it makes the area warm and in heat waves or hot days I cannot turn my PC on. I thought the PS5 would run very cool. I was going to put in my bedroom beside the television. I will have to see if Youtube talks about how warm a PS5 gets.

What you said about new things is me. I see shiny and like it and think it must be better. I always felt bad when I was at the rock climbing gym and someone pulled out a new iPhone. I felt ashamed mine was older. No good reason, maybe I believe the marketing. I think I do. I have bought a lot of things that were not what they said they would be. I don't trust the same way any more.

My friend got the iPhone 15 Pro. We put his next to my iPhone XR and we could not see any difference except it took better pictures. The processor is supposed to be super fast but we did everything side-by-side and we couldn't notice anything that mattered.

The reason I am concerned about the PS5 Pro is if it played a new game that everyone liked but the older one would not. I just don't know about tech. I know a lot about other things. Silly things I do not think other people here would care about but for example, a Grade 3 door lock is not very good. It could be okay but I would never intentionally use one. A grade 2 is quite good. Comparing to tech I would say that a Grade1 lock is almost its own class. Much much higher quality and it so much more durable. Excellent lock grade. But no regular person needs it. It is the best grade but it's for businesses with heavy use and most especially classrooms where it is too dangerous to have a doorknob or lock fail because there are children.

So someone could spend $700 on a Grade 1 instead of $90 on a Grade 2 but they would see no benefit except knowing they had the best. I wonder about tech being like that but I don't know about tech so I feel lost trying to figure it out. I know when I went from a GTX-1660 Super to an RTX 3070 Ti the improvement in graphics was huge. Night and day and I am very glad. So I am confused on when tech matters and does not and I need someone who knows to tell me.

By the way, another silly locksmithing fact maybe no one would care about but getting a regular copy of a house key might be $4 now. I cut my own so I do not know. Having a locksmith cut you a nickel silver copy of your house key might cost $15 and it is worth it I think for the peace of mind. It is a special material much stronger than regular brass and it is slightly thicker too. If someone has bad anxiety about a key breaking off in a lock, this would be great for them.

A platinum PSU instead of a Gold, things like that, I have a feeling it does not make a big performance difference but would feel really neat. So I do not know if the PS5 Pro would be 10% better, so little it would not be seen or if it would change a lot. I have a feeling they would not want to make it too much better because they are going to make the PS6 in about 18 months, from what people are saying.

 

[grommet]

That's what Steam is for. It effectively performs the functions of a console, but on PC. It's the exact same interface you'd use to launch Half-Life Alyx. There's no difference between launching that, and launching any other game bought from there. Actually, something occurs to me as I type this: Have you seen the "Big Picture Mode" on Steam? It essentially puts the thing into a mode that simulates a console-type interface, formatted for a TV rather than a PC monitor (though really the two are the same thing, I dont know why there's even a distinction these days). Which also means it can be navigated by controller. I dont use it myself (I actually probably SHOULD use it, it'd help my arm) but everyone sure seems to like it. Plenty of people use it ONLY in that mode.

Understand, consoles technically do many things a PC does, in terms of how you'd use the games. Updates? Gotta be done on consoles too (usually very, very slowly, and I'm not sure why that is). Drive space? Consoles gotta deal with that too, they dont have like, some data black hole with endless space. Particularly with big games you're going to run into issues sooner or later. And you're going to run into errors and weird bits and stuff like that. You cant completely avoid that nonsense. There's no such thing as a piece of tech that wont screw up at times.

Also, that bit about the PC getting hot: I can tell you right now, if the PS5 is anything like the Xbox Series X (Microsoft's most current console) it's going to put out WAY more heat than a proper PC. I've got an Xbox Series X, blasted thing could heat up a room. Dont get me wrong, nice console, I really like the thing, but still, it's a freakin' furnace (compared to my PC, I mean). A properly built PC though shouldnt really be putting out any heat (there's a reason they've got like 200 fans in them). if you've got a PC (or laptop or whatever) that is for any reason starting to seriously heat up, that could be a tech issue to show to a professional. Seriously, the last time I dealt with a PC that was pumping out tons of heat, it turned out that the reason it was doing so was because the video card was frying itself (it took me weeks to figure that out, stupid thing smelled like pure evil, made the whole room smell like that too, even my dog's breath doesnt smell THAT bad).

The reason I'm mentioning all of this to you, is because it'd be a shame for you to spend hundreds on a device that does something, when a device you already own and use can do all of it, and probably better.

Dont get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a console or anything, I've got an Xbox myself. But I mean, really, if you're going to spend that kind of money... because it is indeed a lot, to get a console or anything like that... really do the research, and consider the tech you already own. Dont just jump into a huge purchase, is what I'm getting at. Yes I know it's a pain in the butt. But tech is like that.



Well, I dunno.

I dont update stuff like, at all. I'm too lazy to keep track of what the newest whatcha-whatever is (and yes I'm aware of how ironic that is), or the newest phone version, or blah blah blah. Even for as much as I'm into PCs, I do not upgrade until the one I have falls apart. And I mean that literally. This one I'm currently using is new, and I bought it because the previous one is all sorts of dead. I kept that previous PC functioning long past the point when I should have upgraded, because when someone suggested I upgrade, I'd be like "but I already have a PC". I had the money to upgrade at any time, I just... you know, couldnt be bothered to actually do it. Not until I had no choice.

Something being shiny and new doesnt mean it's better. Honestly, part of why some people buy into every new shiny model of the latest iPhone or whatever, is sort of like "Well see now I have the lastest one, but freaking Bob next door doesnt have one LOL".

I've always found it really baffling, honestly. People buy these hyper-expensive phones (or whatever) and barely even know how to use them, after they barely even used all the power their previous one had. Just to show off that they own the big new model (with lots of features they'll never use) before everyone else has it. Why buy all that power if you aint gonna use it? I dont get it. Never did. But that's a whole other rant for another day.



This is the funniest sentence I've read all month

I just connected my PS4 controller with bluetooth to my PC and a speaker. It was hard to figure out. I just opened Big Picture and I am downloading Rise of the Tomb Raider. It is 23.63 GB so I think it could take a long time. I wanted to see what gaming on the PC would be like. I most want to be able to game on my television. It is very good and much better than my monitor. I do not know yet if that is something I can do but my television has HDMI input, I think also the newest faster kind and it has a Game mode. If I could do it then I could save money on the PS5.

I am trying your idea.

 

[grommet]

This is a long answer ChatGPT gave me. It knows what kind of PC I have, here is what it said:

The heat output of a PS5 compared to a PC depends on several factors, including the specific components and usage patterns. Here’s a comparison:

1. Heat Output:
• PC: High-performance gaming PCs, especially those with powerful components like an Intel i7-12700KF and an RTX 3070 Ti, can produce significant heat. The heat output depends on the workload, with gaming and heavy tasks generating more heat.
• PS5: The PS5 also produces heat, but it is designed with efficient cooling solutions to manage it. Generally, it should produce less heat than a high-end gaming PC due to its custom-designed hardware optimized for gaming.
2. Cooling Systems:
• PC: Depending on the case, fans, and cooling solutions, a PC can manage its heat output effectively, but it might still warm up the room during intensive use.
• PS5: The PS5 features a sophisticated cooling system with a large heatsink and a powerful fan, which helps keep the temperature manageable.
3. Energy Consumption:
• PC: High-end gaming PCs tend to consume more power, especially under load, contributing to higher heat output.
• PS5: The PS5 is generally more power-efficient for gaming compared to a high-end gaming PC.
4. Room Temperature Impact:
• Both the PS5 and a gaming PC will raise the room temperature to some extent, but a gaming PC with powerful components will likely have a more noticeable impact on room temperature during intense gaming sessions.

Given your concern about heat on hot days, the PS5 might be a better option as it is generally more efficient and produces less heat compared to a high-end gaming PC. Additionally, the PS5’s cooling system is specifically designed to handle gaming workloads efficiently.

 

[saturnv]

That post is basically correct in my experience. My PS5 produces noise and heat, but neither are at all noticeable to me when sitting 10 ft or so away.

I didn't realize you had a PC with a geforce 3070 in it. That sounds like a good system. I agree that Steam in big picture mode is nice on a tv. Definitely worth hooking it up to see if you like it. I use my PC for CAD and 3d printing stuff, so it needs to stay at my desk.

I never bought a PS4 Pro, but as I understand it, every PS4 game could still be played on the original PS4. Some had better graphics of performance on Pro though. I expect the same thing would happen with a PS5 Pro. I don't believe Sony has announced they are going to make it yet.

 

[Jonn]

Sorry, that was long,

Ya think?

Spoiler

...And the award for the longest post in modern day history goes too....

Spoiler

Not surprising. A single game of Hearts of Iron is loooooooooooooong.

But not as long as some forum posts.

 

[grommet]

That was super fun. I have to figure out how to reverse the Y axis on the controller so I can move the camera naturally for me. My bluetooth is very weak. I had to keep the controller close to the PC and I do not have wired headphones and my AirPods won't work with the PC so I used a bluetooth speaker and I had to put it right on top of the PC or there was static or more like the sound would crack on and off. On top of the PC that stopped.

My back hurt a lot playing. Using the same controller it does not hurt when I play on the MacBook Pro. Maybe it hurt from reaching for the mouse. My back is very strong for weight pushing down on it but because of my accident I cannot lean forward with it.

That was so much fun. If I could figure out some of the details this would be a good way to game without the PS5 or let me see if I like gaming this way and I would like having a PS5.

If I chose the PC instead I think I would still have to spend a lot of money though. I would need to buy and install internal Bluetooth hoping it would improve the signal though I do not know. I would also need a better monitor I think. If I can connect it to my television that would solve the problem but I would have to buy a new HDMI cable and that would cost.

Very fun though. I did not think I would like it so much. I played a different Lara Croft game that was only 10 GB so I could load it faster. The game does not make sense to me, I am in a cave with a river in it. I have to move a heavy platform out of the way so it will raise a barrier in the water so barrels I lit on fire can flow down to a blocked gate that has fuel cans against it. I understand the principle but doing what the screen tells me to the platform only moves a bit and comes right back then it tells me to do it again. I did it over and over but nothing changed. It was fun though.

 

[grommet]

Ya think?

Spoiler

...And the award for the longest post in modern day history goes too....

I think Misery writes wonderfully and what she says is very interesting to me. I have never seen a long post from her that meandered, it all had a purpose.

 

[saturnv]

That was super fun. I have to figure out how to reverse the Y axis on the controller so I can move the camera naturally for me. My bluetooth is very weak. I had to keep the controller close to the PC and I do not have wired headphones and my AirPods won't work with the PC so I used a bluetooth speaker and I had to put it right on top of the PC or there was static or more like the sound would crack on and off. On top of the PC that stopped.

My back hurt a lot playing. Using the same controller it does not hurt when I play on the MacBook Pro. Maybe it hurt from reaching for the mouse. My back is very strong for weight pushing down on it but because of my accident I cannot lean forward with it.

That was so much fun. If I could figure out some of the details this would be a good way to game without the PS5 or let me see if I like gaming this way and I would like having a PS5.

If I chose the PC instead I think I would still have to spend a lot of money though. I would need to buy and install internal Bluetooth hoping it would improve the signal though I do not know. I would also need a better monitor I think. If I can connect it to my television that would solve the problem but I would have to buy a new HDMI cable and that would cost.

Very fun though. I did not think I would like it so much. I played a different Lara Croft game that was only 10 GB so I could load it faster. The game does not make sense to me, I am in a cave with a river in it. I have to move a heavy platform out of the way so it will raise a barrier in the water so barrels I lit on fire can flow down to a blocked gate that has fuel cans against it. I understand the principle but doing what the screen tells me to the platform only moves a bit and comes right back then it tells me to do it again. I did it over and over but nothing changed. It was fun though.

You could get a USB bluetooth adapter with an antenna for around $20 that would likely extend the range. It is also likely that the HDMI cable you are currently using to connect to your monitor would work on your tv. The sound from your computer could then play on your tv speakers once the sound output is set to HDMI.

The difficulties you are encountering are what people mean when they say that consoles are easier to use. It isn't terribly difficult to set a PC up for games on a tv once you know how, but it isn't fully plug and play like a console. Even with big picture mode, you still need a mouse and keyboard sometimes to maintain the computer and peripherals like controllers might need some work to set up. There are tradeoffs like everything in life. In exchange for time spent getting and keeping things working, you get more control over the system and potentially more power.

 

[grommet]

You could get a USB bluetooth adapter with an antenna for around $20 that would likely extend the range.

Could you find one on Amazon for me?

It is also likely that the HDMI cable you are currently using to connect to your monitor would work on your tv. The sound from your computer could then play on your tv speakers once the sound output is set to HDMI.

The difficulties you are encountering are what people mean when they say that consoles are easier to use. It isn't terribly difficult to set a PC up for games on a tv once you know how, but it isn't fully plug and play like a console. Even with big picture mode, you still need a mouse and keyboard sometimes to maintain the computer and peripherals like controllers might need some work to set up. There are tradeoffs like everything in life. In exchange for time spent getting and keeping things working, you get more control over the system and potentially more power.

I kept my old LCD 55 inch television. It is quite large but I measured and it could fit on my desk to use as a monitor though I do not know how far back I would have to be. I will set it up experimentally if I can. It is hard to move.

 

[grommet]

Could you find one on Amazon for me?



I kept my old LCD 55 inch television. It is quite large but I measured and it could fit on my desk to use as a monitor though I do not know how far back I would have to be. I will set it up experimentally if I can. It is hard to move.

I found this, it is expensive. Would it make my Bluetooth work?

 

[grommet]

You could get a USB bluetooth adapter with an antenna for around $20 that would likely extend the range. It is also likely that the HDMI cable you are currently using to connect to your monitor would work on your tv. The sound from your computer could then play on your tv speakers once the sound output is set to HDMI.

I bought the adapter. I hope I can figure out how to install it. It looks easy but people say you need drivers and I don't know how to get those. Also they said you have to connect the Bluetooth connector/wire first. I don't know what that is.

 

[Misery]

It is very good and much better than my monitor. I do not know yet if that is something I can do but my television has HDMI input, I think also the newest faster kind and it has a Game mode. If I could do it then I could save money on the PS5.

Just to be clear on something: from a practical sense, there isnt actually any real difference between a computer monitor and a TV. They both have an HDMI connection... it's really the same thing. If you can run something on one, you can run it on both. I have just an extremely simple computer monitor here (I'm too lazy to go get something else) but I run absolutely everything through it, both the PC and consoles. If I decided for some baffling reason I wanted to use the giant TV in the living room for any of these gizmos, I could do that too. It's really all the same.

Heck, did you know there are ways to make a freaking phone run on a TV or monitor? Hah, I didnt find that out until recently. Bought this wacky gizmo that goes with my phone (it looks like a little box with a bunch of cable inputs), I can use phone apps / games on my monitor here and connect my mouse & keyboard to it. It's even got a unique desktop-like interface when being used that way.

Stuff can really connect in all sorts of ways. I can even connect my Xbox controller to the phone (with or without that gizmo), but I've not needed to do that. It sure is cool that it can do it though.

A lesson I've learned from it: exploring what tech you own can really do can lead to some amazing finds. Honestly I knew so little about phones till I got the Samsung. It's been super fun exploring it. I hope you can have the same fun exploring tech too.

My back hurt a lot playing. Using the same controller it does not hurt when I play on the MacBook Pro. Maybe it hurt from reaching for the mouse.

Oh yeah, you gotta be careful about that.

Have you thought of something like, say, a "TV tray" or whatever those things are called now? Do you know what I'm talking about? I can see the stupid thing in my head but I'm blanking out on the words to describe it. But it could let you just have the mouse essentially on a surface that's practically on your lap. You wouldnt have to reach at all.

Seriously, I'd strongly suggest exploring options for better ways to use the mouse, regardless of if you're gaming or doing other things. And regardless of just where you are sitting. Dont make the mistakes I did. I'm still paying for it, 15 years after the fact. I seriously cant emphasize it enough. I know you like rock climbing and whatnot, and I can tell you right now, if you were to hit the trigger point and experience the same problem I did, your climbing days would probably end right there. For reference, I have difficulty lifting a jug of milk.

Not trying to scare you with that or anything, I just mean, take some time to examine your setup, both at the computer and at the TV. Whatever improvements you can make could be very worth it.

There are tradeoffs like everything in life. In exchange for time spent getting and keeping things working, you get more control over the system and potentially more power.

Yeah, I'd agree with that.

Personally I actually use both types of devices... since as you say, there's a tradeoff and advantages to both. I'll always promote a PC over anything else but I use the Xbox too. The one thing I dont like with the Xbox though (consoles in general) is the loading times. I'm used to the pretty much instant loading of, you know, EVERYTHING on this PC. Only my fractals can slow the thing down. But the Xbox takes it's tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime with everything.

And then there's Nintendo's Switch, which basically chokes on its own existence every time you want to do anything. I have one of those too, I never use it since it's just so bloody irritating.

Ya think?

Yeah, I type really, REALLY fast. That's why my posts are so long, because the words hit the screen so fast that I dont realize how long the post has gotten, because it doesnt feel like the post has taken much time to write.

 

[Misery]

I found this, it is expensive. Would it make my Bluetooth work?

View attachment 132365

Okay I hate to point this out to you after you already placed an order, but you could instead go with something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Wi...721178717&sprefix=usb+blu,aps,136&sr=8-6&th=1
I hope that link works. The one you picked needs to be fully installed into the PC. The one in that second link is just like, a USB thing, just stick it in a hole, boom, done. USB gizmos are like that. Pop them in, chances are, the computer knows what to do.

 

[Jonn]

Yeah, I type really, REALLY fast. That's why my posts are so long, because the words hit the screen so fast that I dont realize how long the post has gotten, because it doesnt feel like the post has taken much time to write.

Does this translate into FPS game-play ability?

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

I bought the adapter. I hope I can figure out how to install it. It looks easy but people say you need drivers and I don't know how to get those. Also they said you have to connect the Bluetooth connector/wire first. I don't know what that is.

When I need to add drivers, I google the kind of driver I need.

Same for the “Bluetooth connector”

Sometimes this is helpful. Sometimes it isn’t.

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

I found this, it is expensive. Would it make my Bluetooth work?

View attachment 132365

You can send this one back if you want the one Misery suggested.

 

[grommet]

Just to be clear on something: from a practical sense, there isnt actually any real difference between a computer monitor and a TV.

One of the funniest things you said to me and I think about it a lot was when I asked you the difference between a regular monitor and a gaming monitor and you said, "Marketing." I still laugh a lot about that and I try to remember when I am looking for things but I believe the ads when they say super fast or ultimate. It gets to me.

Oh yeah, you gotta be careful about that.

Have you thought of something like, say, a "TV tray" or whatever those things are called now? Do you know what I'm talking about? I can see the stupid thing in my head but I'm blanking out on the words to describe it. But it could let you just have the mouse essentially on a surface that's practically on your lap. You wouldnt have to reach at all.

I cannot rock climb any more, maybe that will change. Torn rotator cuffs on both sides and they get better then are bad again. Every day I think about climbing. Maybe.

I use a lap tray. I have for years. I am typing that way now It supports all the weight of my arms. When I use a mouse though I have to lift my arm and the pain is bad, it can keep me up that night. I cannot explain the mechanics because I can lift weights or vacuum but I can't extend my arms straight out.

I hope I can figure this out though because I was amazed at how fun it was. I never would have tried if you had not told me to. It worked so well. If I make my Bluetooth work better so I can use my AirPods, the sound will be amazing. Then maybe the tv though it might be too large, I do not know. I measure my desk though and it would fit.

I worry about making mistakes. I make a lot of them and I lose money. So many times. I was thinking that a PS5 would mean I am not making a mistake because it does everything itself. I just spent more than $30 on the new internal Bluetooth. I need that money for other things unless PC gaming works, then it would save me money. Having the television by the PC means not need a new HDMI cable, I think. People talk about HMDI 2.1, mine is not that I think. I have one like that but it is used to my television already for something else, I cannot move it.

Yeah, I'd agree with that.

Personally I actually use both types of devices... since as you say, there's a tradeoff and advantages to both. I'll always promote a PC over anything else but I use the Xbox too. The one thing I dont like with the Xbox though (consoles in general) is the loading times. I'm used to the pretty much instant loading of, you know, EVERYTHING on this PC. Only my fractals can slow the thing down. But the Xbox takes it's tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime with everything.

And then there's Nintendo's Switch, which basically chokes on its own existence every time you want to do anything. I have one of those too, I never use it since it's just so bloody irritating.

I am afraid to try tech things. I have so much trouble learning new things and it is embarrassing because everyone online seems to know everything about all of it, and I do not. But I was afraid to install RAM sticks a long time ago and now I feel like I could build a PC but I do not know how to install Windows or make a new HD work. It took me forever to install one with videos. That was so hard. But maybe this could be fun and I could feel good about myself if I did it.

I wanted to learn about lock picking because a long time ago I helped a friend move and she accidentally locked herself out of the moving truck. I wanted to help if a friend had that problem the next time. It is VERY difficult to pick locks. Thousands of hours practicing and learning. Very complicated. People only say it is easy after they know how. But I learned. I also learned to build locks and I made 20 of them for my sailing club. So I can learn things.

I will try.

More than anything thank you for the encouragement. It matters more to me than anything. I am used to giving up because growing up everyone got so frustrated with me so fast all the time I stopped trying. It is hard to learn not to do that now. I am very gentle when I teach people knot tying or lock picking or sailing. I do not want other people to feel that way.

Thank you