MacBook Neo Mania, Steam Updates, & Linux Desktop News
The MacBook Neo Review
Linus has spent a week using the MacBook Neo as his daily driver. While the hardware is fantabulous and provides an enjoyable experience for basic tasks, several disruptive challenges were encountered:
• IO and Connectivity: Significant limitations in IO ports and frustrating behavior with external non-Apple displays, specifically involving DPI scaling and unexpected disconnects.
• Software Friction: The "Mac way" of installing applications (drag-and-drop) feels intuitive-defying compared to his experience with Linux and Windows. The absence of key applications in the App Store, such as Discord, added further friction.
• Performance & Reliability: Generally smooth, but occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues and system-level "ghost loading" of applications interrupted the flow.
Despite these hurdles, the MacBook Neo is described as a game-changer in terms of value and accessibility, with Apple reportedly struggling to keep up with massive demand.
Steam's Frame Rate Estimator
Valve is reportedly working on a frame rate estimator for the Steam Store.
"It would let you pick a game, input your CPU, GPU, and RAM... and you can get a chart of expected frame rates based on crowdsourced data from other Steam users."
This feature aims to solve the ambiguity around hardware compatibility and performance expectations, potentially leveraging data from the Steam Hardware Survey to provide more granular, helpful insights for gamers.
Good News for Linux and Consumers
• French Digital Sovereignty: The French government is accelerating a switch to Linux for workstations across various agencies, aiming to reduce reliance on non-European software.
• Right to Repair: John Deere has settled a lawsuit, creating a $99 million fund for farmers and committing to providing the tools and manuals necessary for repairs for the next 10 years.
• Netflix Refund Ruling: An Italian court ruled that Netflix's subscription price increases from 2017 to 2024 were illegal for failing to provide justified reasons, setting a precedent that may trigger similar challenges across Europe.