Selecting the right configuration to future-proof your laptop (2024)

Selecting the right computer can be a difficult task. There are dozens of different models, but each model often comes in several different variations. No matter what laptop you buy, you’re likely spending hundreds of dollars, so you’ll want a computer that will last for years to come. Wondering how to future-proof your laptop? We got you covered.

First, there’s the processor. If you plan to buy a PC laptop, you’ll want a computer with a recent Intel i Series or AMD Ryzen processor. These processor lines offer enough power for most users. Sometimes you’ll see companies offering cheap laptops with mobile chips, but these basic computers often struggle even with simple tasks.

If you’re a fan of Apple and need a laptop for basic use, it’s hard to go wrong. All current generation Mac laptops offer at least 8GB of RAM, powerful “M” processors, and at least 256 GB of storage space. Right now, Apple’s in-house M CPUs rank among the most powerful processors around.

8GB RAM is enough for basic use, but 16GB is far more future-proof. And whether you use a PC or Apple laptop, if you’re going to edit photos and videos, you’ll want at least 16GB of RAM. Editing software uses a lot of RAM; if you only have 8GB, your computer may freeze up or crash.

Then there’s storage space. Most folks will need an SSD with at least 256GB of space. Some computers come with just 64GB or 128GB. If you’re storing video games, photos, or videos, you will use those gigabytes up very quickly.

Also, many budget laptops feature low-resolution 1366 x 768 screens. These displays look pixelated and can be hard on the eyes. You’ll want a Full HD (FHD) screen with at least 1920 x 1080. You could also get a UHD screen with 4K or 3.5K resolution. However, you’ll have to sacrifice battery life.

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Alternative Denim Care Tip Raises Eyebrows and Questions.

In a surprising twist to conventional laundry practices, Charles Bergh, the CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., has recommended a unique method for cleaning jeans: wearing them in the shower. As Bergh suggests, this unconventional approach involves using body wash while showering with the jeans on, a practice that challenges the traditional use of washing machines for denim care.

This revelation by the CEO of one of the world’s most renowned denim brands has sparked both curiosity and skepticism. According to a writer for Reader’s Digest who tried this method, the experience of showering with jeans on is not as straightforward as it might seem. The jeans become heavy when wet, making them difficult to keep on and even harder to remove post-shower. Additionally, the writer noted that the jeans did not have a fresh, clean scent after the process.

The idea behind not washing jeans in a machine is rooted in preserving the fabric’s integrity and color. Washing machines can be harsh on denim, leading to fading and wear over time. However, the practicality and effectiveness of shower-washing jeans remain debatable.

Despite the CEO’s unique stance, denim enthusiasts and casual wearers alike are left to ponder the feasibility of this method. Traditionalists might stick to machine washing or hand washing, while others might be intrigued enough to try this shower technique.

While the suggestion from Levi’s CEO adds an interesting twist to denim care, it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. The debate over the best way to wash jeans continues, with this new method adding another layer to the denim care conversation.

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Navigating the Mysterious World of Sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking is a phenomenon that can be both intriguing and concerning, especially for parents who witness their child wandering around the house at night. It involves performing various activities while in a state of sleep, often with no memory of these actions upon waking. While common in children, adults can experience it too. Here’s a closer look at what sleepwalking entails and how to manage it.

What Does Sleepwalking Involve?

Sleepwalking behaviors can range from simple to complex:

• Walking Around: This is the most basic form of sleepwalking.
• Performing Tasks: Activities like preparing snacks or opening cupboards.
• Getting Dressed: Dressing or undressing without awareness.
• Incoherent Speech: Mumbling or speaking nonsensically.
• Inappropriate Actions: Such as urinating in unusual places.
• Complex Activities: Rarely, engaging in activities like riding a bike.

The Potential Dangers of Sleepwalking

While many sleepwalking episodes are harmless, there are instances where it can pose serious risks, like a child leaving the house or operating machinery. Therefore, ensuring a safe environment is crucial.

Understanding the Triggers

Several factors can trigger sleepwalking:

• Genetic Predisposition: It’s more likely if there’s a family history.
• Stress: Events like moving house or exams can be triggers.
• Sleep Disruption: Illnesses or other disturbances can provoke episodes.

Sleepwalking in Children vs. Adults

Children are more prone to sleepwalking, with episodes typically decreasing in frequency with age. However, if a child sleepwalks several times a week or engages in dangerous activities, it’s advisable to consult a doctor.

Dealing with a Sleepwalker

If you encounter someone sleepwalking, it’s generally recommended not to wake them abruptly, as they might react with confusion or aggression. Instead, gently guide them back to bed and ensure they’re safe.

Prioritizing Safety and Understanding

While sleepwalking is usually a benign condition, understanding its causes and ensuring safety can help manage it effectively. Awareness and gentle intervention are key in handling sleepwalking episodes, especially in children.

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The Decline of Self-Checkout: More Stores Embracing Traditional Cashiers.

The era of self-checkout, once hailed as a retail revolution, seems to be facing a surprising turn. Recent trends indicate that various retailers are reconsidering the widespread adoption of self-checkout lanes, with some even phasing them out in favor of human cashiers.

Self-checkout, representing 38 percent of checkout lanes in 2021, according to a study analyzing 4.5 billion transactions, was initially seen as a strategy to cut labor costs and expedite the shopping process. However, the reality of its implementation has revealed several challenges that are prompting retailers to rethink its value.

In the United Kingdom, Nigel Murray, managing director of Booths, a high-end supermarket chain, pointed out that customers found self-checkout lanes slow, impersonal, and unreliable. Responding to customer feedback, Booths is removing self-checkout lanes from all but two of its over 50 stores.

Target in the United States is experimenting with a new approach, limiting self-checkout to a maximum of 10 items, effectively transforming these lanes into express lanes. Similarly, Walmart and other retail chains are announcing plans to hire more cashiers, a move suggesting a shift back to traditional checkout methods.

So, what’s behind this shift? For one, the efficiency and skill of human checkout clerks have been underestimated. Challenges arise, especially with items like produce, where customers often struggle to correctly identify and ring up items, leading to pricing inaccuracies. Additionally, the issue of theft has been a significant concern, with some customers intentionally or unintentionally failing to ring up items correctly.

Another logistical challenge involves the purchase of restricted items like alcohol, which can disrupt the flow of self-checkout lanes as staff are required to verify customer IDs.

This reassessment of self-checkout underscores a fundamental truth: sometimes, traditional methods, like human interaction at checkout, provide a more efficient and customer-friendly experience. As retailers adapt to these insights, shoppers can anticipate encountering more human clerks in stores, a change that may redefine the shopping experience in the coming years.

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From Hippocrates to Modern Gyms, the Medicine Ball Endures as a Fitness Staple.

In the realm of fitness, some trends come and go, but the medicine ball, a simple yet effective tool, has stood the test of time. This ancient fitness apparatus, dating back to the days of Hippocrates in ancient Greece, remains a staple in modern gyms worldwide.

Originally crafted from animal skins and filled with sand, these balls were prescribed by Hippocrates to his patients for gentle tossing exercises. This practice was aimed at preventing and recovering from injuries, hence the name ‘medicine ball.’

Fast forward to today, these versatile balls have evolved in both design and material but retain the same fundamental purpose. Available in sizes ranging from softball to basketball, medicine balls cater to a variety of fitness needs. They can be purchased in weights from a light two pounds to a hefty 35 pounds, with prices varying from an affordable $20 to comprehensive sets priced at up to $300.

The true beauty of the medicine ball lies in its simplicity and versatility. Requiring no intricate adjustments, it is an accessible tool for everyone. Its design promotes not only strength and explosive power but also encourages lateral movements, enhancing coordination and balance.

Incorporating a medicine ball into workouts can significantly boost their effectiveness. Fitness enthusiasts often integrate these balls into lunges, jumps, and squats, leveraging the added weight to increase muscle engagement and intensity.

Unlike complex gym machines, the medicine ball offers a straightforward approach to fitness. Its uncomplicated nature means users can focus on movement and technique. Whether it’s thrusting the ball toward the ground or moving with it, the medicine ball provides a dynamic and engaging workout experience.

The medicine ball is a shining example of an ancient tool that has seamlessly transitioned into modern fitness regimes. Its enduring presence in gyms across the globe is a testament to its effectiveness and versatility. As we continue to explore and innovate in the world of fitness, the medicine ball remains a constant, reminding us of the timeless principles of physical health and strength.

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Understanding the High Stakes of Credit Management.

In today’s credit-driven world, maintaining a healthy credit score is more important than ever. However, certain actions can drastically and rapidly decrease this crucial financial indicator. Understanding these pitfalls is key to safeguarding your credit health.

The most significant factor affecting your credit score is on-time payments, which constitute 35% of your score. Missing a single payment can result in a dramatic drop in your credit score, with Lending Tree noting a potential decrease of up to 100 points for most individuals and even 180 points for those with higher scores. To avoid this, setting up automatic payments for bills and credit obligations is a prudent strategy.

Another serious credit score hazard is defaulting on a loan. This typically occurs after 90 days of non-payment. However, the damage starts much earlier. Failing to make a payment for 30 or 60 days can lead to a credit score reduction of up to 200 points. This kind of hit to your credit score can have long-term repercussions, affecting your ability to secure loans or credit in the future at favorable rates.

Bankruptcy is another major blow to one’s credit score. Filing for bankruptcy can result in a drop of at least 240 points. This drastic measure should be a last resort, as the impact on your credit score is severe and long-lasting.

Protecting your credit score requires vigilance and timely action. Ensuring regular and on-time payments, avoiding loan defaults, and considering alternatives before bankruptcy are crucial steps in maintaining a healthy credit profile. Remember, once damaged, rebuilding a credit score can be a slow and challenging process.

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Photographer Shawn Miller’s Campaign Sheds Light on the Plight of Shell-Less Hermit Crabs.

The charming habit of shell collecting, a favorite pastime for many beachgoers, has an unintended consequence: it’s leaving hermit crabs homeless. These crustaceans, which rely on discarded shells for shelter, are increasingly turning to plastic debris due to a shortage of natural homes.

Shawn Miller, a photographer, stumbled upon this environmental issue during an afternoon on an Okinawa beach. He noticed hermit crabs using plastic bottle caps as makeshift shelters. This adaptation, while ingenious, is a clear indicator of the distress faced by these creatures in their natural habitat. Miller’s photographs of these plastic-cap crabs, shared online, quickly garnered attention and sparked a movement.

Moved by the plight of these hermit crabs, people worldwide began sending shells to Miller. This led to an unexpected new role for him. Each donated shell is marked with “MTS4N” (Make The Switch 4 Nature) followed by a unique number. As of now, Miller has marked approximately 800 shells.

This initiative highlights a significant environmental issue: the impact of human activities on wildlife. While collecting shells might seem harmless, it deprives hermit crabs of essential resources. The use of plastic waste by these crabs is a stark reminder of the pervasive problem of ocean pollution.

Miller’s campaign serves as a call to action. It’s not just about providing shells to hermit crabs; it’s about raising awareness of how seemingly small actions can have far-reaching effects on the environment. By marking each shell, Miller not only tracks the impact of his project but also spreads a message of conservation and responsibility.

The story of these hermit crabs is a microcosm of a larger environmental challenge. It underscores the need for greater awareness and action to protect our oceans and the creatures that call them home. As Miller’s initiative shows, every small step can make a difference in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

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