Strix Halo Laptop with Oculink

Hi all, I'm looking to purchase a Strix Halo Laptop, however I'd like to get one with either usb4 or (preferably) an oculink port so I can attach an eGPU when docked.

I saw that the Nimo had a model called Axis which had just what I was looking for, a 395+ cpu, 128gb unified memory and an oculink port in a 16" body, but unfortunately I don't know much about Nimo as a brand and they don't ship to Canada.

If anyone knows of another brand that offers that, because I sure can't find one, please let me know.

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u/Baltch — 4 days ago

Wish List

Here's a wishlist for the next few years for Nxtpaper phones;

  1. A fold out phone. I generally think these devices are dumb, but I would be first in line to get a fold out phone where the interior screen is a nxtpaper screen.

  2. Wireless charging for more premium models like the Ultra.

  3. Models that are graphene OS compliant. I'm done with Google after this Lake Ontario business. I want to stick with Android but give Google less data. Would love to be able to buy a nxtpaper device with no or limited Google Play Services.

  4. Keep up the great work. The phones are great and I love the direction they're going!

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u/Baltch — 1 month ago

Benchmark 40v 22" Lawnmower

Anybody have any experience with these? Two 8ah 40v batteries, looks good, but I'd prefer to hear someone's experience with it.

I'd rather buy a Canadian designed tool made in China from a Canadian based retail chain than jerk American brands and retail.

https://www.homehardware.ca/en/22-cordless-lawn-mower-40v-max/p/5125026?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad\_source=1&gad\_campaignid=20927384385&gbraid=0AAAAAqQz9o0u\_e-S\_W5RaTfS7q4wNU\_NN&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-MDTBhCgARIsAKAkdlSvhXI9N5kv9Z9KIjoRXZap6QJVXboU6tTcpV22NeX7NUrf96O-I\_oaAhIrEALw\_wcB

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u/Baltch — 2 months ago

Blazer EV and Missed Opportunity

I love my Blazer EV, but I really think GM missed a golden opportunity to justify the price of these vehicles and rethink their business strategy.

I don't understand why GM didn't think to come up with a way for the charging system of their cars to adapt to new battery types.

For instance, the issue is generally rate of charge, however if GM had thought to say 'Hey, a way for us to have recurring revenue on these vehicles is to create a licensing program for battery makers like catl, quantum scape etc, and as new battery tech comes in the market, they'll be able to sell to our current customers battery upgrades that will increase their range/ make the vehicle better in the cold. GM creates software for licensed battery types and allow mechanics to dl and install new charging parameters for new battery types, maybe allow their dealers to sell them (since these batteries are licensed) or perhaps independent garages will take care of the swap out and any weight balancing issues.

It would justify a higher price for their vehicles vs Chinese incumbents that might be similarly priced now, but most likely undercut them significantly even with tariffs, as GM will have a lock in as even with a higher initial cost, if you want to keep your vehicle for longer you can increase range as better battery tech becomes available. It might cost $15-30k to do, but that's less than $60k +. They support new customers and existing ones, something Chinese companies will likely never do, and create customer loyalty/lock in at the same time.

It would take a lot off my mind, as I keep thinking I should sell my Blazer in anticipation of longer range Chinese EVs before my blazer ev is worth almost nothing.

I just think it's a missed opportunity for GM to create recurring revenue from licensing to maybe selling and then recycling batteries for multiple purposes.

I have a couple of electrical engineer friends who are split on what they think. One thinks it's unrealistic, the other thinks that it's fundamentally a software issue, where you might need specialized hardware connectors that would tell the car what rate of charging to do when installed, but it should not only be feasible but fairly inexpensive to solve

All I know is I'm not willing to buy a new $60k + vehicle to get better range in 5 years. I would be willing to pay upwards of $20k (maybe more) to increase my range significantly.

If I see a vehicle that gives me that range, similar space, and undercuts GM, I'm gone, they've lost a customer. If GM gave me the option of buying a new vehicle or for upgrading my range in my existing vehicle, I'll likely stay put as I feel supported and have less anxiety about range issues in the future and the huge depreciation of my vehicle due to large range jumps.

If you have any thoughts on this idea let me know. Feel free to be critical, however any insulting or belittling language will get you blocked.

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u/Baltch — 3 months ago
▲ 1 r/turo

New Host Blazer EV

I'm thinking of offering my 2024 Blazer EV 2LT for rental through Turo. Any tips would be welcome, and I'm hoping to document my positive and negative experiences as I go here.

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One thing I'm somewhat worried about is ease of Smartphone integration and learning curve with GMs infotainment center for people who are used to Carplay and Android Auto.

​

Any experiences anyone has would love to know. I'm going to be renting in the St John's area of Newfoundland, Canada.

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u/Baltch — 4 months ago

Blazer EV Efficiency

If anybody drives a Blazer EV, please let me know your km/kwh. I'm averaging 3.8/kwh and I think that's quite low, especially considering I don't have a lead foot, but perhaps that's what all the elevation changes in the greater St John's area leaves you with.

​

Hope to hear from anyone driving one.

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u/Baltch — 4 months ago

Shop Elsewhere

Loblaws and Empire are absolutely useless. Just another example. All store locations are the Avalon peninsula area of Newfoundland, first photo is Dominion (Loblaws), second photo is Sobeys app Voila (Empire), last photo and SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive is Walmart. I'll pay double at a local grocer struggling to make ends meet, not those two. To me Empire and Loblaws are the same as Walmart in terms of ethics and effect on local communities, better to pay less at the American devil than the Canadian one, since they're both trying to screw you. At least I save money with one.

u/Baltch — 4 months ago

Happy Cinco de Mayo to everyone! If you're wondering where you can get some great Mexican/ Mexican inspired food made by local small businesses, well you're in luck in the greater St John's area.

We have

Cojones (Downtown, Paradise)

Casa Amigos (Bates Hill Downtown)

Mamacita's (Park Ave Myt Pearl , St John's Airport)

Quintana's (Churchill Sq, St John's)

Mexicana Kitchen (Ropewalk Lane, St John's)

Just a note, if you're looking to cook for yourself, Mamacita's on Park Ave is also a confectionary, with lots of great authentic Mexican seasonings and ingredients.

Stay thirsty and hungry my friends!

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u/Baltch — 5 months ago
▲ 1 r/Lenovo

Does anybody know if the Panther Lake versions of the ThinkBook 14+ & 16+ will be released in Canada and their price? I can't find any information on these products.

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u/Baltch — 6 months ago