diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'src/b/2022-01-status.md')
| -rw-r--r-- | src/b/2022-01-status.md | 71 |
1 files changed, 71 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/src/b/2022-01-status.md b/src/b/2022-01-status.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7d680a0 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/b/2022-01-status.md @@ -0,0 +1,71 @@ +title: Status update, January 2022 +date: 2022-01-19 + +## Thinkpad madness + +I am crazy about ThinkPads. Should I keep using my X220, or invest in a shiny +X230 with an i7 processor? + +I have a very pleasant experience with my X220. I have been using it for more +than a year as a daily driver, oscillating between OpenBSD and ArchLinux. For +the past month, I have been using it as my work device too. Other computers, +laptops and secondary screens have been switched-off. + +The X220 handles very well multiples microservices, docker containers, tmux +sessions, and two or three different web browsers running simultaneously. +However, I have encountered two problems: + +- The microphone can generate static noises +- And the internal fan can be *very* loud + +The microphone issues can easily be fixed by correctly loading some +[pulseaudio/pipewire settings](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Lenovo_ThinkPad_X220#Microphone) +and placing the internal microphone and network cables correctly, without +creating interferences. However, even after repasting and cleaning the fan and +heatsink, the X220 is still loud. Some users recommend to +[install a new fan with a specific FRU](https://old.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/7uyjiv/best_x230_fan_for_x220). + +So, should I switch to an X230 for the extra-performances? Maybe yes, maybe no. +I'll keep using my X220 for now! + +## Work setup + +The X220 has been installed on one of my Ultrabase Series 3, and is standing on +a 10 bucks book stand. + +I am the happy owner of two YubiKey 5C. But using a male *USB-A to female USB-C* +adapter is not practical with the X220, and even more when I am on the move or +in the train. Yes, I have hacked and soldered the same adapter on the +motherboard of one of my other X220 -the USB-A plug was dead-, but it is a +non-reversible process. Therefore, I have decided to invest in a YubiKey Nano. +It works and fit in the chassis perfectly, I can be on the move and not forget +nor lost it. Multiple issues: + +- The point of using an external device is to be able to unplug that same device + when no decryption/signing operation is expected. Now it is stuck in the + X220's chassis, and my finger are now able to trigger it randomly! +- I want to trust Yubico, but I bet that we are going to see security issues + or zero days in the next decade. Alternatives such as + [somu](https://solokeys.com/products/somu-tiny-security-key-two-factor-authentication-u2f-and-fido2-usb-a) + exist, but the lack of PGP support is a no go for me. + +But yes, touching the security key is enabled and required for all operations! + +## Legal cheats + +I have just discovered that [cheat.sh](https://cheat.sh) not only returns +helpful cheatsheets for a variety of commands -that I knew- but also allows +free form queries such as: + +``` +$ curl cheat.sh/python/list+comprehension +$ curl cheat.sh/zsh/git+status +$ curl cheat.sh/dwm/compile +$ curl cheat.sh/ksh/completion +``` + +I have spotted missing cheatsheets, such as `ipmitools` or `ykman`. Maybe +something worth contributing? + +The `how to succeed in life` is also missing. Hopefully this will be completed +in the next decades! |