Post A40Gws5EnL3cwTRv9s by gianf@fosstodon.org
(DIR) More posts by gianf@fosstodon.org
(DIR) Post #A2nEz0SubtIzEhFKCG by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-01T12:15:41Z
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I'm looking for a Linux powered tablet. Primary usage would be as a remote for VLC control (ncurses or http), but running a remote desktop session would also be handy.A PineTab would probably be ideal, but they aren't currently available. There are some Pi based tablets (Cutie Pi & Raspad), but they are not the right form-factor.Anything else, any suggestions?
(DIR) Post #A2ngmizgXXnwI6VWYS by asparagi@hax0rbana.social
2021-01-01T17:27:11Z
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@fitheach This might be too big or objectionable due to hardware manufacturer, but I use a M$ Surface Go running Debian c/o the fabulous https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface project. I too want a PineTab. But, at the time of my research (maybe 18 mos ago?), this was the cheapest tablet I could find to run an actual Unix. I use it to SSH into things, VNC into things, and develop on (in Smalltalk); it's great for all 3.
(DIR) Post #A2ni1dFqGFn4mwjkhc by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-01T17:41:04Z
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@asparagi Good shout. I wasn't aware of the Linux Surface project. These units are a bit more expensive than I had in mind, but I could be tempted.My main purpose is as a remote control for VLC, as my home cinema unit is above and behind me (next to the projector). The tablet would mostly be used for stop/start/pause and changing the volume. I could also use it for slideshows, where VNC would come in handy.
(DIR) Post #A2nzxgX7vXiYyS5bO4 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-01T21:02:03Z
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I went looking for a Surface Go, but got side-tracked, and bought an HP ElitePad 1000 G2 instead. The ElitePad comes with a docking station and charger. It has a 1920x1200 pixel 10.1 inch display, 4GB RAM and 64GB SSD.The whole thing, including delivery, was £95.As soon as I get it Windows 10 Pro will be replaced with Ubuntu. There are some specific Ubuntu respins suitable for Atom tablets.I've never used Ubuntu before, that will also be interesting.
(DIR) Post #A2o3VxdN9YSpif2vgm by gairsty@fosstodon.org
2021-01-01T21:41:52Z
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@fitheach I'd be very interested to find out how you get on. Keep us posted on your progress...
(DIR) Post #A2o45xOfVouxPPKheK by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-01T21:48:23Z
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@gairsty Will do. I might even post about the ElitePad, from the ElitePad. Very meta.Now that I've ordered it, I can't wait for it to arrive. I haven't mesed about with installs onto a new device for ages.
(DIR) Post #A30K9FielzisvvZURc by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-07T19:44:48Z
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It's arrived!Looks nice, and very solid. Screen is gorgeous. The jacket is rubbery, which makes gripping the HP ElitePad much easier. The jacket also provides some extra ports around the edges, which is very handy.I'm having my dinner, then I'm going to install Lubuntu. Both Ubuntu and LXQt are new to me. Should be fun. I was tempted to use "Bionic Beaver" (shades of Naked Gun) just because of the name, but went for the newer "Focal Fossa".#FOSS #Linux #Ubuntu
(DIR) Post #A30TLM7xflwHs1Fn8q by fedops@linuxrocks.online
2021-01-07T21:27:49Z
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@fitheach sounds great, will be interested to see how you go. Good price as well, I assume used off of the bay?
(DIR) Post #A30UFukU8dxTSmF3wW by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-07T21:38:02Z
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@fedops Yes, secondhand, bought on Ebay. It is in exceptional condition, no scratches, nothing broken.Considering the condition the price paid makes it even better value.
(DIR) Post #A31oZJB0E180KE7qT2 by Jkp@mastodon.scot
2021-01-08T13:00:20Z
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@fitheachI don't think you'll regret your choice of OS either.I use Kubuntu on my desktop and Xubuntu on my old Thinkpad T61as it's easier on the older hardware.
(DIR) Post #A32Lx6mzcsk3dNWbs8 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-08T19:14:27Z
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@Jkp I've been using Xfce for years, always served me well. I'm not using it because it is lightweight, but that helps, more because I like the simplicity. I don't need to learn new paradigms with Xfce, it just works the same way as always. I can get on with doing my work or play.I have used LXDE (GTK version) in the dim and distant past, so, I'm assuming LXQt will be pretty similar.
(DIR) Post #A33y5eUcBwi9tfODuC by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T13:56:29Z
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Well, this hasn't been a huge success, so far. The download had to be done through a browser, as there is a requirement on the Google site to use javascript. Each time the download failed, it was within a few KB of the 1.8GB total. Totally annoying.I'm now going to download a standard Lubuntu, from Canonical, using **wget**.#FOSS #Linux #Ubuntu
(DIR) Post #A33yYkKNZoQeOKTWPQ by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T14:01:45Z
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Yeah, and another thing...Why does the browser (Firefox) delete the partial download, and start from the beginning? Not very efficient when you've downloaded 1.8GB.Is there a setting I don't know about that can change this behaviour?
(DIR) Post #A33z9z89VFcF13VrQ8 by fedops@linuxrocks.online
2021-01-09T14:08:26Z
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@fitheach just use curl, wget, or rsync. Large browser downloads can be a bit risky.
(DIR) Post #A33zMH5gYMPSC4DeMq by danielst@social.librem.one
2021-01-09T14:10:41Z
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@fitheach Usually you can resume a failed download in the download window. (If you click the link again, it's a new download)But servers might not support partial downloads. (In this case, I'm not sure whether wget helps much)
(DIR) Post #A341wszHKc9c3ro8tk by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T14:39:43Z
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@fedops Doesn't work. I get a "Permission denied", when I try anything other than a browser with javascript enabled.
(DIR) Post #A3422oGfn78JA5liSm by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T14:40:47Z
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@danielst Tried that. For some reason the browser deletes the partially downloaded file and starts again.
(DIR) Post #A3427qaeaIV5oPW4vI by yngmar@social.tchncs.de
2021-01-09T14:13:29Z
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@danielst @fitheach Also many websites generate unstable URLs for downloads, which expire. Then resuming doesn't work 😒
(DIR) Post #A3427r1wwoKpB4HsTA by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T14:41:41Z
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@yngmar Yeah, that might be it.@danielst
(DIR) Post #A3431rLqwPG0OEInWi by fedops@linuxrocks.online
2021-01-09T14:51:49Z
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@fitheach hm. Got a link please?
(DIR) Post #A343FREsp5z3SRW7Yu by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T14:54:16Z
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@fedops https://sites.google.com/site/wwwlinuxiumcomau/isos
(DIR) Post #A344UEuJ3T1NVcVvcW by fedops@linuxrocks.online
2021-01-09T15:08:09Z
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@fitheach yeah I see. Google Drive. :-(
(DIR) Post #A34LIpl7ufEHY6MqES by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T18:16:35Z
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Some eejit downloaded Ubuntu rather than Lubuntu. 🙄 I'll be back shortly.#FOSS #Linux #Ubuntu
(DIR) Post #A34SKlhQg1pvDUVWtc by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T19:35:19Z
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Ahh, that's better.The whole Desktop (icons & text) is far too small. Once installed on the SSD I will need to change the zoom level and font sizes. Currently, it isn't very finger friendly.I'm using Lubuntu 20.10 Groovy Gorilla. on the HP ElitePad 1000.#FOSS #Linux #Lubuntu
(DIR) Post #A34ShF8XuUDusyuM3k by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T19:39:26Z
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Ahh, that's better.The whole Desktop (icons & text) is far too small. Once installed on the SSD I will need to change the zoom level and font sizes. Currently, it isn't very finger friendly.I'm using Lubuntu 20.10 Groovy Gorilla. on the HP ElitePad 1000.#FOSS #Linux #Lubuntu
(DIR) Post #A34WCuY0IQ529rbjoe by arthurstramash@mastodon.social
2021-01-09T20:18:45Z
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@fitheach You’re a Linux user? I’ve dabbled over the years. Best success was deleting Windows from our local sports club computer and installing a distro (on 24/7 for booking tennis courts) and it runs all season with almost no breakdowns. Remarkable OS.
(DIR) Post #A34X5T2mFuDmmg14K0 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T20:28:38Z
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@arthurstramash I've been a Linux user since 2000, 21 years now. I use Linux based systems almost exclusively. I started with Debian, and I'm now using Devuan. This is my first foray into Lubuntu.
(DIR) Post #A34XPl3J0g7qQbwFnc by arthurstramash@mastodon.social
2021-01-09T20:32:18Z
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@fitheach Impressive. I never found it very intuitive and as my work depends on DTP programmes and web creation I stuck with Windows and its blue screen og death ;)
(DIR) Post #A34Xj9jNTnzETArpFw by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T20:35:48Z
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The installation was a breeze. The whole thing configured and installed in ten minutes.One thing I hadn't thought about, prior to the installation, was the need for a keyboard (entering usernames and passwords etc.). Luckily, I happened to have a spare USB keyboard, but longer term I should investigate on-screen keyboards. The only installation glitch was the system having a US keyboard, even though I had selected British English. Easily sorted.#FOSS #Linux #Lubuntu
(DIR) Post #A34YYAO8nLOlHGG1my by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-09T20:45:01Z
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@arthurstramash You might be confusing the OS with the Desktop Environment. I consider Linux based systems to be much less complex than Windows.KDE and Gnome are quite complex Desktops from an admin perspective, but fairly simple for users.Xfce (my usual DE) and LXQt (used by Lubuntu) are very simple, and lightweight.As a counterpoint I find many things in the Windows world to be very unintuitive. For instance, I hate the Fluent UI.
(DIR) Post #A34aCdxwLVsMY0rp6e by arthurstramash@mastodon.social
2021-01-09T21:03:32Z
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@fitheach You’re no doubt correct. I always opted for the distros with a familiar desktop environment. Can’t quite remember the name of the one installed for the tennis club but it’s one of the easiest to use and update (for dummies 😀 )
(DIR) Post #A353tuajIzadEYzjfc by gemlog@mastodonten.de
2021-01-10T02:36:17Z
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@fitheach Yeah, looks more homey :-)
(DIR) Post #A35J71ErOujIvXTQAa by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-10T05:26:45Z
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@gemlog Nah, I've only just got the keys for the new "pad". I'll need to re-decorate in my own colours, and scatter some icons about. 😜
(DIR) Post #A35iorvprX23era4X2 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-10T10:14:48Z
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Dealing with the finishing touches of the installation.I've made the icons as big as possible (96 pixels) which seems usable on the small, but high-res screen. Likewise, I've increased the fonts from 11 to 20 points, everywhere.It was good to discover that ufw (firewall) was installed by default. However, I also tightened the rules.Most importantly I added the ssh server package, so I could access the HP ElitePad from other hosts.#FOSS #Linux #Lubuntu
(DIR) Post #A35l9VH9Ub7NNfWDBo by gairsty@fosstodon.org
2021-01-10T10:40:56Z
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@fitheach with the larger icons, is it working well with touch input?
(DIR) Post #A35mGFK1J3olsldgNE by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-10T10:53:22Z
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@gairsty 99% yes.The one remaining issue is the window manager controls (close, maximise, minimise, roll-up etc.). There is no setting to change the size in Openbox, so, I assume they are graphics, which can only be changed by changing the theme. None of the included themes have large controls.I'll need to go searching for a purpose made Openbox theme.
(DIR) Post #A35qwU5LCtOFeIAYKG by fedops@linuxrocks.online
2021-01-10T11:45:36Z
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@fitheach @gairsty did you see this? I think he solved it via scaling. https://youtu.be/pYCTwCxWqYs
(DIR) Post #A35w6VaCzaFwxeCrYm by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-10T12:43:38Z
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@fedops That had been my first thought, but I achieved what I needed by adjusting the font and icon size. If, in the future, I want to increase the size again, then scaling is open to me.@gairsty
(DIR) Post #A36BQSLQF0zm1NGBxw by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-10T15:35:20Z
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Hmmm, hit another gotcha, this time with the virtual keyboard.I'm getting exactly the bug shown here:https://forum.qt.io/topic/106673/qt-virtual-keyboard-bug-in-lubuntuI'm not finding a way around it with qtvirtualkeyboard. I might have to try onboard instead (GTK).A working virtual keyboard is essential for a tablet.#FOSS #Linux #Lubuntu
(DIR) Post #A36Lo1H7XF1wYh7fPM by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-10T17:31:38Z
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Nope, not enough time to fix the virtual keyboard problem at the moment.As a horrible kludge I'm using qtvirtualkeyboard for the SDDM login screen (this arrangement kind-of works).For applications (e.g. Vim) I'm using Onboard. This definitely works.I can't use just one, as Onboard isn't working for the SDDM login, and qtvirtualkeyboard doesn't work properly for apps. 🙄 I was sorely tempted to use Xubuntu instead, as I know the Xfce environment better, but I'm persevering.#FOSS #Linux
(DIR) Post #A36QS22gVAneL0hma0 by gemlog@mastodonten.de
2021-01-10T18:23:40Z
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@fitheach Linux on tablet space sounds a bit like linux on phone space.
(DIR) Post #A36WoGmB0CCK85yEt6 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-10T19:34:57Z
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@gemlog Nothing can be that bad.This is definitely a problem with SDDM and Lubuntu. It didn't happen with Gnome. No documentation anywhere, doesn't help.
(DIR) Post #A37LpzKfvIguGqgT6e by Archivist@pawoo.net
2021-01-11T05:06:40Z
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@fitheach hey i found your profile through scotland hashtag. do you interested in scotland site database? http://www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/
(DIR) Post #A37wUKsynwX73BGgoi by Jkp@mastodon.scot
2021-01-11T11:57:21Z
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@fitheach I just love trying new software so have tried most of the desktops available for Ubuntu but, like yourself, have opted for XFce on my laptop.KDE remains the desktop of choice on the faster desktop mostly because I share that with my wife and she detests change in her tech life, ds it difficult enough :)I feel that I have achieved enough in weaning her off WIndows :)
(DIR) Post #A38b9Ps5AZhQYHzYlk by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-11T19:33:00Z
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@Jkp I enjoy trying new software, too, but that tends to be at the application level. I don't feel motivated to distro-hop. My first foray in Linuxland was Debian in 2000. That was an excellent/lucky choice as I've stayed thereabouts ever since. The same thing for Xfce, which does everything I need without being complex. I don't feel the need to try other Desktops as Xfce "just works".
(DIR) Post #A3IWJIxUcWAJqCOhKy by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-16T14:25:52Z
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Setting up the web interface for VLC could not be easier. In VLC Preferences enable the web interface, and set a password.On the ElitePad (or whatever remote you want to use) start the browser, and go to:http://<domain or IP number>:8080enter the password.You then get a web interface with the usual "VCR" type controls.It just works!#FOSS #Linux #VLC
(DIR) Post #A3IX1dWxUlLeNy7p8S by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-16T14:33:54Z
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It is also possible to show the running video in the area below the controls. This isn't something I require, and anyway, I believe it requires Flash. Yikes!
(DIR) Post #A3Yshn4dsqAkEGpKhU by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-24T11:52:28Z
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Call me contrary. I've distro-hopped again.I quite liked Lubuntu, but I couldn't get the virtual keyboard working properly. This is a critical issue for a tablet. I tried out Xubuntu, and managed to get the VK working perfectly, although, this time, I'm using Onboard everywhere. It appears automatically for the LightDM login screen, and for any apps requiring text input. Onboard also looks nice.I also feel I'm back in my comfort zone, as I've been an Xfce user for years.#FOSS #Linux
(DIR) Post #A3YtIWdRxry7xbcma8 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-24T11:59:06Z
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It was when preparing the Xubuntu live ISO that I had my wee accident:https://mstdn.io/@fitheach/105606602977249047
(DIR) Post #A3YvECC2E4sDJHrf0K by fedops@fosstodon.org
2021-01-24T12:20:42Z
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@fitheach looks great. Do they have a version for atom or did you have to do something special to get it to boot?
(DIR) Post #A3YwTKN2Cl3KyBmy3c by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-24T12:34:40Z
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@fedops No, nothing special, the standard Groovy Gorilla Xubuntu. There will probably be some specific Atom/chipset stuff being loaded by the kernel, but nothing I had to select.I did originally select an Atom spin of Lubuntu, but I couldn't get the download to work from Google drive.UEFI requires a separate 300MB partition, but that is standard stuff. The HP implementation of Secure Boot is horrendous, so I disabled it, to make trying several distros easier.
(DIR) Post #A3Z1y3p8H6dMOmPCEq by fedops@fosstodon.org
2021-01-24T13:36:14Z
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@fitheach sounds good. Secure boot is garbage anyway, no loss really.
(DIR) Post #A3m3fW6VdBYBZNIVsm by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-30T20:26:42Z
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I really love using both Parole Media Player and VLC when I have a mouse, but they aren't very finger-friendly.Looking for suggestions of finger-friendly media apps (audio & video).#FOSS #Linux #Xubuntu
(DIR) Post #A3m4dPhQZWHV567vQ8 by tfb@functional.cafe
2021-01-30T20:37:31Z
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@fitheach VLC's Android port is finger friendly. I wonder if it's possible to use that UI on Linux.
(DIR) Post #A3m5eOBBoBmCbw4ooy by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-30T20:48:53Z
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@tfb Hmmm, that seems unlikely. However, VLC does support creating your own skin, or downloading ones created by other users:https://www.videolan.org/vlc/skins.html
(DIR) Post #A3m9LnOmDghd8op09A by timttmy@the-pit.uk
2021-01-30T20:56:57.372116Z
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@fitheach kodi? or is that overkill.
(DIR) Post #A3m9LnrUUvfgZsFvu4 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-30T21:30:20Z
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@timttmy Hmmm, I'm not sure. I might try it.
(DIR) Post #A3m9hhBbzv4WFF6fAG by yngmar@social.tchncs.de
2021-01-30T21:34:18Z
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@fitheach VLC is very keyboard friendly (and controls can be edited).On the Mac I'm using Alfred, which provides a keyboard shortcut activated, fully searchable music interface.Also using it to map the otherwise useless PrtScr/ScrLck/Break keys on my keyboard to the music controls for Previous, Play/Pause and Next.Alfred is one of the things I'll really miss when retiring the Mac platform. The similar attempts on other platforms are feeble.#music #ux #alfred #mac
(DIR) Post #A3n2oPoOUNL1rgSnp2 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-31T07:51:50Z
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@yngmar I use keyboard shortcuts for VLC, all the time (on my laptop), but I was wanting a big button interface for use on my tablet.
(DIR) Post #A3nggEVUdHTCeZHAi8 by yngmar@social.tchncs.de
2021-01-31T15:18:32Z
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@fitheach Oh, missed that. Perhaps you can convince VLC to present you with the same interface it uses on mobile (Android), which is designed for touch and fairly usable.
(DIR) Post #A3nl9RpyY74KDA2iI4 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-31T16:08:40Z
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@yngmar There are some VLC skins. Looking through them, now:https://www.videolan.org/vlc/skins.html
(DIR) Post #A3nusDWJWf86QUGiB6 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-01-31T17:57:35Z
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I've tried several of the VLC skins, but none of them have a finger-friendly interface. One was called "iPhone 3", which I thought would provide a smartphone-like interface. Not quite, it actually produced an image of an iPhone with miniscule controls inside. What a weird, and unusable idea.VLC "Custom Interface" has an option entitled "Big Button", which sounds promising, but it doesn't do anything.The search continues...#FOSS #Linux #Xubuntu #VLC
(DIR) Post #A40FOL1P6yoCbQcqky by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-02-06T16:44:12Z
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I'm going to finish this ElitePad thread, as I've got a 99% working, and usable system. It took me a while to settle on the right distro and DE, but Xubuntu with Xfce (of course) is just right for me, and the HP ElitePad.Onboard is superb, and without it the tablet would be unusable. Xournal is great for notes. Parole for media is good, although the interface on the tablet could be improved.I'm really happy with the ElitePad, and would thoroughly recommend it.#FOSS #Linux #Xubuntu
(DIR) Post #A40Gws5EnL3cwTRv9s by gianf@fosstodon.org
2021-02-06T17:01:39Z
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@fitheach Thank you for sharing your tablet adventure. Could be an idea for a how-to blog article.I'd be interested to read it and maybe to replicate what you did. :)A tablet is what I'm thinking of buying, recently, and a reasonably cheap but reactive Linux based tablet would be my choice.
(DIR) Post #A40HVgXtgSEDIHSHR2 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2021-02-06T17:07:57Z
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@gianf I will get around to blogging my whole experience, but it won't be soon.The tablet hardware is great, absolutely solid, and the screen is gorgeous. It does everything I want, including acting as a remote control for my home cinema. This was one of my original objectives.The ElitePad will also be my photo companion when out in the field.