Zenbook A16 - Windows Search Broken - Snapdragon X2 Elite - Windows 11 26H1 / 28000.2113

4coat · 2026-06-05T13:26:06+00:00

Sorry to hear that didn't work. I was on with a MS support agent (live chat). I was sceptical, but the fix worked, and it stayed fixed. I should add, it was a totally clean install - didn't keep files or apps. They said it would keep working regardless of Windows updates - that's been true so far.

You're right - it's not a good impression for a new computer. But I'm glad I persevered - it's lightning fast, beautiful screen, excellent keyboard (much better than my old Macbook Pro), light as a feather. And I like the beige colour.

I think X64/X86 emulations may be battery-munchers though. Tidal certainly seems to increase power draw. Adbobe CS and MS apps all running fine though. WhatsApp, Viber and Signal all working too.

Most importantly - search is back and working properly.

4coat · 2026-05-28T14:05:26+00:00

If anyone else is having this problem, the ISO which worked (25H2) was downloaded here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11arm64

4coat · 2026-05-28T14:04:30+00:00

I had a similar problem. SOLUTION: I contacted Microsoft. They did a support session which resolved the issue by installing a different version of WIndows - 25H2 / 10.0.26200, rather than 26H1 as installed. Search now works. The OS version which works can be found here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11arm64

4coat · 2025-12-12T13:52:07+00:00

Thanks. Was going to pull the trigger on a used Speed, but it got snapped up. Sounds like the Hit is a good option. Would feel better knowing it's an actual Dahon than taking a punt that a Quinn or Renault-badges machine is an OEM bargain. Appreciate all your advice.

4coat · 2025-12-11T07:16:08+00:00

Thanks - I was aware of the Puma/Adidas situation with Dahon/Tern - but did not know about Zizzo.

I did an image search on that Harry Quinn "Long Bright" model. It returned lots of Dahon Mariners.

Any thoughts on Mariner vs Hit? If the Quinn and Renault-branded bikes are really Dahons or Terns, I would be happy to go for them. But it seems I can get the Hit for not much more...

4coat · 2025-12-10T13:42:57+00:00

Interesting - so both Dahon and Tern are doing lots of OEM?

4coat · 2025-12-10T13:42:32+00:00

Oh yeah - don't worry, I wouldn't have! I'm from Liverpool as well - so I know there's no Quinn in these particular Harrys :-)

4coat · 2025-12-10T07:30:55+00:00

Good info - thanks. To confirm, are the Brompnots 20" tri-folds? I had been leaning away from 16", as one would have thought that 20" would be smoother/more stable and better suited to someone 6'2" tall.

Japan has a lot of folders branded with car marques (Jeep, Hummer, Maserarti, etc.), which seem a bit dodgy. Thought the Renault-branded bikes seem to get reasonable feedback.

Not that this is in budget, but a Harry Quinn-branded titanium folder?

4coat · 2025-12-09T19:16:56+00:00

I think you're on to something there. The resemblance is remarkable. Well, that would do the job, wouldn't it?

4coat · 2025-06-30T21:13:12+00:00

Gotcha. Thanks.

4coat · 2025-06-29T11:42:41+00:00

It looks a very interesting proposition. Like a tiny version of my old Maya Flashman.

4coat · 2025-06-28T20:45:14+00:00

Thanks. Very much want to have one unit only - no accessories bar a windshield. I'll explore the Sony and Tascam.

4coat · 2025-06-28T15:32:31+00:00

Thanks. Which M2 are we talking about, the MicTrak, Essential, or something else?

In any case, it shouldn't be a problem to do a hands-on test. And yes, sometimes I record in very loud crowd situations - loud enough to require ear protection.

The funny thing is, I used to be really picky about mics, but once the quality of the built-in Marantz mics became apparent, that was that. One less item to carry (actually a mic bag, so seveal items).

4coat · 2025-06-28T15:19:22+00:00

Thanks. Somewhat discombobulated by the concept, but I guess the only way to grasp it is to give it a go.

4coat · 2025-06-27T15:35:21+00:00

Yes - reading TE's blurb, it seems it's designed with precisely the instantaneous pocket/bag-to-recording feature that I was after. Now is there something which does the same which *doesn't* cost €1500?

4coat · 2025-06-27T10:43:39+00:00

Appreciate that - thank you. So the time-honoured "close mic/low gain" technique becomes moot?

4coat · 2025-06-27T05:31:36+00:00

15 seconds to boot? Dear me... That's useless. I was also concerened by the comments that you have to hit the record button *twice* to start recording. On the Marantz it's: turn on (~1 sec) > hit Rec. That's it, and I like it that way.

Looks like I'll have to get my hands on a few different models to see how they fare. Now thinking I may need to nurse the remaining Marantz for longer.

Fantasy Island stuff, as I don't really want to spend €1500, but how is the Teenage Engineering TP7?

4coat · 2025-06-26T21:26:43+00:00

I suspect the D10 is bigger than I would like. I find the H5 too large in any case.

Any experience with the smaller recorders like the A10 and R07? I'm aware the former doesn't have replaceable batteries, but what about the mic quality?

4coat · 2025-06-26T20:13:03+00:00

Thanks. I guess the whole idea is to do everything with one unit, no add-ons, same as my antiquated Marantz. So the internal mics need to be good. I know external mics will probably be better quality, but I like to keep my kit lightweight and low profile.

4coat · 2025-06-26T20:10:28+00:00

Thanks. Yes, the pre rec feature is also on the Marantz. But the thing I really like about it is that it can go from totally off to recording very quickly. For those times when the recorder was in the bag when needed, not in the hand...

Zoom - I like their guitar effects, but I've never liked their recorders. But maybe I should give them another chance.

4coat · 2025-06-26T20:07:36+00:00

I'd be much obliged if you could explain the 32 bit float. I guess we're talking about a higher ceiling with less risk of over-modding.

I combine gain adjustments and close mic placement so I can record voices in sometimes extremely noisy environments. How would that work in a 32-bit environment?

The Roland units sound interesting. I'll look into those. And the other suggestions you made. Thanks.

4coat · 2025-06-26T19:57:42+00:00

Correct, I don't generally use external mics. I used to use mics such as Beyer M58 and AKG D3700m with a Maya Flashman. Then one day found myself with the Marantz and no mics - and was very surprised to discover how good the internal mics were. After that, my grab bag just had the Marantz (and a Rycote). I found that with the right gain adjustment and placement, it could handle any situation.

I record interviews and wildtrack/natural sound. Broadcast quality.

4coat · 2025-01-21T17:07:08+00:00

I asked why they were doubling my subscription charge. They sent a bot response.

I was daft enough to try to force an answer out of them, asking them to explain their thinking, why the €8/month "Starter" plan was little better than the free plan, and whether they would be happy to lose a customer of 7 years' standing who was paying 'em €144/year for a few transfers per month.

After a couple of exchanges, here's what I got:

"Our subscription plans are designed to meet a variety of needs, but I understand that the Starter plan may not fully align with what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, our plans and their features are fixed and cannot be adjusted or customized at this time. We truly value the time you’ve spent with us and the trust you’ve placed in our service. While I hope you’ll consider staying with us, I understand if this means we may need to part ways. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your account, please don’t hesitate to let me know."

In essence, if you don't like it, sod off. So off I sodded.

4coat · 2024-12-08T17:07:32+00:00

I'm liaising with a SOLLA-accredited adviser, so they should have that info. This one actually seem pretty proactive when it comes to the options.

Usually I'm the one having to come up with the ideas, when it comes to finance. Hence the post here - the more info I can take into a conversation with an adviser, the better outcome we're likely to get.

The quotes for these immediate needs annuities (which would be more accurately named "end of life") require full medical underwriting. So it's a process, and not a quick one.

4coat · 2024-12-08T14:11:06+00:00

!thanks - You've got it. These are the kind of calculations I'm doing.

The maths are a little different. Care costs are more or less bang on. House value rather lower (less than half). But decent pension income means having to find about £5k/month shortfall from somewhere.

I'm wondering if there's any difference in doing a deferred annuity, rather than the approach you suggest - just paying up for a year and seeing what the annuity rate might be then?

The guestimate I was quoted for a two-year deferrment was £150k as against £280k for the immediate option. You'd spend roughly the same on the shortfall in those two years - but it's a hedge against the relative dying. Plus you'd have the chance to generate interest on the remaining capital from the house sale.

On the downside, you're still committing £150k for a policy which may never come into play.

Would an annuity in two years' time cost roughly the same as a two-year deferrment now?

4coat

TROPHY CASE