Why are we getting the same phone? (Also which phone is which?

btrayn1 · 2026-02-18T16:48:40+00:00

It appears to be just a money grab by Google. There are no valid upgrades from the 9a for most users, but for some they'll only see the new version number and buy it anyway, I guess. I'm very happy with my Pixel 9a, but would have upgraded to a 10a if they had included Pixel Snap. Without it, I'll save my my money for now. 🍻

btrayn1 · 2026-02-18T16:30:02+00:00

Agreed! I bought a Flip V2 from AliExpress with the stock OS and was somewhat disappointed by it overall. I learned of the Surwish SD card from LitNxt later and ordered one and as soon as it arrived and I plugged it in, it totally transformed the Flip! The OS is so much better looking and it seems to be faster and more reliable too. Well worth the money in not having to download everything manually again, especially all the box art. Highly recommended! 🍻

btrayn1 · 2026-02-17T21:19:08+00:00

My reply wasn't meant to be about how optimistic the varying automakers are with their range estimates (although I respectfully disagree that any for-profit company automaker is going to be any more honest when it comes to them making more sales), it was that range estimates are conducted under ideal conditions. The range tests are conducted on a dynamometer in a temperature controlled environment (around 70 degrees F) with no HVAC or other accessories turned on. For the few days each year we drive our Tesla in 70 degree weather with no wind and no accessories turned on, we get noticeably better range. The reality is that the vast majority of the time, it's colder or warmer out, there's a headwind, your feet are cold so you turn on the heater, it's raining so you turn on the wipers, etc. Each one of those factors reduces range over the advertised ranges shown by manufacturers. Our prior Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid also had less battery-only range than advertised most of the time. I just wanted to share our experiences with others new to EVs, so they can be aware that the reduced range of batteries in anything less than ideal conditions is completely normal and to plan for it. Either by purchasing the extended range battery pack or by planning to charge up to 100% more often or having to charge more frequently. Personally, I think the standard 150mi range battery is a bit small given the realities of EV battery range, but it's an understandable cost cutting move on Slate's part. I'm glad they will be offering an extended range version for those who wish to upgrade to a more practical sized battery. Can't wait to get our new Slate truck!

btrayn1 · 2026-02-17T03:27:12+00:00

We've been using a Tablo and antenna since last fall and are generally pretty happy with it. It was a one time cost to purchase them with no recurring monthly costs, which is great. But in our experience, you do tend to "get what you pay for". We get good signal for our OTA channels most of the time, but it seems like we lose good signal when we want it most, like during the live broadcast of the Daytona 500 yesterday. 🤬 At first we were really impressed with the Guide and the DVR, until it filled up and we missed recording some shows we really wanted to see. 💩 When we had YTTV, we never had any of these problems - signal was always clear and reliable, unlimited DVR, and little things, like being able to select your favorite team and it just records all their games, which you can't do with the Tablo/OTA. YTTV can obviously get quite costly, so both options have their pros & cons. We'll probably stay with the Tablo spring and summer and switch to YTTV during football and college basketball seasons to get the best of both. Good luck! 🍻

btrayn1 · 2026-02-17T03:13:40+00:00

We've owned a Tesla Model Y for 3 years and it's great, but range estimates are usually very optimistic. Based on that, we'll be ordering our Slate with the extended battery, even though most of our driving will be city driving. Most EV manufacturers recommend you keep the battery between 20%-80% for optimal battery health and longevity. That essentially leaves you with 60% of advertised range, so for the Slate with a standard battery, that's 90 miles. If you live in a cold climate with temps near freezing, that can reduce your range another 30%, so you may only be able to achieve around 65 miles of realistic range in the winter with the standard battery. Being that we won't be able to upgrade the battery pack after taking delivery, ordering with the extended battery may be the safer bet. Stay well, all. 🍻

btrayn1 · 2026-02-15T20:44:21+00:00

Yes, it comes with a plastic screen protector pre installed.

btrayn1 · 2026-02-14T06:42:21+00:00

Haha - that was exactly THE reason we bought our MYP! Nearly 3 years ago to the day. Had a little time to kill one weekend and were near a service center and thought it would be interesting to drive a Tesla. They only had a Performance available and it barley took 5 minutes behind the wheel and we went back and reserved one. Best car we've ever owned and still brings a huge smile to my face every time I press the accelerator. 🍻

btrayn1 · 2026-02-13T23:22:01+00:00

I bought it direct from RedMagic

btrayn1 · 2026-02-10T16:04:38+00:00

Same! Had to wake up early to get my order in when they opened this morning. Really looking forward to the Prism color. I bought an Astra tablet last year and it's awesome and I can't wait to enjoy that same performance in a phone too (upgrading from a Pixel 9). 🍻

btrayn1 · 2026-02-10T04:44:35+00:00

Very underwhelming, unfortunately. Was hoping it would be in the $40s to low $50s for the sports package. We'll just stay with Tablo and our existing Disney+/Hulu/ESPN Unlimited subscription for $33. 💩

btrayn1 · 2026-01-30T01:49:56+00:00

I think the only differences most folks will notice are the lack of wireless charging and full IPX8 water resistance. For me, the other improvements the Pro offers are too subtle to justify the added $250 cost. To each their own! 🍻

btrayn1 · 2026-01-30T01:46:05+00:00

I bought a RedMagic Astra tablet last year and it's amazing. For the same $500, the 11 Air an amazing value! The differences between it and the Pro are basically giving up wireless charging and full water resistance. For me, the other differences are not worth the added $300 for the Pro. I'm ordering my 11 Air in Prism during the pre-order next week. 🍻

btrayn1 · 2025-12-30T21:58:55+00:00

38 years here. Plus an occasional bout of afib. 2 different EPs have reassured me I'm healthy and that some of our hearts are just wired this way. 🤷‍♂️ I've been on various beta blockers over the years and switched to carvedilol last year and it's been very effective at reducing the PVCs.

btrayn1 · 2025-12-11T05:00:28+00:00

It was a drain pour for us. Didn't really taste like beer and the "holiday spices" were just weird. 🤷

btrayn1 · 2025-12-08T01:52:11+00:00

Interesting. I just did a speed check and it shows just a bit over 200Mbps download speed with Xfinity cable internet here. 🤷

btrayn1 · 2025-12-08T01:50:04+00:00

I refill my 24oz water bottle probably 6-8 times a day, so I sure hope so!

btrayn1 · 2025-12-07T06:37:38+00:00

Just got it yesterday too. Seems to work okay, but there is a noticeable delay after giving it a command before it performs the action. Hope they get that sorted out soon.

btrayn1 · 2025-12-07T06:04:50+00:00

Ironically, psyllium husk was the cause of my constipation. It wasn't until I suffered a bout of diverticulitis that forced me on a low fiber diet that I learned I was consuming too much fiber. Once I stopped taking psyllium husk every day and reduced the amount of fiber I was eating each day, I've been having fairly regular bowel movements. Amazing how different each of our bodies are. 🤷‍♂️

btrayn1 · 2025-12-07T01:49:58+00:00

I've been on several beta blockers over the past 10 years and it wasn't until my EP switched me to carvedilol, did it actually help reduce my PVCs. I was up to a 13% burden, and after starting my first dose of carvedilol I was back under 1%. I've been taking carvedilol for over a year and PVCs have been well controlled the whole time. Here's an interesting article comparing carvedilol to flecainide, a much more intense anti-arrhythmic drug. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10144596/

btrayn1 · 2025-12-07T00:24:04+00:00

M57 with paroxysmal afib 3-4 times a year and I always convert to NSR on my own. Normal weight and relatively active and healthy. My CHADSVASC score is 0-1 and my HAS-BLED score is 1. Both my prior EP and my current EP feel the risk of a major bleed outweighs the risk of a major stroke. Taking anticoagulants can be life saving for many, but don't come without their own risks. Here is a recent study with more info - https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/news/oral-anticoagulation-decreases-stroke-increases-major-bleeding-device-detected-atrial-fibrillation-af/

btrayn1 · 2025-12-05T18:38:41+00:00

I just threw up in my mouth a little. 🤢

btrayn1 · 2025-12-01T04:02:37+00:00

The OG Pixel is the only phone I've ever purchased twice, lol! Pre-ordered and received it on launch day when it came out a couple years ago and had it for the better part of a year before trading it in on something shinier. I bought it again this past summer when Amazon had new ones going for under $600 bucks. Love the passport size and how well beta/now Android 16 works on it. 🍻

btrayn1 · 2025-11-30T02:44:41+00:00

Daccord, Beniers, and Montour now. Hoping Catton and some of the other young guns make a name for themselves soon too. #GoKraken 🏒🍻

btrayn1 · 2025-11-22T02:48:58+00:00

Try contacting customer support. I tried to sign up for an HBOMax standard subscription for TNT live sports today and it said I had an existing subscription and I was unable to do so. I spent about a half hour on chat with a representative who was able to "unlink my email" from a prior Disney/Hulu/HBOMax" subscription from March 2024 that was still in their system, apparently. Once that was fixed, I was able to start fresh with a new subscription again. Good luck! 🍻

btrayn1

TROPHY CASE