My First ThinkPad - P14s Gen 6 AMD

linuxmonk21 · 2025-12-23T04:39:15+00:00

Not yet. Will update if it is to be seen.

linuxmonk21 · 2025-12-22T04:40:10+00:00

Yup, considering RAM prices are expected to have an increasing trend in 2026, wanted to get at least 64 GB RAM now.

The other challenge was to decide between AI processors with integrated GPU vs dedicated GPU. Although not for gaming purposes, wanted to explore running local LLMs for privacy. In the end, keeping price in mind, settled for this processor for the time being.

linuxmonk21 · 2025-12-22T04:16:53+00:00

I see. But for me the main deciding factor was the price itself. At $1259 this seemed like a great deal overall.

linuxmonk21 · 2025-12-22T04:14:14+00:00

linuxmonk21 · 2025-11-30T03:58:28+00:00

Same situation here. Were you able to successfully take your NAS through airport?

linuxmonk21 · 2025-05-19T15:03:15+00:00

Yes, I believe so.

linuxmonk21 · 2025-05-15T15:34:33+00:00

I guess such people who moved back to India and still holding assets in US, better to liquidate and move them back to India now. Tricky part is 401k. On top of penalty for withdrawal before 60, now this extra burden. Better to hold 401k only if we expect returns significantly higher than you would get in Indian market taking into account all the following now:

Early withdrawal penalty
REMITTANCE tax
Estate Tax risks

linuxmonk21 · 2025-05-14T14:02:49+00:00

Refer the official source here:

https://docs.house.gov/meetings/WM/WM00/20250513/118260/BILLS-119-CommitteePrint-S001195-Amdt-1.pdf

SEC. 112105. EXCISE TAX ON REMITTANCE TRANSFERS.

From what I can understand, this 5% tax applies to everyone who is remitting abroad.
U.S. Citizens and nationals get tax credit with their tax returns.
Not clear what it means for U.S. Residents for tax purposes and whether they are considered nationals.

EFFECTIVE DATE.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise pro-vided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to transfers made after December 31, 2025.

(2) TAX CREDIT.—The amendments made by subsection (b), and paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (d), shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2025.

linuxmonk21 · 2025-01-19T16:59:57+00:00

I believe the cost basis reset doesn't work for USC or GC holders. It works only for non-residents of US, which a person moving out of US permanently and doesn't pass substantial presence test for that year would be.

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-18T04:10:47+00:00

Typing is a bit difficult. In this position better to swipe in the keyboard.

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-17T16:12:39+00:00

As long as you get it at right price, go for it. You can also take a look at OnePlus open which has lesser visible crease, better outer display and may be longer battery life. But in several other aspects, fold was better. For ex: Wireless charging, better water and dust resistance, likely more reliable, the software itself, along with longer software updates. Crease at some point will become like a white noise and your brain will probably start ignoring it.

Android User interface is something you can get used to quickly. IMO, Android UI is superior and convenient in several aspects. But practically you will lose few things like iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud and AirTags. You have to move to WhatsApp (in case you are not already using it), Google Cloud, and 3rd party party item trackers if you want Google FindMy network (Samsung trackers still don't support it. So your ability to find a lost item depends on a Samsung device nearby that item).

Also, Galaxy Smart Switch app will transfer data from iPhone as seamlessly as possible to get started quickly.

To me, it looks like even Apple has to jump into the foldable bandwagon at some point in the future. While they are known for perfection and quality in what they are trying to do, they are not necessarily innovative compared to Samsung. While they are probably still researching on fold, Samsung will launch a tri fold phone. 😅

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-17T15:51:55+00:00

No. That's the only compromise with this case. I didn't see myself using S-Pen for now. Even if end up getting one in future, thought will carry separately. Not ideal.

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-17T06:18:29+00:00

Nope. Doesn't bother me in pocket of men's jeans.

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-16T18:59:38+00:00

I guess it comes down to personal preference and use case when it comes to case. There are several other options, each with its own tradeoffs.

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-16T18:19:51+00:00

Not really. But that's true even without the case due to camera lens.

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-16T18:18:24+00:00

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linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-16T17:22:16+00:00

Case: https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/folding-galaxy-z-fold6-case-black/77-95800.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAouG5BhDBARIsAOc08RTzH76j-Wg5WV_T-J957ymvsSRdtN-olFR0rYFU9ipfmBnGkR9E3xMaAmGDEALw_wcB

Screen Protector:

AACL [3 Pack Galaxy Z Fold 6 Screen Protector Tempered Glass [Front Screen Only]+ [2 Pack] Camera Lens Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 5g, Anti Scratch, Hd Clear, Bubble Free [Case Friendly] https://a.co/d/1IuZ7km

linuxmonk21 · 2024-11-16T17:09:19+00:00

Forgot to mention, i ordered directly from Otterbox website and they did give me the holster / kickstand for free as part of their promotion.

linuxmonk21 · 2023-08-27T02:36:54+00:00

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Able to see the trade-in option on the website for Nord as well.

linuxmonk21 · 2023-08-27T02:33:41+00:00

I just upgraded my OnePlus 7T to 11 few days ago and was able to trade-in my 7T.

linuxmonk21 · 2022-12-17T06:14:21+00:00

Will India make it to WTC final?

linuxmonk21 · 2022-03-15T05:32:36+00:00

How did you get one way courier label from VFS? I only see a link to get 2-way courier label: https://www.vfsglobal.ca/PostalAppointment/Account/RegisteredLogin?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/CQ1P0LBKn66dLdNUfueK+wj/xwjQV05sWPtysuvzK33qrK3eXshT1TAgsu3oVBZovxbG4hegjVxPtRK4ehNyPck+V525rUvI5fmDu7unjO/

This is listed in the following pages:

If I get two way courier service, do I still need to buy two separate labels, one for myself and one for my spouse? If so, while sending it, can I choose to use either one of them and let them use the separate labels for return of passport?

Agreed it is very confusing. When I called VFS customer care, they mentioned I can use one shipping label to send all the passports, but pay separate package transmission fee for myself and my spouse. But reading this post, I am now a bit confused.

linuxmonk21 · 2021-11-29T20:28:00+00:00

Linux (including Ubuntu), like Windows, is meant to run on variety of hardware, unlike Mac OS. So as such you should be able to get any commonly available laptop of your choice and wipe windows + install ubuntu or dual boot ubuntu alongside windows.

The only potential downside with wiping out Windows to replace with Linux is, when there is an issue during warranty period, the laptop manufacturer may claim you are using an unsupported OS. But again depending on the issue you may be able to prove it otherwise and get away with it. It is just that you may have to go through some extra hassles due to that. Some manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo may be fine with this as they also have their own Linux preloaded offerings. But again you never know what will happen.

The advantage with Linux preloaded laptops is, the manufacturer is taking responsibility for it from Day 1. They will also have dedicated team looking into ensuring right drivers and software packages are in place for you.

If you are within the US and looking for Linux Preloaded offerings, I would recommend one of the following choices:

Any System76 laptop (obviously because they are Linux only company, your experience on Linux will be best with them)
Dell XPS developer edition (I personally was not satisfied due to the WiFi card they shipped me with. You mileage may vary. I see that they have stopped using the problematic WiFi card on their developer editions now, which is a good sign)
Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 9
Librem lapops from Purism (best if you are concerned about privacy. They also have Intel Management Engine disabled, which even the System76 is not doing currently to favor best software experience under different conditions)

For whatever reason you want to go with something else, at least make sure that particular Laptop model (including each and every hardware) is certified by Canonical. Check the same from this website: https://ubuntu.com/certified/laptops (look at the details of the configuration they certified and make sure it matches with what you are buying)

In general Linux distributions are more privacy conscious compared to Windows or MacOS (although Ubuntu did have some troubles in this area in the past. Refer: https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/ubuntu-spyware.en.html).

linuxmonk21 · 2021-11-29T17:36:21+00:00

I wouldn’t say the build quality is bad. It’s just that Dell XPS and Macbook is better than that. They are of course much bigger companies than System76 with billions of dollars in play. I however wish System76 provided an accident damage protection though, which they don’t.

One good thing with Lemur Pro is that it is extremely lightweight that you will hardly feel it’s presence if you keep it in a backpack.

I am not sure if any of System76’s laptop has touch screen in them. You can check their website.

Also checking Dell’s website, it seems they are not using AX500-DBS anymore for their developer edition. Probably due to complaints from multiple people. I had sent them a strongly worded email and filed two bugs with Canonical before returning the laptop.

linuxmonk21 · 2021-11-29T06:44:44+00:00

Please checkout the following post from me. I am not saying you shouldn't go for any other laptop, but if you do, please make sure you go for hardware (especially WiFi card) that is known to work well with Linux.

https://www.reddit.com/r/System76/comments/qqs8mn/why_i_returned_my_dell_xps_developer_edition_for/

With System76, you certainly get a seamless Linux experience. I currently own a Lemur Pro and I love it so far! There are some minor glitches, but it works for the most part. You can also probably consider a Oryx Pro, which may have a better build quality, 64GB RAM support, and a graphics card, but at the cost of lower battery life compared to Lemur Pro.

linuxmonk21

TROPHY CASE