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Laptop Upgrade

I decided it was time to upgrade my laptop (Lenovo x200). I mainly increased the hard drive (60 GB SSD to 128 GB SSD) and the OS (Windows Vista to Windows 7 (64 Bit) and Jolicloud). So far so good. I already notice a difference in speed. I really like Windows 7 improved interface and functionality. And yes, it is pretty. I haven't felt the need to tinker and customize my desktop too much aside from the usual minimalness. Another thing I am thankful for and like is Lifehacker's 2010 List of Essential Windows Downloads. Using it made installing programs I regularly use very easy (SumatraPDF, Pidgin, Thunderbird, Skype, Chrome, uTorrent, Dropbox, 7-Zip, CCleaner, Picasa, VLC, iTunes, Paint.NET, etc...). And you do have a choice over what you want to install.

Jolicloud is an interesting cloud-based Linux OS. It is made for netbooks so it does not take too much room and a number of the apps rely on an internet connection because it is in the "cloud." Since I do not have a media drive like a netbook, I figured I would try it (after all, it is free). The OS allows simple installation of programs that you can set up by logging in on their website. Some "programs" are simply links to the online page (Gmail, Flickr, Picasa, Last FM, Twitter, Facebook, etc...). There are still some programs you can install on the hard drive, such as VLC or AbiWord or Boxee if you want to play some media or type something. You also have the usual personal folder with subfolders; "Documents," "Music," "Video," etc... What I like and hate about it though is its focuse on one task. That isn't to say you can not multitask but there isn't a window system from what I can tell. With the exception of a few programs, everything is basically maximized. Also, I have not been able to find a way to customize the OS. Again, a blessing and a curse but, either way, it limits distractions.

I still plan on upgrading my memory, maybe 3 GB to 4 GB.

Below are some screenshots. I'll try to take a screenshot of Jolicloud later, in the meantime, here is the browser version, which is almost identical to the desktop. By the way, that picture of John Legend (first photo) and Tariq Trotter (third photo) is from John Legend & The Roots' live concert on YouTube, directed by Spike Lee. It was amazing.