My mini-computer, which took 41 days to ship to China using USPS, was shipped back to me on Monday using DHL Express. It has already reached Indianapolis.
Friday, April 4, 2025
My Computer Being Shipped Back From China
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Magnetic Core Memory
512 byes of RAM costing $2,000:
One of the biggest limiting factors of early computers was the cost of RAM. In the late 1970s, I remember seeing an advertisement for 64K of RAM costing $1,000. Today, you can get 64 gigs of DDR4 for under $100.
This is why the Atari 2600 video game system released in 1977 only had 128 bytes of RAM.
The first TRS-80 came with 4K. The VIC-20 had 5K.
The Sinclair ZX-81 came with 1K. Its American counterpart came with 2K. Both were expandable to 16K.
The Nintendo Entertainment System, first released in Japan in 1983, had 4.25K RAM.
By late 1983, RAM had gotten cheaper, so we saw the Commodore 64 released with 64K, and the Timex Sinclair 2068 with 48K RAM.
The REAL TechDweeb
This is most likley an April fools joke, but maybe the real joke is that it is true.
Computer Failures
My 2017 iMac just suddenly quit on me last night. I think that I got it mid-2019.
This is my second computer to fail recently. It can have similar issues as far as heat. I wasn't doing anything major on it. I was only streaming video.
One possibility is the power supply died. This happened to my 2009 iMac and I got it repaired for reasonable cost. Twice. Eventually the 2009 iMac had multiple failures and I had to get a different computer.
I tend to leave my main computer running all the time. I was in the habit of leaving my iMac on too, but I started using the sleep mode.
It is probably a mistake to leave the computers running all the time. Some people claim it is better to do that, because the spike in power can wear electronics, but I just had two computers fail.
This means my only working computer is my slow laptop I got used, hooked up to a 1440P monitor.
Good thing I have three computers.
I paid $1050 for the iMac, which was reasonable at the time. I've seen the same model for sale on Facebook Marketplace for about $400-$450. I have also seen discounted Mac Minis.
Took my iMac to the repair shop. I would have to factor repair cost with getting a replacement computer.
This is my second computer to fail recently. It can have similar issues as far as heat. I wasn't doing anything major on it. I was only streaming video.
One possibility is the power supply died. This happened to my 2009 iMac and I got it repaired for reasonable cost. Twice. Eventually the 2009 iMac had multiple failures and I had to get a different computer.
I tend to leave my main computer running all the time. I was in the habit of leaving my iMac on too, but I started using the sleep mode.
It is probably a mistake to leave the computers running all the time. Some people claim it is better to do that, because the spike in power can wear electronics, but I just had two computers fail.
This means my only working computer is my slow laptop I got used, hooked up to a 1440P monitor.
Good thing I have three computers.
I paid $1050 for the iMac, which was reasonable at the time. I've seen the same model for sale on Facebook Marketplace for about $400-$450. I have also seen discounted Mac Minis.
Took my iMac to the repair shop. I would have to factor repair cost with getting a replacement computer.
Monday, March 31, 2025
Update on Mini Comptuer
As I previously posted, my mini PC overheated and died in early January. After arguing with the manufacturer in China, they directed me to contact the seller—also based in China—for warranty service.
Fortunately, the seller agreed to honor the warranty, provided I sent the computer to them. I paid $83 for USPS shipping, and the package took 41 days to reach China. This was unusual, as I typically receive packages from China in three weeks or less. USPS tracking showed the package arriving in Chicago, departing, and then inexplicably returning to Chicago about a month later. At that point, I suspected there was an issue with shipping it to China and thought it was being returned to me. However, a few days later, it finally showed up in China.
After another week, the seller informed me that they would repair the computer. A week later, when I asked for an update, they said the repair would take one to two months.
Surprisingly, just a week after that, they said the computer was fixed and would be shipped back to me. I suspect that they had to replace the entire motherboard.
Assuming I receive it and it works properly, I want to prevent the overheating issue I experienced before when running the CPU at 100%. I originally bought this computer for its high performance, and the manufacturer had claimed that its cooling system could handle the heat.
One option is to lower the TDP from 55 watts to 45 watts, which the BIOS allows. This would reduce performance slightly but also decrease heat output. I could take a more extreme approach and reduce it further to 35 watts.
I should point out that some people on YouTube report boosting the TDP to 65 watts for better performance. A competing manufacturer does this by default with the same processor.
Apple is good at running its processors at about half the wattage. However, the M2 chip only gets half the performance.
Fortunately, the seller agreed to honor the warranty, provided I sent the computer to them. I paid $83 for USPS shipping, and the package took 41 days to reach China. This was unusual, as I typically receive packages from China in three weeks or less. USPS tracking showed the package arriving in Chicago, departing, and then inexplicably returning to Chicago about a month later. At that point, I suspected there was an issue with shipping it to China and thought it was being returned to me. However, a few days later, it finally showed up in China.
After another week, the seller informed me that they would repair the computer. A week later, when I asked for an update, they said the repair would take one to two months.
Surprisingly, just a week after that, they said the computer was fixed and would be shipped back to me. I suspect that they had to replace the entire motherboard.
Assuming I receive it and it works properly, I want to prevent the overheating issue I experienced before when running the CPU at 100%. I originally bought this computer for its high performance, and the manufacturer had claimed that its cooling system could handle the heat.
One option is to lower the TDP from 55 watts to 45 watts, which the BIOS allows. This would reduce performance slightly but also decrease heat output. I could take a more extreme approach and reduce it further to 35 watts.
I should point out that some people on YouTube report boosting the TDP to 65 watts for better performance. A competing manufacturer does this by default with the same processor.
Apple is good at running its processors at about half the wattage. However, the M2 chip only gets half the performance.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
How smart is AI really?
For fun, I searched Google for "John Coffey USCF Rating"
Google's AI came back with this response:
John Coffey, a retired software engineer and chess expert, has an Expert standard Over-The-Board (OTB) rating and has given chess lessons for 37 years.
Here's a summary of what's known about John Coffey's chess background:
Occupation: Retired Software Engineer
Chess Expertise: Expert standard OTB rating
Chess Teaching: Has given lessons at chess clubs for 37 years
Online Presence: You can find his free lessons on http://www.entertainmentjourney.com
At first, I wondered how Google's AI knew so much about me, but then I realized that this response echoes my Profile on chess.com, which reads...
"Hello. My name is John Coffey. I am a retired Software Engineer. I have an Expert standard OTB rating and have given lessons at chess clubs for 37 years. You can find my free lessons on http://www.entertainmentjourney.com, along with other interesting stuff."
Google's AI came back with this response:
John Coffey, a retired software engineer and chess expert, has an Expert standard Over-The-Board (OTB) rating and has given chess lessons for 37 years.
Here's a summary of what's known about John Coffey's chess background:
Occupation: Retired Software Engineer
Chess Expertise: Expert standard OTB rating
Chess Teaching: Has given lessons at chess clubs for 37 years
Online Presence: You can find his free lessons on http://www.entertainmentjourney.com
At first, I wondered how Google's AI knew so much about me, but then I realized that this response echoes my Profile on chess.com, which reads...
"Hello. My name is John Coffey. I am a retired Software Engineer. I have an Expert standard OTB rating and have given lessons at chess clubs for 37 years. You can find my free lessons on http://www.entertainmentjourney.com, along with other interesting stuff."
My initial impression of ChatGPT was that it was just a Wikipedia that could talk. However, for about a month, I have been letting it touch my writing, and it does an amazing job.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
The Path to AGI is Coming Into View
0 seconds ago
It seems like the wrong approach. LLMs excel at language but are not well-suited for other tasks. The top chess programs, for example, are exponentially stronger than the best human players. A general-purpose AI would likely need to be a collection of specialized tools, each designed for a specific task. By developing enough of these tools, you could create a highly intelligent system.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
The OLDEST websites EVER
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bdmmkwoketM
@john2001plus
0 seconds ago
Was there a website in 1986? I used the text-only Internet from around 1989 to 1995. I didn't download Netscape until around 1995, and the Internet was so sparse that I didn't know what to do with it.
BTW, I was a programmer on the Space Jam video game.
0 seconds ago
Was there a website in 1986? I used the text-only Internet from around 1989 to 1995. I didn't download Netscape until around 1995, and the Internet was so sparse that I didn't know what to do with it.
BTW, I was a programmer on the Space Jam video game.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The Problem with Laptops and Heat - and the problem with Apple computers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq9O99TgFv4
@john2001plus
0 seconds ago
0:34 It is ironic that the video features the Minisforum UM790 Pro. Mine overheated and died after 14 months of heavy use. I argued with the manufacturer about the warranty, but they told me that the seller on AliExpress was responsible for warranty service. The seller agreed to inspect it if I shipped it to China. It took six weeks to arrive, and now the seller is examining the dead computer to determine whether they will provide warranty service. Mini computers use mobile components, making them similar to laptops. I now realize that a mini-computer is unlikely to have adequate cooling.
@john2001plus
0 seconds ago
0:34 It is ironic that the video features the Minisforum UM790 Pro. Mine overheated and died after 14 months of heavy use. I argued with the manufacturer about the warranty, but they told me that the seller on AliExpress was responsible for warranty service. The seller agreed to inspect it if I shipped it to China. It took six weeks to arrive, and now the seller is examining the dead computer to determine whether they will provide warranty service. Mini computers use mobile components, making them similar to laptops. I now realize that a mini-computer is unlikely to have adequate cooling.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Why The Hell Are We Already Talking About The Next Xbox?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91iJQN2bbuI
@john2001plus
0 seconds agoThe current console generation is way better than all my computers.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
What does a yellow USB port mean?
My laptop has three generic USB ports, plus a yellow USB port. I didn't know what the yellow means...
elo score AI meaning
https://www.google.com/search?q=elo+score+AI+meaning&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1066US1066&oq=elo+score+AI+meaning&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigAdIBCDgzNjdqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
An "Elo score" in the context of AI refers to a numerical rating used to measure the relative performance of an artificial intelligence model, typically based on a system borrowed from chess where models are compared head-to-head, with the winner gaining points and the loser losing points, allowing for a dynamic ranking based on their performance against other models; essentially, a higher Elo score indicates a better performing AI model compared to others in the same benchmark.
Key points about Elo scores in AI:
- The Elo rating system was originally developed by Arpad Elo to rank chess players, but has been adapted to evaluate AI models due to its ability to compare performance through pairwise comparisons.
- Head-to-head competition: Two AI models are pitted against each other on the same task, and a human evaluator or automated system judges which model produced the better output.
- Rating adjustment: Based on the outcome, the winning model gains Elo points, while the losing model loses points.
- Relative ranking: This system creates a relative ranking, meaning a model's Elo score indicates how well it performs compared to other models in the benchmark.
- Head-to-head competition: Two AI models are pitted against each other on the same task, and a human evaluator or automated system judges which model produced the better output.
- Elo scores are commonly used to compare the performance of large language models (LLMs) where different models can be evaluated against each other on tasks like text generation, question answering, or translation.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Comparison of mini desktop processors
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/5157vs2910vs4922vs5454/Intel-N100-vs-Intel-i5-7500-vs-Apple-M2-8-Core-3500-MHz-vs-AMD-Ryzen-9-7940HS
The N100 is widely used in many affordable mini-PCs, some costing as little as $100, making it a great value. However, a couple of Christmases ago, I gave my stepdad an outdated desktop computer that I bought for only $30—and it's almost as powerful.
My 2017 iMac with the i5-7500 chip isn't much better. I was dissatisfied with its speed and wanted something significantly more powerful.
Apple has focused on promoting mini and mobile computers, as well as tablets, with their M-chip series.
In early 2023, AMD claimed its Ryzen 7940HS was an "M-chip killer." Technically, it's also a mobile chip, similar to Apple's M-series, and it first appeared in some very expensive laptops.
I decided to buy this chip because it's an APU, like the ones used in modern game consoles, with the graphics card integrated into the main processor.
In August 2023, I purchased the Minisforum UM790 Pro. Unfortunately, it overheated and shorted out recently. The manufacturer informed me that I need to go through the seller for warranty service, and the seller—who is also based in China—has offered to inspect it. I'm shipping the unit to China today.
Minisform is now making a newer model, ironically with a larger case and better cooling, so the computer I bought is being discounted and possibly closed out...
FreeFileSync: Open Source File Synchronization & Backup Software
This is useful. I use this program to sync all my backup files on my two computers and a laptop to a 5 TB hard drive. When my main computer recently died, I still had all my files on my 2017 iMac.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Don't Make These 3 Mistakes in C! Can YOU spot the bug?
I find this interesting. My C programming experience goes back to 1986, so I am probably unaware of any new changes to the language.
C is my preferred language, followed by C++, although I was adept at many assembly languages as a video game programmer.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Fwd: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
Mini computers have been really popular and many people think that traditional desktop PCs are on the way out. Instead, people will buy mini computers, laptops and tablets.
This is mostly because of Apple, which has released some very powerful small devices. Mini computers often use laptop parts, and the 'M' in Apple's M-chip series stands for "Mobile". Apple uses the same powerful processors in laptops and tablets.
AMD claimed that their Ryzen 9 7940hs is an M-chip killer. I knew that I wanted something like this, and I waited four years to get the right chip. It has twice the processing power of the M2 chip, and unlike Apple, the computer I bought has upgradeable storage and memory which they don't charge you a fortune for.
However, mine failed after 15 months. I'm not sure if it is fixable. The motherboard is custom to this computer, and might not be replaceable. However, I could buy the cheaper "barebones" model that lacks memory and storage, and transfer those from the broken computer.
The processor uses up to 55 watts under a full load, which is almost as much as a 60-watt lightbulb. I could feel the heat coming off of the computer, and I was concerned about this. Maybe a regular desktop would be easier to cool. (By the way, a competing mini-computer company overclocks the same processor and it uses 65 watts.)
Apple often uses less power to keep their computers cooler.
Minisforum is a Chinese company apparently in Hong Kong. Some might claim that this is typical Chinese-made quality, although everything is made in China.
I sent a complaint to Minisforum...
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: John Coffey <john2001plus@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Subject: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
To: <support@minisforum.com>
From: John Coffey <john2001plus@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Subject: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
To: <support@minisforum.com>
Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro.
I purchased a Minisforum UM790 Pro from Ali Express on August 22, 2023. It arrived in about five weeks. Because of circumstances in my life, I was not able to use it until late October 2023. The computer lasted less than 15 months.
I bought this computer because I wanted a powerful computer for chess analysis. It is five times faster than my other computer, and I often ran it at 100%.
I was a little concerned about the heat the computer produced. I could feel a steady stream of hot air coming from it. I thought that it would be okay because you have advertised it as having "Cold Wave 2.0". I assumed that the computer was capable of running at 100% for long periods.
This morning I was doing some intense chess analysis on the computer and it suddenly quit. I tried to power it back on, but it would not turn on. I disconnected and reconnected the power and it would not turn on. Five minutes after the initial failure I saw orange sparks like a tiny fire come from the left side. I could smell smoke. I disconnected the power.
To use an English expression, I assume that the computer is "fried." Other than doing intense chess analysis, I have not abused the computer in any way.
I am not sure if I can get this repaired. I don't know if the motherboard is replaceable or repairable.
I was hoping that you could advise me.
I am disappointed in the quality of the computer that it would fail this way. However, I am considering getting the less expensive barebones model and trying to transfer the memory and storage to the new computer.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Introducing the credit card sized Cardputer!!
https://youtube.com/shorts/bx4Mef6K23o?si=T0pCZ5QHuVPZLbyo
Our phones could be powerful computers. We just need easier ways to wirelessly access peripherals and cast to a screen. Or to another computer. Then your computer could be portable.
Our phones could be powerful computers. We just need easier ways to wirelessly access peripherals and cast to a screen. Or to another computer. Then your computer could be portable.
Monday, December 9, 2024
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Computer Intelligence
I have been making the same prediction for a couple of decades. We have seen big advances in computer intelligence, but not as quickly as I thought:
"Given current trends, it would seem pretty likely that within 10 years we could have robots that could perform just about any task you would want them to. They might not be affordable to the average person, but businesses could use them for things like mining, construction, etc. 10 years ago I was predicting that eventually robots would be able to build houses.
The technology is so close already. There have been some great advances in android type robots especially by the Japanese. They are already using robots to care for old people in nursing homes. (Something to look forward to?)
When this will happen is mostly a question of cost effectiveness. We all know that the cost of technology goes down over time.
Within 10 years it is likely that they could hold a conversation with you. Already there are robots have full facial expression.
This is probably true of your PC as well. Imagine a "conversation wizard" on your computer that asks "Where would you like to go today?" (Microsoft's old slogan.) What affect will this have on human interaction?
If you were to call up your bank, you might not know if you are talking to a real person.
Computer driven cars seem likely to me. There are already have cars that can parallel park themselves. I want one of those. :-)
We already have computer controlled airplanes that require no human intervention such as the Global Hawk. Newer commercial planes have an autopilot that if needed can completely take over and land the plane. Compared to driving a car, landing a plane is pretty mundane.
Consider the following: As computers get smarter, we will be gradually relinquishing more control to them. It will happen so slowly that we won't notice it. For example, maybe a computer would do all your investing. That seems realistic as computer controlled investing has happened on Wall Street for at least a decade.. I hope that somewhere along the way that we don't lose complete control. :-)"
"Given current trends, it would seem pretty likely that within 10 years we could have robots that could perform just about any task you would want them to. They might not be affordable to the average person, but businesses could use them for things like mining, construction, etc. 10 years ago I was predicting that eventually robots would be able to build houses.
The technology is so close already. There have been some great advances in android type robots especially by the Japanese. They are already using robots to care for old people in nursing homes. (Something to look forward to?)
When this will happen is mostly a question of cost effectiveness. We all know that the cost of technology goes down over time.
Within 10 years it is likely that they could hold a conversation with you. Already there are robots have full facial expression.
This is probably true of your PC as well. Imagine a "conversation wizard" on your computer that asks "Where would you like to go today?" (Microsoft's old slogan.) What affect will this have on human interaction?
If you were to call up your bank, you might not know if you are talking to a real person.
Computer driven cars seem likely to me. There are already have cars that can parallel park themselves. I want one of those. :-)
We already have computer controlled airplanes that require no human intervention such as the Global Hawk. Newer commercial planes have an autopilot that if needed can completely take over and land the plane. Compared to driving a car, landing a plane is pretty mundane.
Consider the following: As computers get smarter, we will be gradually relinquishing more control to them. It will happen so slowly that we won't notice it. For example, maybe a computer would do all your investing. That seems realistic as computer controlled investing has happened on Wall Street for at least a decade.. I hope that somewhere along the way that we don't lose complete control. :-)"
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Friday, November 8, 2024
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