Speaking of memory amounts and processor speeds, the new generation of Snapdragon laptops will support (and some will actually come with) 8-16 gigabytes of systems memory and 128-258 gigabytes of on-machine SSD drive storage.
That is a MAJOR MAJOR increase in on-board capabilities ...... and the only reason they would ever need this amount of resources are that Windows 10 and some of the Windows programs out there really are Blue Whale Class data pigs.
Contrast please, the requirements for the upcoming Mint Mate 19 which will be released within 30 days ----
System requirements:1GB RAM (2GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
15GB of disk space (20GB recommended).
1024×768 resolution (on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows with the mouse if they don’t fit in the screen).
These Linux versions will run on older XP class machines. 32 bit versions are available if you have an older Intel processor (pre-64 bit).
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Reality check on some new phone tech headed into PC landI have a brand new "cheapie" midrange $199 Google Fi Moto G6 phone coming to me by Fed Ex as we speak because my old one died. It has 3 gigs of systems memory and 32 gigs of fast on-motheboard systems memory. My phone has an 8 core ARM processor running each core at 1.9 ghz and it can be capacity bumped using a new current fastest class of micro-SD memory by up to 128 gigabytes of extra addressable systems memory. I have an $18 (delivered cost) 64 gigabyte version of the fastest current sort of these improved micro-SD cards coming to me along with the phone.
https://liliputing.com/2018/06/next-gen-sd-cards-to-support-up-to-128tb-of-st... This is new for next year, so don't get too excited just yet.
Supposedly my total of 96 gigs of augmented systems memory will be completely usable for Android apps, maps, pics and anything else. We shall see how good this new augmented systems memory stuff really is. I will also see how easy it is to access the stuff stored on that augmented systems memory as pulling stuff back off of an old style conjoined SSD set up wasn't always all that easy to do.
Operationally, Google Fi will operate my phone first (automatically) off of
any non-restricted or "contract" WiFi that is currently in range, and failing that it can run off of cell data towers from Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular but this is cell data is charged against my normal data plan.
How good is the WiFi service level that the Fi phone can go find by itself? If I find I am ever using cell tower data, I can check the system utility app to see what WiFi sources it shows out there AND I can also check the new Google Datally App to see what new sharing agreements Google now has inked with other hot spot providers such as Time Warner Cable, Charter, etc.
Datally shows me and the Fi system connects instantly to these "agreement" sources giving me "free data" again just about everywhere we go.
Generally, the phone finds them by itself and requires no attention from me unless "locked on" roaming is taking place (AT&T towers are especially bad about still using this nasty old school 2G tower trick).
I went to the University Mall area in Chapel Hill this past Thursday and my wife's phone automatically found over 30 completely free WiFi sources of which a varying 10 were all bars or mostly bars as we walked around the place. The Fi phone she has (last year's Moto X) popped between different WiFi sources seamlessly and
she used no cell tower data at all while we were at the place.
While we were at Mo's last year my phone found Mo's WiFi and had it listed and fully operational before Mo could even offer me the password. I thanked Mo and rolled on, not needing to explain to her that her WiFi is actually Google listed as an "open WiFi source" since she has been giving out the password for years now as free.
Me, I pay $15 a month and generally get refunded $12-13 worth of my 1 gig minimum because I use mostly free WiFi data.
Sometimes I find I am using AT&T or Verizon cell towers, which gets me roaming charges and makes me shut it off until I can get to civilization and a McDonalds or a Hardees or a Burger King again.