Investigating a couple of mini desktop computers (iiyama, HP) as a successor to the Thinkpad T410 I've been using for 10 years. Both have become out of stock as I was taking too much time deciding which one to put in the shopping cart. I'm assuming this is due to increased demand by tele-workers looking for tiny PCs to put on tiny desks at tiny Japanese homes. Myself being the typical Japanese with typical Japanese taste and liking for things, I guess these models touch everyone's heartstrings.

• HP EliteDesk 800 G6 DM (Japanese) - https://jp.ext.hp.com/desktops/business/elitedesk_800_g6_dm/
• iiyama small factor desktop computer STYLE-ISH4-iX7-UHX (Japanese) - https://www.pc-koubou.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=780751&pre=bct3664_h02

I've become a soba lover this several years, whereas I'd been choosing udon over soba nine out of ten times in the past. Taste buds must have evolved with age. Getting to know good soba probably is another reason. My preference of taste hasn't changed mostly over the (50 !) years , this being the only exception so far.

#be_happy #be_positive #be_cheerful #soba_ishihara

20years ago, the analog modem PCMCIA card was a necessity on business trips along with the notebook PC.

The Megahertz X-Jack PCMCIA modem with the pop out X-Jack connector was a smart gadget with the connector gimmick (no need to carry the clumsy dongle), and using it fooled you into thinking that you were the sophisticated business traveler. It did actually work well, and was tolerant to low quality telephone lines (which was an important factor in a business trip). I recall upgrading the card from 28.8kbps to 33.6kbps....kbps !

I don't think kids nowadays know about PCMCIA cards, let alone analog modems and dial up connections. Cool stuff from the past.

Was Fall 2014 when I got it, so I had been using it for more than 6 years. >iPhone 6