So we lump a lot of stuff under the term AI, but prior to ChatGPT, we would have been talking about “machine learning” coming up with this solution.

I really hate the way the AI companies have gone about their business, but machine learning certainly has its proven uses.

I think things like this - that humans probably could have invented on our own, just more slowly without the machine - are just about the perfect application of the technology. It’s being used as a tool that helps humans, not a machine that replaces us.

Damn autocorrect

Hey I meant to mention that Sovol is another brand that’s worth consideration. They seem to respect open source licenses better than most, and they were respectful with the Voron open source designs when they released their own version of the Voron 2.4 Core XY printer.

I built a Voron 2.4 from a kit, but I seriously considered the Sovol version since it is much easier to assemble for a decent price.

To me, that is a good indicator that the company isn’t seeking to lock in their users to a closed ecosystem.

I would imagine half of us are playing on the Steam Deck. I haven’t seen any official numbers, but it’s been commonly said that Valve sold millions of them.

HOAs don’t like anything

Same although that’s a truly low bar to clear.

Maybe, but I’ve not read that.

It’s also worth noting that nothing has been proven in a courtroom yet.

You are very welcome, friend! Happy printing!

Okay. So what? If Valve disappeared tomorrow, those FOSS contributions are still there.

A valid concern for sure. On mine, I installed (it was very easy!) a community-modified firmware called OpenCentauri to address those concerns. I completely understand if that isn’t open enough for you though.

There is another effort by that same development team to bring a standard Klipper firmware to the CC1.

But if it’s could have been on sale for even more through a different store that would have allowed the developer to get a bigger share of the sale, Valve won’t allow that.

It’s not about there being sales. It’s about abusing market power for illegal gain.

“I’m the best at what I do, and what I do ain’t pretty”

No other company has invested more in trying to free our PC games from Microsoft either. On top of that, Valve’s investment still benefits the entire FOSS ecosystem.

I worry about what the company will look like when Gabe isn’t there anymore, but for now, I keep buying on Steam because I want to vote with my wallet, and I vote for Linux and FOSS.

That said,

Asked about this rule, Newell repeatedly denied it exists, even when shown internal communications seemingly showing Valve employees enforcing it: “Valve does not have a policy or practice of dictating prices to third-party software developers on other platforms.” When asked how Valve would react if it ever happened, Newell initially said he was confused by the question and then added, “Many of our partners and many of our customers are quite happy with the service that we’re providing.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve read this, and if Valve is using their position to keep prices higher, then that is bad behavior that needs correction.

Is an Elegoo Centauri Carbon an option for you? I have the CC1, and it’s a really nice printer for the cost ($320 USD). They sell refurbished models for a bit less.

Elegoo also makes other models which are also pretty decent but even less expensive such as the Neptune series.

I completely understand not wanting to import, but as I don’t speak Korean unfortunately, I won’t be much help with researching what is available.

“That’s a story for another time.”

And that other time is never.

I don’t know your budget but if possible, shoot a little higher than Creality. They have a reputation for selling not-quite-working printers that you can get to limp along just enough to print replacement parts for it so you can start the endless cycle of trying to get it working correctly.

You said you’re looking for just light usage, so I assume that you don’t want to spend 3x the amount of effort on the printer as you will spend using it.

Do you mind if I ask what your upper limit is for price?

Former loan underwriter here: oh they do.

Excuse me while I go brew up some new bots

Honestly it’s probably faster than whatever USB standard that laptop has anyway

Well fucking said!