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ADVERTISEMENT Unlock Market Growth With Our Revenue Intelligence Buyer’s Guide This multifaceted toolkit is perfect for anyone who benefits from a revenue intelligence platform. For five weeks, you'll receive weekly content that guides you through an engaging buyer’s journey. Download now to find the right solution! The pre-built Linux Kubuntu Focus Iridium laptop line is an unexpectedly good alternative to running any Linux operating system on converted Windows PCs. Born almost five years ago, Focus Computers targeted developers, power users, and productivity enthusiasts as an alternative to Mac and Windows computers. Both the Ir16 and the Ir14 combine Carbon Systems’ enterprise-class hardware with excellent OS integration and Linux-first support from Kubuntu Focus. One of the benefits Linux provides is the option to choose from literally dozens of distributions to install on almost any new or old desktop or laptop PC. That is a good strategy for Linux newcomers looking for a free operating system to install on their existing computers. Upgrading to a powerful built-for-Linux system from Kubuntu Focus eliminates potential hardware-inflicted glitches. It spares you from the time-consuming process of finding, downloading, and installing different types of Linux OSes. Kubuntu Focus offers a customized version of Kubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions based on Ubuntu. It is tweaked to maximize performance and includes a well-integrated collection of system tools unavailable elsewhere. The manufacturer, Kubuntu Focus, released two new laptops as second-generation replacements. The Iridium lineup includes five models with screen sizes ranging from 14 to 15.6 inches and 17.3 inches. The second-generation 16-inch laptop (along with the 14-inch model) arrived in June with some nice upgrades in RAM and storage and a newer processor (Intel i5-13500h 12-core/16-thread). Pricing for the new Ir16 starts at $1,145, and the new Ir14 starts at $1,080. The internals are impressive. Both laptops are powered by an Intel i5-13500H CPU with integrated Iris Xe graphics at 1.65 GHz. The no-flex, backlit keyboard provides impeccable tactile feedback. Kubuntu Focus Ir16 Gen 2 laptop keyboard features The centered, large glass precision touchpad supports multi-touch, scrolling, and fast toggle. Both models feature dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The manufacturer sent me an Ir16 loaner to review. That laptop far exceeded what I expected. Worthwhile Change of Approach for Linux Users Buying a built-for-Linux computer is not new or innovative. Several enterprise computer makers, such as HP and Lenovo, offer computers with Linux pre-installed rather than Microsoft Windows. Numerous other manufacturers offer their hardware lines with a choice of off-the-shelf Linux distributions or an in-house derivative. I have sampled several pre-built with Linux options and found most of them less than ideal. I either disliked the selected pre-installed Linux distro family or found the included desktop environment uninviting. In many cases, the manufacturer did not fine-tune the operating system to maximize software performance with the hardware. So, the only fix available was to install a different Linux distro myself. For me, that approach negated the value of buying a pre-installed Linux computer. Enlighten Autopilot eBook The KFocus approach changed my perception of buying a dedicated Linux computer. The Kubuntu distro, launched in October 2004, is a highly regarded Linux distribution. It is an official flavor of the Ubuntu operating system that uses the KDE Plasma Desktop instead of Ubuntu’s default Gnome desktop environment. The Kubuntu Focus Iridium line ships with the new Kubuntu Focus Suite, 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat. You can order either laptop configured with up to 96 GB of dual-channel DDR5 RAM and dual-NVMe 8.0 TB of storage. Full-disk encryption is standard (but optional), and a YubiKey is available. I am very familiar with the KDE Plasma desktop. Over the years, I have learned to tolerate it. The Focus installation left nearly nothing to tolerate. Its specialized software and tweaked interface made me an instant fan. For instance, an 11-page Hints Widget displayed at the top-right corner of the desktop provides handy hints for beginners and seasoned Linux veterans. Software Solutions Surprisingly Solid Selling Point The standard KDE Plasma desktop in other Kubuntu releases is a powerful computing environment. But it is not the most user-friendly or intuitive. Two of my strongest dislikes are the awkward steps needed to engage the virtual desktops and the sometimes confusing operation of the desktop widgets. I also was dissatisfied with the caliber of bundled applications developed by the KDE developers. Focus solved those inadequacies and more with model-specific shortcuts for tiling windows, switching desktops, and accessing hardware controls like brightness, volume, sleep mode, and screenshots. I also found the purpose-built collection of recommended apps very helpful. The community version of KDE Plasma found in most Kubuntu iterations has KDE-specific apps that work reasonably well on most installations. Glitches do occur depending on the hardware configuration at hand. Curated Apps displayed in a browser window make it simple to find a recommended program for a specific purpose. Durable Design Doubles Desirability My review unit checked almost all the boxes for quality, performance, and productivity. The Ir16 comes with a durable magnesium metal chassis and lid. Kubuntu Focus Ir16 Gen 2 laptop open view It had 32 GB DDR5 RAM and a 1,000 GB Samsung 3500 MBps storage drive. Measuring 14.1″ x 9.7″ x 0.7,” its 3.30 lbs. was a delight to carry around. The screen display is a 450 nit/16:10 wide-angle LED (IPS/WUXGA) panel. The system is stock Kubuntu 22.04 LTS with Focus hardware integration, optimizations, and tools delivered on top. The developer also rejected plans to issue interim releases with upgrades every nine months. The developer’s strategy paid off. The company decided not to build a separate Linux distribution and ecosystem with yet another desktop environment. Instead, it “focused” on working and supporting Kubuntu, Ubuntu, and KDE directly. Keep that LTS concept in mind. If you decide to install an interim release over the LTS version or run another laptop environment, the company will not support or fix what does not work. Bottom Line The Kubuntu Focus Ir16 laptop offers significant improvements over many other pre-built Linux laptops. A few modifications would make it better. For instance, the hardware has a good but not great selection of ports: one USB-C, one USB-A, a single HDMI, and an SD card reader. Kubuntu Focus Ir16 Gen 2 laptop ports A better assortment of ports would handle additional peripherals. Also, it has no Ethernet port, so I had to plug in a USB Ethernet adapter, which took up one of the two USB ports. The Focus line is designed for functionality, not attractiveness. Its outer appearance is dull, flat black with no other branding to identify the make or model. You can purchase an optional silver circular metal emblem. Otherwise, you get a stick-on laminate emblem. The starkness of the case does nothing to project a classy brand recognition. Kubuntu Focus Ir16 GEN 2 Manufacturer’s Technical Specifications Display 16.0” (406mm) LED IPS @ 90 Hz WQXGA 2560 x 1600 16:10 Narrow Bezel Matte Viewing Angles > 150/150/150° Open Angle of 145° Vibrant > 100% sRGB Color Max Brightness > 450cd/m² Max Contrast > 1200:1 Connect up to 2 external displays at 4k with USB-C and HDMI Processor Intel Core i5-13500H Performance-Biased H-Series 2.6 GHz Base, 4.7 GHz Turbo 12 Cores, 16 Threads 18 MB Smart Cache Graphics Intel Iris® Xe Graphics 80 Execution Units up to 1.45 GHz Shared System VRAM Requires Dual-Channel RAM (16 GB+) for Maximum Performance Memory Dual Channel DDR5-4800 or DDR5-5200 2 x 262 Pin SODIMM Up to 96 GB Storage 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4 x 4 Samsung Read/Write Speeds up to 3500/3200 MB/s Samsung Read/Write Speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s Chassis All Magnesium Alloy External Surfaces Resin Screen Bezel and Keys 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) with Battery 14.0 x 9.7 x 0.7 in (356 x 246 x 18 mm) User Accessible Components Include Disk, RAM, Wi-Fi, Battery, Fans Battery 80 WHr Embedded 4 Cell Smart Lithium-Ion Battery Up To 8 Hours Modest Use with Medium-Low Display Brightness, 6 Hours Typical Continuous Video Playback Loop: 7.5 hours 90 Minute Fast-Charge Power Supply 120W AC Adapter: Input 100-240 V ~ 1.9A 50-60 Hz Output 20V, DC, 6.0A Optional 100 W USB-C Charging WARNING: Lower-power USB chargers will degrade performance. Many USB-C Monitors can charge and display simultaneously, but be wary if charging output is below 100W. Keyboard Single Zone White LED Backlight User Configurable 4 Levels with Function Key Kubuntu Super If you want to see image, please [switch to web view.](saurhsmcr-_~lzaualzlcslzshmaaahssll-_~8587022139817975917095494099goevqxhr023m6-_~foqnk-_~79997lld9999999hsbmovejumzydksatibq02-_~9cgdCZYLjeTUwQl-ermg) [Nomad](saurhsmcr-_~lzaualzlcslzshmaaahssll-_~8587022139817975917095494099goevqxhr023m6-_~foqnk-_~79997lld9999999hsbmovejumzydksatibq02-_~9cgdCZYLjeTUwQl-ermg) [NWTF Convention](saurhsmcr-_~lzaualzlcslzshmaaacslrz-_~8587022139817975917095494099goevqxhr023m6-_~ksur-_~79997lld9999999hsbmovejumzydksatibq02-_~Fymn3scxu90iUXCBlK-ermg) [NWTF Convention](saurhsmcr-_~lzaualzlcslzshmaaazsumu-_~8587022139817975917095494099goevqxhr023m6-_~wnp-_~79997lld9999999hsbmovejumzydksatibq02-_~Jf7sCZocWLGAIXd4v32w-ermg) if you don't want this newsletter please,click here to [report spam](saurhsmcr-_~lzaualzlcslzshmaaagacau-_~8587022139817975917095494099goevqxhr023m6-_~uzafopq-_~79997lld9999999hsbmovejumzydksatibq02-_~vhV8Iq0r7AYeK6iJCB3N-ermg) HEIR COME THE GIRLS From Kaia Gerber to Leni Klum, meet the Supermodel nepo kids now making MORE cash than their legendary mums Fame and fortune come quicker nowadays and, if these ladies play the game correctly, they will be in it for the long haul Sarah Morton Published: 22:00, 28 Aug 2024Updated: 5:59, 29 Aug 2024 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHE’S the spitting image of her supermodel mum, with a mane of chestnut hair, flawless cheekbones and impeccable style. But it looks like Kaia Gerber, daughter of Nineties icon Cindy Crawford, could be a BIGGER success. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Email address Sign up Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy Lila Moss, with iconic supermodel mum Kate, is on a growing list of second-generation supermodels fast eclipsing their famous mothers 7 Lila Moss, with iconic supermodel mum Kate, is on a growing list of second-generation supermodels fast eclipsing their famous mothersCredit: Getty Fashion bible Vogue has named the 22-year-old its Early Autumn Muse, a huge accolade in the fashion world. It’s the latest in a long line of industry achievements for Kaia, who has joined the likes of Lily-Rose Depp and Lila Moss on a growing list of second-generation supermodels fast eclipsing their famous mothers. Celebrity brand and culture expert Nick Ede says: “Thanks to their skills in modelling, acting and social media, these girls have it all. “They stand to make millions. READ MORE ON 'NEPO BABIES' SECRET STARS Do you know the famous parents of these new 'nepo babies'? you're fired! Alan Sugar BANS nepo babies from The Apprentice “These supermodel daughters are incredibly savvy, using social media, TV opportunities and dating hot celebs to cement their status as the new kids on the block – and they’re here to stay.” With many more avenues to making money nowadays, the girls are better placed to earn the big bucks then their mums were. Nick explains: “When their mums were in their prime, they’d mainly be doing magazine shoots, many of which were not actually paid. “Flash forward to now and these supermodel offspring have the world at their feet. Most read in Fabulous I'm an AAA-cup & rock bikinis - trolls say I'm 'wearing gloves with no hands' THE BREAST I'm an AAA-cup & rock bikinis - trolls say I'm 'wearing gloves with no hands' It's spider season but my 90p hack will keep them out of your home CHEAP & EFFECTIVE It's spider season but my 90p hack will keep them out of your home I'm sobbing at the necklace my child made - people say there's an awkward detail R-RATED I'm sobbing at the necklace my child made - people say there's an awkward detail We’re twins but one of us is white & blonde & the other is Asian TWINCREDIBLE We’re twins but one of us is white & blonde & the other is Asian “Media outlets such as Snapchat, Instagram, Tiktok, and streaming services like Netflix, will pay millions for them to be a part of their digital brand.” Nick admits the new generation “may not be as iconic” as their mothers. But he adds: “Fame and fortune come quicker nowadays and, if these ladies play the game correctly, they will be in it for the long haul.” Here, Nick reveals the six second-generation supermodels who are set to become even bigger – and richer – than their famous mums. KAIA GERBER & mum Cindy Crawford Celebrity brand and culture expert Nick Ede says Kaia Gerber will be surpassing mum Cindy Crawford 'in a matter of years' 7 Celebrity brand and culture expert Nick Ede says Kaia Gerber will be surpassing mum Cindy Crawford 'in a matter of years' Cindy is worth £170million Kaia’s projected wealth: £190million CINDY, 58, is one of the world’s most ­recognisable fashion faces, and her daughter with husband Rande Gerber has near-identical features. Nick reckons a modern-day “Cindy” will make big money. Actress Kaia, 22, who dates Hollywood heart-throb Austin Butler, did her first job for Young Versace aged ten. She’s also appeared in Apple TV’s Palm Royale and done multiple fashion brand collaborations, working with the likes of Jimmy Choo and Zara. Nick says:” She may have a long way to go to reach her mother’s net worth, but Kaia is already worth around £19million.” Play Video Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaia Gerber, 22, is the 'spitting image' of her mom fans claim as she appears on late show He added of the youngster, who has appeared in American Horror Story, movie Babylon and the upcoming Outcome with Keanu Reeves: “She’s stunning, talented and has one of the hottest Hollywood leading men as her boyfriend. “She’ll be surpassing Cindy in a matter of years.” LILA MOSS & mum Kate Moss Expert Nick says he sees Lila Moss overtaking mum Kate in the fame and fortune stakes 'within a decade' 7 Expert Nick says he sees Lila Moss overtaking mum Kate in the fame and fortune stakes 'within a decade'Credit: Getty Kate is worth £53million Lila’s projected wealth: £76million KATE and her mini-me daughter do ­everything together, so it’s little wonder Lila is already a seasoned pro when it comes to modelling and fashion. The 21-year-old has a seriously impressive CV, starting out when she was just 14, and has since worked for Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu. This year, Vogue named her as one of their 40 “icons” – she’s graced the cover of the mag multiple times already. Nick says: “Lila’s current net worth is about £4million but, believe me, when her earnings per year are close to half a million – and only going up – I can see her ­overtaking her mother in the fame and ­fortune stakes within a decade. “And that’s no easy feat when mum is Kate Moss. “I think by teaming up more, the pair could make even more money. “Her friends are the coolest set of ­people and Lila’s earning potential is ­simply massive.” LENI KLUM & mum Heidi Klum Heidi, 51, had Leni with billionaire Flavio Briatore in 2004 - and the 20 year-old has shown she’s a real chip off the old modelling block, taking to the catwalk on multiple jobs 7 Heidi, 51, had Leni with billionaire Flavio Briatore in 2004 - and the 20 year-old has shown she’s a real chip off the old modelling block, taking to the catwalk on multiple jobsCredit: Getty Heidi is worth £121million Leni’s projected wealth: £124million GORGEOUS Heidi, 51, had Leni with billionaire businessman Flavio Briatore in 2004, and she was later adopted by Heidi’s now ex-husband, musician Seal. In recent years, the 20-year-old has shown she’s a real chip off the old modelling block, taking to the catwalk on multiple jobs and posing with her mum in sexy lingerie ads for Italian underwear giants Intimissimi, which certainly got tongues wagging. Nick says: “Leni is one to watch and could go incredibly far. “She’s a real trendsetter and is often cited by big fashion magazines as someone who wears all the right stuff at the right time. “She’s clearly followed in her mother’s footsteps and is a fashion icon already. “With some good financial backing behind her from her wealthy parents, she has all the credentials to be a megastar. “I wouldn’t be surprised if acting work followed, too.” CLEMENTINE VAUGHN & mum Claudia Schiffer Legendary supermodel Claudia Schiffer boasts a substantial net worth, and her 19-year-old daughter Clementine is quickly catching up 7 Legendary supermodel Claudia Schiffer boasts a substantial net worth, and her 19-year-old daughter Clementine is quickly catching up Claudia is worth £53million Clementine's projected wealth: £57million GERMAN model Claudia has a huge net worth, and her 19-year-old daughter Clementine won’t be far behind. Despite having top film producer ­Matthew Vaughn for a dad, the teen has shunned the spotlight growing up, but that’s all set to change. Now top brands are eyeing her up for collaborations and she’s stepping out with her mum to fashion shows across the globe – plus Vogue named her one of their “Darlings” in February this year. She’s also a talented artist and photographer. Nick says: “With two very famous parents, the world is Clementine’s oyster and, although she has a ­relatively small following on social media, her engagement is high and she is loved by brands globally. “I can see her getting increasingly popular now that she’s decided to be a more public figure. “With Vogue profiling her, and her father being a top Hollywood ­producer, I can see her branching into acting, too. “Expect to see her in the next Guy Ritchie film very soon, commanding big bucks.” GRACE BURNS & mum Christy Turlington Christy Turlington, 55, was considered one of the original 'supermodels' in the late Eighties and is worth £30million - but daughter Grace’s projected wealth is £38million 7 Christy Turlington, 55, was considered one of the original 'supermodels' in the late Eighties and is worth £30million - but daughter Grace’s projected wealth is £38millionCredit: Getty Christy is worth £30million Grace’s projected wealth: £38million CHRISTY, 55, was considered one of the original “supermodels” who rose to prominence in the late Eighties and she’s stayed relevant since. Married to movie director Ed Burns, their daughter, Grace, 20, is a rising fashionista in her own right. She recently worked with her mum on a collaboration with fashion brand Keds, and she has modelled for Carolina Herrera – despite Christy wishing “she’d stay far away” from a career in the industry. Nick says: “Grace is a ­relative newbie to the scene, which is interesting as her mum apparently wouldn’t let her model until she was at least 18. “But she is already well on her way to becoming a major face in ­fashion. “With her parents’ great looks and high profiles, Grace won’t find it hard to get work. “Plus she is already a ­published author, ­having released a book of poetry. “If she can carve a niche career in writing, it would be another lucrative string to her bow.” LILY-ROSE DEPP & mum, Vanessa Paradis French singer and model Vanessa, 51, worth £76million, had Lily-Rose, 25, during her relationship with Johnny Depp - her projected wealth: £114million 7 French singer and model Vanessa, 51, worth £76million, had Lily-Rose, 25, during her relationship with Johnny Depp - her projected wealth: £114million Vanessa is worth £76million Lily-Rose’s projected wealth: £114million FRENCH singer and model Vanessa, 51, had Lily-Rose, 25, during her 14-year relationship with Hollywood actor Johnny Depp. While Vanessa has long been a superstar in her native France, Lily is making her own strides in Hollywood as a successful actress. Her model looks have seen her secure big-name fashion and beauty deals – she was named as face of Chanel when she was just 16. Nick says: “As one of the most famous of all the second-generation supermodels, Lily has mixed her mum’s looks with her dad’s acting chops and made a name for herself independently. READ MORE SUN STORIES BACK ON TV Jermaine Jenas 'to RETURN to TV as he's handed career lifeline' after being axed HIS FURY Tommy Fury breaks silence on 'false allegations' after Molly-Mae split “She cemented her status by starring in controversial drama The Idol, with The Weeknd, and has many upcoming films, including the Nosferatu remake alongside Emma Corrin. “With her fabulous looks and famous parents, brands will continue to fall over themselves to work with her and I can see her continue to make tens of millions off Chanel deals alone.”