The chips are down for a while

If you haven’t noticed, there is a microchip shortage. Makers of any device ranging from computers to guitar pedals are finding it difficult to source what they need from the marketplace. Expect delays on most things and if you do get yours in time then thank the silicon gods.

– Taiwan is working on deals with Arizona to expand chip making facilities in the United States. Plans for next generation fabrication in the tiny 5nm space are in progress with first production slated for 2024. This will not solve any immediate shortages and devices made in the US will be a little more expensive than in Taiwan, but it does spread the load a little, especially if China is serious about their aims to take over the island.

– I for one am interested in alternatives to Microsoft Office. Microsoft’s product has become so bloated that basic…