Random Thoughts - Part Deux [NO POLITICS]

[Clutch Dog]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

I have been thinking about making a chuck box / camp kitchen, and have looked online, but there are so many different designs to choose from. Anyone built one? Or have a favorite design? Even if it's just a pic...

I'm kinda leaning towards a smaller design that's a box in a box like this. So it doesn't have to sit on a tail gate or table, and so it could be carried by one (strong) person.



Thanks in advance for any input!

Im intersted as well. I know some of the "overlanders" build chuck boxes that fit in the back of their SUV/wagon and have shelves and rails that slide out. i am planning on making something similar with MDF and slider rails. and then carpeted

[soundman98]

business grade generally have better warranties and repair policies because OMG MY ENTIRE FACTORY WAS RUN FROM THIS ONE COMPUTER.

consumer grade gaming stuff is usually just as reliable, just more lackadaisical about warranties and repair policies.

[EAGLE5]

Business grade is often built tougher and keeps more backwards compatibility, like beefier hinges, things consumers don't care about. The processors often support VM, security, and remote setup features you don't find in consumer grade laptops. A charger from a business laptop from a 15 year old dell will run a new dell business grade. Docks often still work. That kind of thing. Then there's longer term driver support. Warranties are so much better. Dell has different levels of support. With my Alienware, some things get fixed at my house. Other things require me sending the laptop in. Next time, I'm buying a business-class laptop with a killer and expensive replacement warranty.

Plus what soundman said.

[EAGLE5]

Oh yeah, and sometimes there's ECC memory.
In servers, you get redundant power supplies and other redundancies. Some can even get hot swappable processors.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Any recommendations? Going to need windows (I could do a VM, but why bother), 16gb+ of ram, and looking at a higher-end i5, probably 8th gen. Also, at least 15". It actually looks like the best value is a consumer-grade gaming models at ~$900.

My work laptop is a Microsoft Surface Book (I7-8650) and I love it for office work. I also use it in tablet mode when walking around or in meetings. In my office I have it hooked to two 27" monitors and a 55" monitor on the wall. It easily drives those three monitors and it's screen (which I use to display my calendar in the office)

Since is not a BYOD unit (it's provided by my company) I don't use it for gaming but I doubt it will work well for that from a graphics prospective.

and what @JSsimon777 and @soundman98 said.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

My work laptop is a Microsoft Surface Book (I7-8650) and I love it for office work. I also use it in tablet mode when walking around or in meetings. In my office I have it hooked to two 27" monitors and a 55" monitor on the wall. It easily drives those three monitors and it's screen (which I use to display my calendar in the office)

Since is not a BYOD unit (it's provided by my company) I don't use it for gaming but I doubt it will work well for that from a graphics prospective.

and what @JSsimon777 and @soundman said.

My work lap tops always seem to be whatever Walmart had left over from 3 models back and the company can get them for scrap prices.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

My work lap tops always seem to be whatever Walmart had left over from 3 models back and the company can get them for scrap prices.

Well, it helps that my team is responsible for most computer related purchases....

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Well, it helps that my team is responsible for most computer related purchases....

That would be nice. I am sure the IT guys understand the false economy of having to replace everybody's lap top every two years but some level of corporate purchasing is only looking at the short term cash flow and doesn't care what happens in next years budget.

[ssidd]

Talk me out of this Random Thought Please....

Currently Own a 2015 FRS AT with 55k mi (Bought in early 2016)
Dealership near me has 2019 86 TRD SE listed at $30K
Talked down to ~$27k (have bought 5 vehicle from this dealer)
Qualifies for an additional $2.5k cash back offer or 2.9% for 72 month
Offering $16k trade in
Owe $8k currently

If my Maths on the back of the napkin is correct, Financing would be better option if i plan to pay off early

All in cost is lower with cash back...

This is completely stupid as i should have a car paid off in about 8 months so why put myself in the hole again as the ONLY REASON for this possibly stupid financial decision is is AT --> MT and the +5hp.....

AT is GREAT, Love it! But my hand itches.... Knee may hate me but.... hand itches....

I should just Turbo instead... right....
Or get the Zupra.....

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

That would be nice. I am sure the IT guys understand the false economy of having to replace everybody's lap top every two years but some level of corporate purchasing is only looking at the short term cash flow and doesn't care what happens in next years budget.

That's always the struggle.

I did a Greenbelt project on this at my last company and showed how a 4 year refresh on laptops and 6 year refresh on desktops makes fiscal sense if you divide the "fleet" up so you are doing 1/4 or 1/6th each year. It takes a few years of sliding things around to get there but it does work.

I've carried that over to here where they were doing a wholesale swap of all computers every few years so you had a huge spike in spending on those years. Bean counters love it when you show them a steady spend

[echo419]

Originally Posted by ssidd

I should just Turbo instead... right....
Or get the Zupra.....

not sure how I feel about the BMW Supra or Toyota Z4.... :p

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

That's always the struggle.

I did a Greenbelt project on this at my last company and showed how a 4 year refresh on laptops and 6 year refresh on desktops makes fiscal sense if you divide the "fleet" up so you are doing 1/4 or 1/6th each year. It takes a few years of sliding things around to get there but it does work.

I've carried that over to here where they were doing a wholesale swap of all computers every few years so you had a huge spike in spending on those years. Bean counters love it when you show them a steady spend

do you know if they considered PCs assets or expenses?

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by echo419

not sure how I feel about the BMW Supra or Toyota Z4.... :p do you know if they considered PCs assets or expenses?

When purchased as part of a refresh program they are treated as capital. Individual units show up as an operating cost because they fall under pricing thresholds.

[Sapphireho]

I need a printer that can scan, now that I can't do that at work.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by soundman98

every time i see one in a store, i pick it up, almost put it my cart, see the price, and put it back. nice idea, but i'm not paying $50 for something i can use a free baseball bat for!

I did the same thing a couple times over the years. Wife found it at The Sportsman for $35. It actually works pretty good. We will see how long it lasts.