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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
344 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 11:13 AM
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I got a rather substantial tax return this year and was going to replace my laptop. But then last week I found a rental place selling off the Looksha 17 outfitter (I'm 6'5") for $1200 after being used for only a season.
Just to outline the stakes, I do actually use laptops beyond their novelty. I edit video, music, and I'm a student so I write papers on it regularly. Currently, my laptop can only do the latter and I have to use other people's to edit. I don't think I need to argue the case for the Kayak, touring in a kayak is awesome.
It is unlikely I'll have enough money to buy either again before I get my PhD (about 6 years out at this rate). What would you do? I'm rarely so torn over a decision. |
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 Trail blazin', backcountry bushwackin', pine huntin', photo takin', long winded story teller
3838 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 11:32 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Cherry Pirate
I got a rather substantial tax return this year and was going to replace my laptop. But then last week I found a rental place selling off the Looksha 17 outfitter (I'm 6'5") for $1200 after being used for only a season.
Just to outline the stakes, I do actually use laptops beyond their novelty. I edit video, music, and I'm a student so I write papers on it regularly. Currently, my laptop can only do the latter and I have to use other people's to edit. I don't think I need to argue the case for the Kayak, touring in a kayak is awesome.
It is unlikely I'll have enough money to buy either again before I get my PhD (about 6 years out at this rate). What would you do? I'm rarely so torn over a decision.
Buy used but newer model for laptop and more used for kayak. |
Edited by - Wildman on 04/22/2012 11:34 AM |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1606 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 11:40 AM
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For Kayak:
- A kayak will hold its value a lot better than a laptop.
- You already have a working laptop but you don't have a kayak.
For laptop:
- You will probably spend way more hours on the laptop.
- It's easy enough to rent a kayak.
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Edited by - Steventy on 04/22/2012 11:40 AM |
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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
344 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 11:41 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wildman
Buy used but newer model for laptop and more used for kayak.
I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean buy a kayak that has been used more and is thus cheaper?
quote:
Originally posted by Steventy
For Kayak:
- A kayak will hold its value a lot better than a laptop.
- You already have a working laptop but you don't have a kayak.
For laptop:
- You will probably spend way more hours on the laptop.
- It's easy enough to rent a kayak.
Yeah that pretty well sums up my dilemma haha. |
Edited by - Cherry Pirate on 04/22/2012 11:46 AM |
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65 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 2:19 PM
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I wouldn't buy a laptop if you can access a desktop at a workplace or some institution. Some of the new ipads and smartphones are incredible with the apps they can run and way more portable.
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660 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 3:26 PM
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| When Wildman says "Buy used but newer model for laptop and more used for kayak" I think he means find a good 1-2 year old laptop and a 10 year old kayak, getting both for the same price as either one of your original choices. I quite agree with that approach! |
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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
344 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 5:25 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by pipestone
I wouldn't buy a laptop if you can access a desktop at a workplace or some institution. Some of the new ipads and smartphones are incredible with the apps they can run and way more portable.
Unfortunately this option wouldn't work for me or I would go for it. I work at a different job site everyday and can rarely make it to campus. I do have an amazing smartphone, but I can't do a research essay (well, I really wouldn't want to anyways haha) or edit hi def video and sound on it. I feel frustrated that my life kind of requires the level of expensive technology it does. I'm not a techie and would much rather own a kayak.
I guess the second hand option is a good idea for kayaks, but I have yet to find a good sea-touring kayak at a good price after looking around for about 2 years. I don't buy second-hand electronics unless I know the seller personally. It's far too easy to hide problems with digital devices. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1263 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 6:11 PM
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| I think the problem is finding a used kayak that fits later on maybe near impossible .Buy the Kayak. |
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| Eryne
Intermediate Member
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Chilliwack, BC
Canada
570 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 6:15 PM
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| Buy the boat. Get your advisor to buy you a computer. |
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350 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 6:38 PM
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| Depends on how often are you going to use the kayak. You will most likely use a laptop more. If you're only gonna go out a few times this year- easier to just rent. |
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Trail blazin', backcountry bushwackin', pine huntin', photo takin', long winded story teller
3838 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 9:15 PM
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Doing some research of that kayak you want and the price new I can see why you have been looking so long to find a deal like this.
You may never find another deal like this ever.
If you want to be practical you do need the computer for school and when you want to go kayaking you can rent as others suggested if they rent those.
In 6 years or so when you get your PhD you will be able to get a good job and buy what ever you want at any price new for both a computer and kayak.
Use the computer and get your education out of the way and be picky and hold out for a good job and then the stars are the limit.
Provided nothing else comes along and derails your over all education and plans.
Like picking cherries. |
Edited by - Wildman on 04/22/2012 9:18 PM |
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Powell River, bc
Canada
2536 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 10:44 PM
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| Kayak :) |
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coquitlam
62 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2012 : 11:31 PM
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| i found a good used kayak, necky chatham 17 that needed a little tlc for $500 after looking for less than a month. there are definitely deals to be had |
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Vancouver
349 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 12:29 AM
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You will probably spend more time on the computer than kayak when you are doing your school. My suggestion would be to get a good computer with a better price unless you really need an apple and have a new affordable interest, like hiking swimming biking or backpacking.  |
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1078 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 03:05 AM
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I advise all people, (contrary to the mainstream advice of: buy as much computer power as you can), to never ever buy more computer power than you need.
Having said that, you already said you have enough power for your school work, so it's a purely recreational decision. Do you want to have your own computer for editing, or do you want a Kayak? Only you can answer that!
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Chilliwack, BC
755 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 07:19 AM
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Pirate -
I hate to mention this but as an education poor kayaker --
will your PhD be out of date in 6 yrs? 
Your size/fit might affect what boats work for you too - i.e., good prices do not mean good fit et al -- sorry just a little residual footnote lingo.
good luck! - G |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6784 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 07:30 AM
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you can get a laptop that suits your needs for 600$ new and there are LOTS of deals always.
The Kayak maybe a better find, grab it,if its suitable for you. |
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136 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 07:51 AM
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I’d get the kayak (if you think you will use it often enough and it’s the right fit). I prefer editing on a desktop anyway, laptop seems always a bit awkward to me. A desktop of the similar processing power is cheaper than a laptop.
After you have a PhD, you may have the money (but that’s not guaranteed either, lots of PhDs who don’t work in their chosen field!), but you probably won’t have the time and/or you have to move somewhere where there is no water!
Another option would be to join a club with boats. UBC sailing club f.e. Takes care of the storage problem too. But boats may not be the newest and there are restrictions on where you can take them.
One more point... if the boat is such a good deal, you can probably sell it again without losing to much money.
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Calgary, Alberta
Andorra
3795 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 09:51 AM
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He may be looking for an apple for the video editing, which is pretty standard.
I don't believe in spending money on parts of a computer you won't need (I only ever have the most basic built-in video card, since I don't do movies or video games), but if you just buy exactly the processing power you'll need, you'll run out of it a lot faster. I see value in buying for what you expect to need in a few years, and thus keeping it relevant longer. |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6784 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 10:26 AM
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My 600$ (usually 750$ plus)Toshiba (dont have model handy) will run any good complex Video program and render fairly fast, handles Photoshop and others with ease and is not a bad gamer, it will be outdated sooner than later, so IMO I would not get a top of the line laptop, as they are not ideal for upgrading. For me portabilty is important, so desktops were ruled out, but still have one as a basic workstation. Computers can be found anywhere, anytime at good prices, boats less though.
As mentioned resale value of a nearly new, already depreciated boat will be almost 100% return, way less on a computer. |
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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
344 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 10:54 AM
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Man there are some strong cases here. Laptop I'm looking at is $850. It is fairly powerful, but as some have noted, that power is not merely for luxury. To edit video, especially hi def, and render it is a very demanding process. I am not looking to a mac, though it is best for video editing, because I find them abhorrently expensive for largely kitschy reasons. Also, I run linux.
I should also stress that my current laptop is perhaps worse than some might be assuming. It's a 6 year old net book that can barely play 360p video. Frankly, half the internet doesn't work on it. At the moment I am doing a research paper that has about 8 pdfs open and it is barely holding it together.
As other people have noted, cheaper used kayaks are more common for this less shin bone endowed. The truth is I don't actually know how much I would use it as this summer (graduating out of my BA this month) will be the first summer in 6 years I actually have the time. uggghhhhh... |
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A Philosophical Question: Buy a kayak or laptop?
