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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
359 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 10:58 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Baddoc48
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will your PhD be out of date in 6 yrs?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
I have actually ridden this particular boat as a rental last year.
The PhD... well... that's the gamble isn't it? If I was truly a betting man I'd follow my heart into the poverty that is philosophy, but currently I have an interest in organizational psychology. Generally speaking, OP is a fairly good bet for reliable wages. |
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44 Posts
44 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 12:31 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Cherry Pirate
It is unlikely I'll have enough money to buy either again before I get my PhD (about 6 years out at this rate)
quote:
Originally posted by Cherry Pirate
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.
The demands on your computing are only going to increase in the coming years. A decent laptop purchased today won't be totally useless ((yes it will)) in 4-6 years, but your current lappy sounds pretty useless today already. As tempting as it may be to purchase the kayak, you'll certainly be better serving your education by having a more up to date computer.
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 canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6868 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 1:28 PM
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I have a netbook for work emails,and some picture uploads and vacations, it has alot of limits but is quite handy for basics. Seems to travel well locally and use a Telus stick for connections on the road. Typing from a condo in Los Cabos MX right now ..
I think my laptop is a Toshiba 755D you can get it for under 700$ if you shop around. No problem with HD vids, as I do a ton of editing.
Of course there are much better machines out there, but value and reliabilty and performance can be found in the sub 1000$ range.
Good luck |
Edited by - Aqua Terra on 04/23/2012 2:39 PM |
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Vancouver
Canada
291 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 4:21 PM
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| Did you also post this question on a nerd forum? If not I think we can guess which way you want to be pushed. |
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1078 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 4:56 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Rachelo
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.
Here we go again with a tangent Racholo! No way should you buy what you need in a few years!
The old axiom used to be: buy as much power as you can possibly afford, because you'll need it eventually.
I followed that back in the 90's....what a waste....and that was mainly for gaming, which is an area you are guaranteed to be able to take advantage of the power, in a predictable and quick pattern.
Here's the thing. You buy more power than you need....you are happy, and everything runs great....you have power to burn you aren't using. Your system goes obsolete as you sit there not using it's capability. Yes, in one year, two year, or as you say a "few" years, now you're using the power....yay! Guess what? That same level of power now costs less than half what you paid!
2012 buy system with power you need now for 750$ or buy super system for 1800$
2015 oh thank god I have that power! I'm using it now! Oh wait....the equivalent super system now costs 750$! I could have bought the other system, bought the super system now, have two systems, one brand new (my q and r keys don't work now, and the trackpad buttons are flakey, and the hard drive is going to crash in a few months), and saved 300$. Plus, the current version of the super system comes with some new bells and whistles....and I have a new warranty....
The same is often true of storage capacity, memory, video cards, etc...(with some possible complications due to interface changes(all the more reason to want to buy a new system, not to go for a buy-for-the-future system), and somtimes their are situations like obsolete memory going up in value but.....
I say buy as much power as you're going to use now, and in the very near future. There are of course many possible individual exceptions, but I think this should be the general rule. If you don't use that power now, it's just sitting their devaluing drastically, every single month.
Plus, all of this is assuming you actually do get around to using the power...many people don't (eg. I bought this computer because I was THINKING I might get into.....)
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1078 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 5:01 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Aqua Terra
I have a netbook for work emails,and some picture uploads and vacations, it has alot of limits but is quite handy for basics. Seems to travel well locally and use a Telus stick for connections on the road. Typing from a condo in Los Cabos MX right now ..
I had one of the first 8.9 inch netbooks that was a real trooper. Exceeded my expectations, and with the 6 cell battery, was a great road companion.
Now I have an 11.6 inch netbook with 1376 resolution, and a discrete nvidia graphics card. Love it. Makes up for the few flaws I had with my 8.9....a bigger screen, and resolution, It can play hi def video, hi resolution flash video (if the drivers support it), light gaming....
...and nobody could believe the deal I got on it...I bought it new...and made money from selling my 8.9 used.... ;-)
Love "netbooks"!
PS. Cherry pirate, maybe another option for you is to look into a cheap, or even used desktop. Do you need to edit video on the go? If not, you can get quite a bit of desktop power cheaply, and do heavy-duty things at home. I had a basement system builder make me a custom desktop...mainly for things my netbook couldn't handle (not much anymore, since I don't game, and my netbook has a graphics card)....and got it really cheap...I wanted a good processor and big power supply, but skimped on other things (I wasn't going to game at the moment...so why buy a hot graphics card...can just get it later for half the price...i Just put an old copy of XP on...so no OS cost...you use linux so it's all good)...of course I already had some components....like my giant dual CRT monitors...LOL....but you can get those things for 10$ or "haul away for free" these days! :-)
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Edited by - DCIPHER on 04/23/2012 5:08 PM |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6868 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 5:22 PM
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DCIPHER sums up my input in a more detailed version, and I agree.
Noone has ever benefitted from buying todays best home use computer, unless $$$ is not an issue and you can get the next better one next year.. Buy what you need and use at a quality level, I doubt you will outgrow it in 2-3 years, unless your actual job is paid video edtiting. Your 850$ budget should get you a nice laptop for sure, just shop around.
I do not like purchasing warranty, but laptops do fail regularly and a 3 year term maybe a good idea, uaually ads 125$ With tax its real easy to get a 1000$ plus bill  |
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Port Moody, BC
Canada
562 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 8:10 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Cherry Pirate
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.
Laptops aren't really meant for editing videos or playing games, unless you don't mind constant overheating problems and consequent breakdowns, and still slow/crappy performance for what you're looking for. Get a desktop PC, with enough RAM and good CPU, that will never make into a $850 laptop. Use your current laptop for on the go paper work. You do have a home, right?
quote:
I don't think I need to argue the case for the Kayak, touring in a kayak is awesome.
Seems like kayak is more of a toy for you. Unless you really don't have a home and plan to sleep under it at night, and tour during the day. |
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Trail blazin', backcountry bushwackin', pine huntin', photo takin', long winded story teller
3839 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 9:04 PM
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So there you go, the 2 centers have put where what and what not input in and it is to bad that the kayak would waste your whole $1200.00 tax return to buy it.
If it was less you could buy a new notebook at London Drugs from $400.00 on up.
As long as you are loaded with about 8gb. of ram it should be good enough for most video and graphics editing.
It all depends on how memory intension the software you are using for editing videos and pictures and just how professional you are as other said.
If your software is a memory hog and slows the computer right down when processing then yes you have to get a bit beefier computer but also as others have said don't waste money on the so called greatest because it's not, and will most likely cause more problems then a cheap or mid priced one.
Where I work customer's buy different types of desktops and lapops and the highend computers seem to be the ones breaking down more than the others.
I mean these highend ones can be built up to a $10,000.00 machines or more yet they seem the most unstable.
These are more for so called gamers that want bragging rights and really don't run as a stable maching when all the bells and whistles are engaged and the computer is maxxed out to it's limits. |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
77 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 08:12 AM
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You should see if the dealer does instalments or at least hold the kayak as you pay it off. Personally I would've leaned towards the kayak, and buy a used iPad or other tablet, but I'm not writing research papers or compiling/running models in Python or C++. I just think a kayak will be rewarding every time you go out.
The other thing to consider is equipment. You'll also need to buy paddle float, paddles, throw bag, PFD, pump, etc. That's going to push the initial investment up.
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Edited by - shaynetonio on 04/24/2012 08:13 AM |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
252 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 10:05 AM
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The other thing to consider is that buying a kayak is only the beginning, you will then have significant outlay in terms of other gear to buy. Don't get me wrong, I love kayaking. We have three and do a lot of trips. But for many years living in Vancouver it was much more practical for me to rent a kayak for trips. I was also a member of the kayaking fleet at Locarno Sailing club at Jericho Sailing Centre. They provide great value and lessons, and the equipment is at the ready right on the beach.
Once you have your kayak, you will need a pdf, paddle, buoyant heaving line, whistle, bailing pump. These are the coast guard mandated equipment. Then you will need immersion gear. The typical lower cost setup for this is a 3mm farmer john and a splash jacket, with appropriate thermal layers underneath. Then you will need a roof rack and cradles, which can run almost as much as the kayak itself! You can find some of this stuff used, but nevertheless, you will need it. |
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Mountain Grammar Police
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Sardonic sandbagging scoundrel, Cascade Climbers lobotomized spraymeister, space blanket flyer, new millennium vulgarian betaboy and friend to all squids
Climbing, a mountain
Canada
∞ Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 11:03 AM
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I just finished a 6-year PhD, so hopefully my opinion will be valid. In a way it's like I'm your future self giving you advice.
6 years ago I spent nearly $2000 on a high-end laptop. Everything I needed to do on my thesis, I did on that laptop. Now it's done, the laptop is almost due to retire, and I can get better performance for under $1000.
Buy the laptop. You can get a kayak anytime, and you can rent until you can afford to buy. There's no reason you have to buy the kayak now. |
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Calgary, Alberta
Andorra
3829 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 12:30 PM
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It never makes sense to buy the top-of-the-line electronics. Let the early adopters spend their money to work out the kinks. Suggesting you buy a little ahead is a far cry from suggesting you spend on the most expensive thing out there.
But people regularly seem to move up in what they need. My parents keep buying a computer that satisfies what they are looking for, and within a year it's so loaded up it takes a minute to open a document.
I suggest buying a little ahead of what you need. Look at your current needs, and then expect that in two years, you're going to want more power for the same needs - let alone if you expect extra more needs.
By buying a little extra than I needed, I have used the same laptop for 5 years now, with the only problem being the need for a new battery some 6 months ago. I am thinking I might replace it for something faster in the next bit, but if so, I can still sell it / give it away for someone who has simpler needs.
But then, it's also a concern for me to try to stretch out the use of a computer, since I can't really justify throwing one in the garbage every year, money aside.
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
77 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 1:15 PM
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In retrospect to my last comment - I guess the other thing is it's not uncommon to find a decent deal on a kayak. It just takes some looking around and research. I'd recommend looking at the Ecomarine and Rocky Point price lists at the end of the season and winter.
The other thing you could do, as someone mentioned earlier, is rent. Buy the PFD, and paddles and rent the rest. I'd then invest the money in getting kayak lessons (capsize, intro etc) and navigational/currents/weather courses under your belt... which are not cheap either but I think far more valuable than a kayak.
Random thoughts |
Edited by - shaynetonio on 04/24/2012 1:15 PM |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
908 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 4:40 PM
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| kayak will last far longer |
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East Vancouver, BC
Canada
272 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 5:56 PM
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I would: 1. Get the laptop I want. 2. Do some extra consulting or tutoring work. 3. Buy the kayak I want.
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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
359 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2012 : 11:42 PM
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When I posted this, I never thought I would get the depth of reply I got. I went back and forth several times, and at the end of the day, my decision was made off a list of points made here. Thank you so much, I genuinely appreciated the input.
A few questions factored in that were brought up here. I had to consider exactly what about the laptop was necessity and what was simply luxury. I had to think what was more reasonable to be found at the same or better price in the future (i.e., which one was more immediate). It came down to a few major points and since I already involved you all I thought I should note the major points and answer some good points:
1. First, I did want to note that this wasn't just in the class of the kayak I had wanted for 2 years, it was the exact kayak and I had used it the prior year for several hours and enjoyed it. That weighed heavily.
2. The laptop, as much as I resent its video ability, does what I need for next few years of school. I edit video and I music as hobbies, but during my BA I had no time for it and probably once I get into a grad school will have even less time. It writes papers and loads research papers.
3. This is a big one: Laptops get amazing open box deals all the time and I have tech saavy friend that get the newest thing and sell off their old computers. The odds are better I'm going to find a good deal for the same power rather than buying a computer full price. It's feasible I could save money over the summer.
4. I'm tall as shit. Tall kayaks are more rare.
5. This was from rocky kayal (as someone noted) and it included a self-rescue course which made it all the better deal.
6. Finally, as some of you noted, the gear is pricey. But, since I am graduating this semester my family (who wanted to help me get a kayak as a gift) agreed to buy me much of the basic gear.
So I got the laptop.
J/k, obviously not, pics below.  |
Edited by - Cherry Pirate on 04/26/2012 11:45 PM |
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1078 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 03:11 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Cherry Pirate
When I posted this, I never thought I would get the depth of reply I got. I went back and forth several times, and at the end of the day, my decision was made off a list of points made here. Thank you so much, I genuinely appreciated the input.
A few questions factored in that were brought up here. I had to consider exactly what about the laptop was necessity and what was simply luxury. I had to think what was more reasonable to be found at the same or better price in the future (i.e., which one was more immediate). It came down to a few major points and since I already involved you all I thought I should note the major points and answer some good points:
1. First, I did want to note that this wasn't just in the class of the kayak I had wanted for 2 years, it was the exact kayak and I had used it the prior year for several hours and enjoyed it. That weighed heavily.
2. The laptop, as much as I resent its video ability, does what I need for next few years of school. I edit video and I music as hobbies, but during my BA I had no time for it and probably once I get into a grad school will have even less time. It writes papers and loads research papers.
3. This is a big one: Laptops get amazing open box deals all the time and I have tech saavy friend that get the newest thing and sell off their old computers. The odds are better I'm going to find a good deal for the same power rather than buying a computer full price. It's feasible I could save money over the summer.
4. I'm tall as shit. Tall kayaks are more rare.
5. This was from rocky kayal (as someone noted) and it included a self-rescue course which made it all the better deal.
6. Finally, as some of you noted, the gear is pricey. But, since I am graduating this semester my family (who wanted to help me get a kayak as a gift) agreed to buy me much of the basic gear.
So I got the laptop.
J/k, obviously not, pics below.
Congrats. Your reasoning seems sound to me. No matter what, at least you can say you considered the matter carefully!
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Calgary, Alberta
Canada
1266 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 08:16 AM
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If you're going to be using it on land, maybe you should have gone with the laptop. :) |
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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
359 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 11:51 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Marko
If you're going to be using it on land, maybe you should have gone with the laptop. :)
Hahahahaha
nice to start the day with a belly laugh. |
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A Philosophical Question: Buy a kayak or laptop?
