What's your latest tech purchase?

[gurusmi]

RPN calculators are awesome. I had a handmedown HP-67 and HP-41CX that got me through math in college. The 67s LED display was pretty awesome.

LED Displays remember me about my first calculator ever. An Texas Instruments TI-30. I got that first model. In school a calculator was strongly forbidden.When i was 17 and got to the 11th class it started to be allowed. That calculator was in its case really sturdy. Once my satchel dropped off the bike and opened. That small calculator flew onto the street and straight under a trucks wheel. It wasn't broken like expected. The TI was able to keep up with me.

 

[Shou Miko]

i missed that train... didn't even know KVM was a thing back then. I never looked into these types of solutions until 2017 when i finally got 2 builds sitting side by side. Had i known these existed I may have invested in a dual system years earlier.

Just wandering, do KVMs significantly limit storage data transfer speeds or present any other issues when pairing up a USB Ext. SSD/HDD hub? I've got a Fideco cloning/backup docking station with 2 HDDs installed and was wondering whether this would be a practical solution to tie in with the KVM. Its not really a requirement for the second PC, i could just stick with hooking it up with the primary work build for backups but just curious.



SNAP!!

I also picked up a WIFI 6E Deco (XE75 Pro AXE5400) and upgraded my gaming rig with WIFI 6E PCie adapter (Gigabyte GC-WBAX210)

Currently in the process of upgrading my gaming build with a bunch of stuff (incl. 5800X3D), some received some expected tomorrow. I'll post up probably tomorrow.

The Ryzen 5800X3D is a wonderful cpu had one of those but sold it because getting DDR4 3200MT/s CL14-14-14 was more expensive than getting my current system so that's why I did it.

I am also planning on buying a better brightness panel for my T480 since I use it every day for media and I also been gaming The Settlers 2 10th anniversary edition and with light in the room the 300nits brightness ain't bad but it can be better I seen on newer 16:10 panels with the same nits.

I know which part numbers to get but I am not sure which I should pick since they are all same price really looking at Displayseek on Ebay.

The XE75 Pro is too expensive for lickings even it's WiFi 6E with 6GHz but only 2.5Gbit port what where TP-Link thinking same goes for other manuafactures because the Deco line-up also work fine as a router so you need a 2.5Gbit switch if you use this as a router to get 2.5Gbit lan every where.

If your ISP supports 2.5Gbit you are little lost here but I can see the benefits having 2.5Gbit WAN and splitting it out into Gigabit than a single person cannot really take away all the bandwidth but who will use this I ask?

I was looking at TP-Link's Deco BE85 but I am not gonna spend about £800 for 2 Deco's the other setup I brought with my dad and a 3pack Deco X10 is on sale for like £150 here which ain't bad at all so sold the 4 old Deco M5's we had for about £90 which means we paid like £60 for the upgrade not really bad since our laptops and smartphones support at least WiFi 6 some devices 6E.

My dad runs 2xDeco X10's in his house and I run 1 in my apartment where I got better coverage and speed than the M5 even it did a awesome job really and the Deco app is just easy to manage and I can do it in my sleep.

 

[wheresmycar]

The Ryzen 5800X3D is a wonderful cpu had one of those but sold it because getting DDR4 3200MT/s CL14-14-14 was more expensive than getting my current system so that's why I did it.

I am also planning on buying a better brightness panel for my T480 since I use it every day for media and I also been gaming The Settlers 2 10th anniversary edition and with light in the room the 300nits brightness ain't bad but it can be better I seen on newer 16:10 panels with the same nits.

I know which part numbers to get but I am not sure which I should pick since they are all same price really looking at Displayseek on Ebay.

The XE75 Pro is too expensive for lickings even it's WiFi 6E with 6GHz but only 2.5Gbit port what where TP-Link thinking same goes for other manuafactures because the Deco line-up also work fine as a router so you need a 2.5Gbit switch if you use this as a router to get 2.5Gbit lan every where.

If your ISP supports 2.5Gbit you are little lost here but I can see the benefits having 2.5Gbit WAN and splitting it out into Gigabit than a single person cannot really take away all the bandwidth but who will use this I ask?

I was looking at TP-Link's Deco BE85 but I am not gonna spend about £800 for 2 Deco's the other setup I brought with my dad and a 3pack Deco X10 is on sale for like £150 here which ain't bad at all so sold the 4 old Deco M5's we had for about £90 which means we paid like £60 for the upgrade not really bad since our laptops and smartphones support at least WiFi 6 some devices 6E.

My dad runs 2xDeco X10's in his house and I run 1 in my apartment where I got better coverage and speed than the M5 even it did a awesome job really and the Deco app is just easy to manage and I can do it in my sleep.

oopsie... TYPO: Not the 'Pro' version, i meant the XE75 AXE5400 (non-pro version). I copied and pasted the model number from google without double checking. I'm in the process of upgrading my 500 plan to 1GIG with VM, for a mere +£4 per month. Apparently ive been paying more for my current plan compared to current offers which sucks.

Got it, finally!

Primary reason for going XE75 AXE5400: since moving to our new home my biggest enemy has been the WIFI 'range'. Its a 5-bdr old house with thick walls and the broadband input comes through via the upstairs home office which is on one side of the house (a poor planning decision by the previous owner/landlord/etc). I've tried various solutions, extended coverage with additional routers, powerline adapters, mostly the primary router being in the £100-£150 range, etc - all of which belonging to the previous WIFI 5 standard and hardly dabbled into the more expensive higher range offerings. Downstairs 50% of the area gets pretty decent speeds, 25% on the weaker side with the extenders and the remaining 25% a signal creeps through but its pointless. Then there's the large extension under the garden patio and a side shed building where we end up using mobile data, which too is on the weaker side in our area. The garden occasionally gets some minimal support but buffering sucks.

Now with 6E i wanted to pick up something that simply performed better in terms of "range" hence massive emphasis on that but initially with a budget of £250. A budget eventually impelled to hit £339 for the 3-pack deco Mesh system from Argos. Fingers crossed i hope it does the job!

Some influencers which got me on the back of this purchase -

wireless backhaul download test:

50ft range test:

140ft range test:

It did pretty well north of 140ft too... although i can't recall how these tests were administered. Should have saved the link instead of screenshots/IMG saves. The product description suggests 7200 sq/ft range with the 3-pack solution. Yeah maybe on an unobstructed open horizon or cardboard walls, i'd be over the moon if i get half of that range!

 

[PLAfiller]

@wheresmycar congratz on the Deco. I switched to a lower tier from them ~2 years ago - Deco M4, I got five modules scattered around the house (one acting as primary router). It was by far the easiest option with no drilling or external cable installation. I wish they had three LAN ports on each module instead of two, but you don't have that predicament I threw in a managed POE switch to aleviate it in my case.

 

[wheresmycar]

@wheresmycar congratz on the Deco. I switched to a lower tier from them ~2 years ago - Deco M4, I got five modules scattered around the house (one acting as primary router). It was by far the easiest option with no drilling or external cable installation. I wish they had three LAN ports on each module instead of two, but you don't have that predicament I threw in a managed POE switch to aleviate it in my case.

thanks mate. Yep, from what i'm seeing the install process looks super ez for the networking novice (me) and further simplified with an easy to use app. Nice simple+sleek looking devices too to blend into the home. Safer aesthetics than my current kids-transformer-toy looking router extenders (actually i kinda like em but the second half doesn't).

I've never used a LAN port from an extender before other than the primary router/modem which is upstairs. By comparison on the extension, is the port output performance significantly superior compared to close-by wifi hook-ups? If yes, i'll try positioning and hard-wiring the extenders near our downstair vitals.

 

[PLAfiller]

I've never used a LAN port from an extender before other than the primary router/modem which is upstairs. By comparison on the extension, is the port output performance significantly superior compared to close-by wifi hook-ups? If yes, i'll try positioning and hard-wiring the extenders near our downstair vitals.

I haven't measured, so I can't say with numbers, but it depends (what specs are your LAN ports and what distance from the router is the Deco). With close wi-fi I guess not, but one of mine is on the fourth floor and to be honest it would benefit greatly if I threw in a cable otside and connect it directly to the main router/switch. I just try to hardwire stuff that is not moving around a lot, so if I have a lappy close to the Deco that is "stationary", I'd use a LAN cable instead of connecting it wirelessly.

 

[jormungand]

Amazon had it for $39 last week, i mainly like K/M for almost all games. But this one works perfect for some arcade,
platform games, more value since i can use it with my son's N-Switch for beating Ninja Turtles- Shredder's Revenge co-op players
showing my little gamer The Way, cuz Retro is the only way

i had to buy a bluetooth dong for my desktop even though works perfect with the usb-c cable connected.
Awesome quality and it doesn't feel cheap at all. Super sturdy, nice grip and weight balance.

 

[sLowEnd]

Amazon had it for $39 last week, i mainly like K/M for almost all games. But this one works perfect for some arcade,
platform games, more value since i can use it with my son's N-Switch for beating Ninja Turtles- Shredder's Revenge co-op players
showing my little gamer The Way, cuz Retro is the only way

i had to buy a bluetooth dong for my desktop even though works perfect with the usb-c cable connected.
Awesome quality and it doesn't feel cheap at all. Super sturdy, nice grip and weight balance.






View attachment 341735

I've been looking at 8BitDo's controllers too. It seems they recently came out with hall effect analog stick revisions of a bunch of their controllers, so there's been some discounts on the older Alps analog stick versions.

 

[jormungand]

I've been looking at 8BitDo's controllers too. It seems they recently came out with hall effect analog stick revisions of a bunch of their controllers, so there's been some discounts on the older Alps analog stick versions.

i was just looking for something reliable, comfortable for a casual game that i can play with a controller. Watched a couple of reviews on youtube about some models on the 8bitdo.
I chose this one cuz of positive feedback and nostalgia looks. Im glad for their discounts cuz i barely will notice the difference for the amount of time ill put using it.

 

[R-T-B]

LED Displays remember me about my first calculator ever. An Texas Instruments TI-30. I got that first model. In school a calculator was strongly forbidden.When i was 17 and got to the 11th class it started to be allowed. That calculator was in its case really sturdy. Once my satchel dropped off the bike and opened. That small calculator flew onto the street and straight under a trucks wheel. It wasn't broken like expected. The TI was able to keep up with me.

The HP-67 was built like a tank as well... with one exception. The magcard reader used for storing programs used a pretty poor quality rubber wheel that would completely disintegrate over about 10 years. Replace that and it was solid stuff though. Mine was still going when I sold it for like $300 along with its program books at the end of my college days in late 2000s (they are pretty collectible).

 

[tabascosauz]

As someone of the lactose-intolerant, toilet-demolishing gang, I believe this purchase was destined and non-negotiable

 

[wheresmycar]

Upgrading a spare build for gaming - my first AMD endeavour.

More here: https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/your-pc-atm.65012/post-5230116

Recent buys:

- 5800X3D

- ALFIII-360

- WIFI 6E PCIe card

- x5 Arctic P14 PWM 140mm fans

- x2 Arctic F9 PWM 92mm fans

- Arctic 10-port PWM fan hub

- and, DP 1.4+HDMI 2.1 cables, 2x2 KVM switch, 990 pro SSD, WIFI 6E mesh system (the last 3 were posted up on the thread previously)

(yep some of the stuff is missing in the IMG)

Full build images available here: https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/your-pc-atm.65012/post-5230116

 

[Super Firm Tofu]

As someone of the lactose-intolerant, toilet-demolishing gang, I believe this purchase was destined and non-negotiable

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I'm Super Firm Tofu and I approve (and can relate to) this message.

 

[tabascosauz]

I'm Super Firm Tofu and I approve (and can relate to) this message.

just for you, my friend, a cute soybean delete

 

[Dr. Dro]

I had bought a CIB EVGA SR-2 yesterday. Was really looking forward to making a build log. Wanted one of those ever since I got into computers. But the guy canceled on me today. Guess he regretted it...

 

[faye]

i was just looking for something reliable, comfortable for a casual game that i can play with a controller. Watched a couple of reviews on youtube about some models on the 8bitdo.
I chose this one cuz of positive feedback and nostalgia looks. Im glad for their discounts cuz i barely will notice the difference for the amount of time ill put using it.

If you ever want another controller and are okay with wired I absolutely love the Gamesir G7 SE.

https://a.co/d/j7BkLtn

This thing keeps up with or surpasses all my other controllers, and believe me, I've tried them all. 1000Hz polling, capable customization app, solid build that beats many competitors running well above $100, hall effect sticks. I wish it had 4 Elite style paddles instead of the 2 (larger, admittedly more comfortable) back buttons and there were a wireless option, but it's otherwise as close to perfect as I've found.

As for the others:

Microsoft Elite Series 2 - feels better in hand than the G7, but quality control and reliability is terrible - I bought 4 sealed new in box before I found one that wasn't literally broken out of the box. Returned that cause I couldn't justify the cost, or trust it not to die on me. Found one used in great shape about a year ago dirt cheap, it broke a couple months ago - left stick is grinding / no longer registers properly. Will probably repair it eventually, but for now the G7 is more than enough.

PowerA Enhanced Wired / Fusion Pro / Fusion Pro 2 - not bad, not great, worse than the G7 SE at everything and they cost roughly twice as much for the Fusion, about the same for the Enhanced. Literally no reason for these to exist any more. I keep a couple in case people come over and want to play Mario Kart or Bomberman or something.

PDP Victrix Gambit - it's a PDP product, so it's trash. Rough/sharp edges, faceplate doesn't really fit right, sticks grind unless you keep them obsessively clean. Bad/awkward face button layout. In the running for worst $100 I've ever spent on tech. I gave it to a friend who loves it... And we're not friends any more for unrelated reasons, but really, that should have been my first clue.

ASTRO CR40 TR - roughly the same quality feel in the hand as the Elite Series 2, but the thumbstick modules are horrible and Astro/Logitech won't stand behind them. I bought 3 replacements in the course of a year before giving up on the thing. It's completely disassembled in a box somewhere. I should just throw it away or sell it for parts.

There have been many, many others. I've got an Amazon Luna controller around here somewhere, a Stadia controller, and numerous "vice" style mobile options (the Gamesir G8 Galileo is the best of them, too). So much junk.

All first party "standard" controllers (PS1/2/3/4/5, Xboxes, Switch, etc) - can't go back after learning how big a difference back buttons/paddles make in many of the games I play. These just shouldn't be made any more, their time is past.

 

[tabascosauz]

soya, on soya, with......soya?

 

[gurusmi]

One of the things this month

I also ordered some AA & AAA Batteries, 2 Dymo Letratag paperrolls and a suitable cover for the Razr phone.

 

[faye]

soya, on soya, with......soya?

View attachment 341811
View attachment 341812

Very "cutie" as my wife's 5 year old would say. Love it.

 

[FreedomEclipse]

Its old and pre-owned I know but I honestly dont require something more expensive for what i want to do... Emails, youtube/movies while away from the house. Ive been running this super old and slow Clevo W310-CZ for a decade now and this thing is just super slow. A pre-owned T480 was considered but id have to do some fettling and add money on top to get a better screen and this HP is just better and good right out of the box. Dont care too much about battery life as it will be hooked up to the mains 99% of the time when in use.

Ram will be upgraded to 16GB but i want to see how HP have configured it first. - Wifi card might be upgraded but it will probably be more than fine. 256GB SSD is also plenty. I have a 256GB in this W310 aswell.


::EDIT::

And it also has all the ports.

 

[P4-630]

My new cap arrived today....

 

[FoulOnWhite]

little bike alarm/tracker for my orange E8

 

[faye]

View attachment 341845


Its old and pre-owned I know but I honestly dont require something more expensive for what i want to do... Emails, youtube/movies while away from the house. Ive been running this super old and slow Clevo W310-CZ for a decade now and this thing is just super slow. A pre-owned T480 was considered but id have to do some fettling and add money on top to get a better screen and this HP is just better in every way.

Ram will be upgraded to 16GB but i want to see how HP have configured it first. - Wifi card might be upgraded but it will probably be more than fine. 256GB SSD is also plenty. I have a 256GB in this W310 aswell.


::EDIT::

And it also has all the ports.

View attachment 341847

Used EliteBooks were my go to for years - ideally just off corporate lease. I was badly spoiled by their (at the time) very serviceable design and the advanced RMA system, the couple times I had to use it. Call a dedicated number, give them your SN and model number to confirm you're still covered, and a new machine of the same or better spec magically shows up in a day or two, with a prepaid label to return your old and busted setup.

CEOs and the like don't wait on things like the rest of us. It's fun getting the occasional glimpse in to their world.

I've got an XPS 13 coming to replace/supplement my now ancient Lenovo X1 tablet. Should be here Saturday, I'll post more about it when I can get pics.

 

[Dr. Dro]

My new cap arrived today....

View attachment 341850

Hopefully this won't give you Verstappen's luck as of late

Nice

 

[wNotyarD]

Hopefully this won't give you Verstappen's luck as of late

Nice

1 DNF since 2022? For me that's not bad luck at all, unfortunately...