Best Way To Spend $2,000 (USD)

willmtaylor · May 22, 2017

bopajuice said:
Buy a PC, and with the money you save take a vacation.

Ignore thread's forum? [X]
Ignore Thread Starter's title & OP? [X]
Don't bother reading previous replies? [X]
Give off-topic reply without any support, specifics, or justification? [X]

...so are you trolling or simply trying to increase post count?

Go back to PRSI.....

TonyK · May 22, 2017

Pangalactic said:
You cheecky bastard then either buy the previous gen, which in my opinion is still the best Macbooks to date, or wait until June the 5th for WWDC as Apply might announce some improvements to the current lineup, and then buy an improved version of the current lineup.

Having worked for Dell and having been on the consumer side of warranty work I can sympathize with those who desire to avoid Dell.

Having had only a few issues with Apple products and being on the consumer side of warranty work there is a night and day difference between Apple and other technology based companies. Our 2005 Cinema 30" monitor started to day within 2 weeks of the AppleCare expiring. My wife is legally blind and it was coming to the end of the spring semester. Apple expedited the repair and on top of that we got all new guts for the monitor. Instead of a Cinema 30" we have a Cinema HD 30". the only original part is the case. That monitor still sees daily use.

maerz001 said:
As he doesn't want to deal with external devices. And a NAS is even slower over wifi...

Keeping ur photo library there and u have to wait a second for each pic to load. I don't like it. It's good for backup cos it can be RAID with two HDDs or to use as a network sharing folder for multiple people

Now this concerns me because I'm moving to a 2015 MBP 15" and I have a DS216J with two 4TB drives (for RAID 1) coming with it. It will store photos and media though no trans-coding will be done at the NAS side, at least that is my thought for now. The NAS is to replace a 3TB unit in a desktop system so I can have access to the photos and media anywhere in the house. An external drive would work but there is not always good locations to support an external drive when working in bed or on the couch.

But if it becomes an issue then I will instead use it for the backups and TimeMachine and take the two 4TB external drives (USB powered at that) and use them for the photos and media and keep them backed up to the NAS. It will work one way or the other and I'll have access to what I want. In fact, typing this up makes me think that would be a good idea, to use the NAS for backups (Chronosync) and TimeMachine.

horsebattery said:
About that rendering time issue, use NAS "grade" HDDs and turn off hibernation or sleep modes and you should be fine. That's been my setup for all media files and haven't had any discernible lagginess - though maybe I just haven't noticed.

Your setup sounds like what I'm moving towards. Can you provide me some details about your experiences please? The 4TB drives are WD 5400 RED drives. NAS will be connected via wire but the laptop likely will be ran through WiFi. Thank you.

maerz001 · May 22, 2017

TonyK said:
Having worked for Dell and having been on the consumer side of warranty work I can sympathize with those who desire to avoid Dell.

Having had only a few issues with Apple products and being on the consumer side of warranty work there is a night and day difference between Apple and other technology based companies. Our 2005 Cinema 30" monitor started to day within 2 weeks of the AppleCare expiring. My wife is legally blind and it was coming to the end of the spring semester. Apple expedited the repair and on top of that we got all new guts for the monitor. Instead of a Cinema 30" we have a Cinema HD 30". the only original part is the case. That monitor still sees daily use.

Now this concerns me because I'm moving to a 2015 MBP 15" and I have a DS216J with two 4TB drives (for RAID 1) coming with it. It will store photos and media though no trans-coding will be done at the NAS side, at least that is my thought for now. The NAS is to replace a 3TB unit in a desktop system so I can have access to the photos and media anywhere in the house. An external drive would work but there is not always good locations to support an external drive when working in bed or on the couch.

But if it becomes an issue then I will instead use it for the backups and TimeMachine and take the two 4TB external drives (USB powered at that) and use them for the photos and media and keep them backed up to the NAS. It will work one way or the other and I'll have access to what I want. In fact, typing this up makes me think that would be a good idea, to use the NAS for backups (Chronosync) and TimeMachine.

Your setup sounds like what I'm moving towards. Can you provide me some details about your experiences please? The 4TB drives are WD 5400 RED drives. NAS will be connected via wire but the laptop likely will be ran through WiFi. Thank you.

The slowest part in your wifi chain will define the speed to the NAS.

I never managed to gain more than 120MB/s with different routers and qnap or synology. It's better for lager files as you have the latency while reading a lot of smaller files e.g. pics where it drops significantly.

but whatever you try it will be multitudes slower than the internal SSD...

Pangalactic · May 22, 2017

TonyK said:
Having worked for Dell and having been on the consumer side of warranty work I can sympathize with those who desire to avoid Dell.

Having had only a few issues with Apple products and being on the consumer side of warranty work there is a night and day difference between Apple and other technology based companies. Our 2005 Cinema 30" monitor started to day within 2 weeks of the AppleCare expiring. My wife is legally blind and it was coming to the end of the spring semester. Apple expedited the repair and on top of that we got all new guts for the monitor. Instead of a Cinema 30" we have a Cinema HD 30". the only original part is the case. That monitor still sees daily use.

Well, you can check out the laptop failure rates for yourself in researches like these ones:

http://www.statisticbrain.com/laptop-malfunction-rates/
https://www.geckoandfly.com/6311/th...p-survey-best-netbook-reliability-comparison/

What you will see is that Apple is on the same level as Dell, the difference being around 1%. Not mentioning the fact that while Apple customer service is undoubtedly one of the best, a Macbook failure means replacing the whole computer. With Dell, it's in most cases a much cheaper and quicker battery/SSD replacement.

horsebattery · May 22, 2017

TonyK said:
Your setup sounds like what I'm moving towards. Can you provide me some details about your experiences please? The 4TB drives are WD 5400 RED drives. NAS will be connected via wire but the laptop likely will be ran through WiFi. Thank you.

(Since you mentioned the specific model, I assume you're familiar with most of this, but just in case...)

I'm also using a DS216J from Synology but with two 3TB Red drives primarily for backups. It's connected to my main router via Ethernet and I have a Time Capsule as a bridge for all other devices in the network. On the software side, it's very simple to setup. And as for compatibility, there's options to support both Windows/Unix users if that's your situation. They call their utility DSM and you can take a look at their main page here: https://www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/6.1

As a media server for videos, you'll probably want to check out what the NAS is geared towards. The J series that Synology makes, for example, is their low end which isn't really meant to serve as a media server if your files ever need to be transcoded in the future - adding subtitles (assuming they're not burned in) prevented my videos from being played, for instance. If you're willing to do the transcoding on a beefier machine and then move it onto your server, then that could also work. As I mentioned before though, I haven't had any noticeable issues with playback lag, though I'm also used to streaming via WiFi instead, so YMMV.

I don't have any experience with other manufacturers, but at least from reviews, it sounds like QNAP is a solid alternative.

(Sorry for hijacking the thread, OP!)

TonyK · May 22, 2017

maerz001 said:
The slowest part in your wifi chain will define the speed to the NAS.

I never managed to gain more than 120MB/s with different routers and qnap or synology. It's better for lager files as you have the latency while reading a lot of smaller files e.g. pics where it drops significantly.

but whatever you try it will be multitudes slower than the internal SSD...

Never expected SSD from the NAS. Just need a way to get to my photos and music over the network. Will not expose it to the world so when we are traveling we won't have the photos or media. Then I'll rely on my iPhone which nearly holds are music collection. Have not ripped many movies so that is not an issue at this point.

Pangalactic said:
Well, you can check out the laptop failure rates for yourself in researches like these ones:

http://www.statisticbrain.com/laptop-malfunction-rates/
https://www.geckoandfly.com/6311/th...p-survey-best-netbook-reliability-comparison/

What you will see is that Apple is on the same level as Dell, the difference being around 1%. Not mentioning the fact that while Apple customer service is undoubtedly one of the best, a Macbook failure means replacing the whole computer. With Dell, it's in most cases a much cheaper and quicker battery/SSD replacement.

The issue is one of service. My wife, who is legally blind, had a Dell laptop. The screen went out while under warranty. We paid for the in-home warranty service. Dell first tried to get her to replace the monitor herself. She had to get firm with Dell that that was not what her warranty said. They finally sent a tech to where she was, she was traveling at the time, who installed a reconditioned monitor that was blurry. It was no longer usable by my wife.

But Apple replaced the entire guts of a monitor to upgrade it to HD and did some with a single phone call and quick turn around time.

That is just based on our own experiences. Mileage varies across from interaction to interaction.

horsebattery said:
(Since you mentioned the specific model, I assume you're familiar with most of this, but just in case...)

I'm also using a DS216J from Synology but with two 3TB Red drives primarily for backups. It's connected to my main router via Ethernet and I have a Time Capsule as a bridge for all other devices in the network. On the software side, it's very simple to setup. And as for compatibility, there's options to support both Windows/Unix users if that's your situation. They call their utility DSM and you can take a look at their main page here: https://www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/6.1

As a media server for videos, you'll probably want to check out what the NAS is geared towards. The J series that Synology makes, for example, is their low end which isn't really meant to serve as a media server if your files ever need to be transcoded in the future - adding subtitles (assuming they're not burned in) prevented my videos from being played, for instance. If you're willing to do the transcoding on a beefier machine and then move it onto your server, then that could also work. As I mentioned before though, I haven't had any noticeable issues with playback lag, though I'm also used to streaming via WiFi instead, so YMMV.

I don't have any experience with other manufacturers, but at least from reviews, it sounds like QNAP is a solid alternative.

(Sorry for hijacking the thread, OP!)

Mostly it will be RAW files for photos and music for streaming. While the NAS will be in the basement, it will be connected via CAT5 and we have 3 different WiFi stations in the house because I've not taken the time to try and create a bridge with a single WiFi SSD.

Picked the DS216J because of cost but it seemed capable enough. If need be, I can change my thoughts and use the NAS for backups and TimeMachine and take the two 4TB drives I use now for backups and TimeMachine and re-purpose them (or one of them) to be a traveling system. They are USB3 based and should work well enough when connected via the USB3 to the MBP.

I'll setup the NAS up as I had been planning and see how that works. If I run into issues I'll drop back to Plan B from Planet 9 and go from there.

ZapNZs · May 22, 2017

maerz001 said:
Well when u look in the refurb store the 13" MBP with 512GB cost only $170 more than the 256GB.

Why than invest $150 in a Jetdrive? To save 20bucks?
Wich gives u only 90MB/s read speed. That's less than 1/10th compared to the 1.3GB/s of the internal SSD 2015 Model.

But as he has $2000 to spend maybe a refurb 512GB or 1TB model and than the additional 256GB Jetdrive for not often used data is enough for him...

I'm not saying my suggestion would necessarily meet the OP's needs - as it was just an idea I was throwing out there. It was based off of purchasing two Macs and still coming in at budget. Indeed, the higher speed of more SSD-based internal storage might work better for the OP - this I cannot say. However, because multiple people will need this computer, I figured I would suggest an option that might result in two machines, in the event that having twice the number of computers provides enough convenience of access to outweigh the inconvenience of smaller primary storage.

ilikewhey · May 22, 2017

willmtaylor said:
Thanks for taking the time to give me some feedback.

"Entire family" is myself (work iMac, work iPad Pro, personal iPad Air 2, personal iPhone 7), the wife (work desktop, my iPad Air 2, iPhone SE), a kindergartner, and a 6-month-old. With our other devices and the amount/type of usage it'll get, 1 MBP will be productive enough.

We don't need multiple laptops, and I'm not interested in managing multiple backups. We simply need a family computer that can hold all of our memories and media and will last for years to come. Hence, a large SSD.

if that is the case then you just have to decide on a 15inch 2015 or 13inch 2016 model, 512gb versions of both cost less than 2k. but i digress. since they announcing new line up very soon and your looking at august date everything anyone said here is moot point.

bopajuice · May 22, 2017

willmtaylor said:
Ignore thread's forum? [X]

Ignore Thread Starter's title & OP? [X]

Don't bother reading previous replies? [X]

Give off-topic reply without any support, specifics, or justification? [X]

...so are you trolling or simply trying to increase post count?

Go back to PRSI.....

My apologies for being cynical. I feel it is a sad state of affairs when a person has to consider an Apple product that is a refurb or a previous generation product in order to make a wise choice. Poor choice of words to vent my frustration.

I just bought a new Mac Mini. Very disappointed. It is three year old hardware with a six year old design. I thought well it's my only choice for that type of computer. How bad could it be?

Don't make me go back to PRSI... I'll behave. Maybe I'll take my own advice and go on vacation.

maerz001 · May 22, 2017

bopajuice said:
My apologies for being cynical. I feel it is a sad state of affairs when it gets to the point where one seriously contemplates a previous generation or refurb Apple computer over a current one.

My apologies for being cynical. I feel it is a sad state of affairs when a person has to consider an Apple product that is a refurb or a previous generation product in order to make a wise choice. Poor choice of words to vent my frustration.

I just bought a new Mac Mini. Very disappointed. It is three year old hardware with a six year old design. I thought well it's my only choice for that type of computer. How bad could it be?

Don't make me go back to PRSI... I'll behave. Maybe I'll take my own advise and go on vacation.

You bought a new Mini???

While you now it was last updated 949 days ago. I feel sorry for you. Do you need a hug?

https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Mac

aevan · May 22, 2017

willmtaylor said:
The 2009 iMac isn't worth repairing, so the wife & I are looking into getting a notebook. This would be our family's main machine for kids', homework, professional conferences, iPhone/iPad backups, iTunes, photos library, etc.

Looking to spend around $2,000 & an SSD of 500GB-1TB is non-negotiable. What's the best machine we can get for around that amount?

A new MBP?

New old stock?

Refurbished?

Used?

For $2000, I'd say a 15" 2015 MacBook Pro or a 13" 2016 MacBook Pro.

Falcon9 · May 22, 2017

First of all: WWDC is just around the corner and it's possible we may see new Macs. If I were you I'd wait and see what Apple has to share. Otherwise, I'd get the best configuration 13" 2016 MBP that $2000 will get you. The 2015 models are nice too, and if you can go a bit over 2k the 2015 15" base model with 512GB SSD might be a good option too.

bopajuice · May 22, 2017

maerz001 said:
You bought a new Mini??? While you now it was last updated 949 days ago. I feel sorry for you. Do you need a hug?

https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Mac

No Im fine, Ill get over it. But it perfectly proves my point that for some Mac users old hardware is their only choice, AND you will pay a premium. I have until a couple of days after the keynote to return it. All I can do at this point is hope and pray for a new mini. Otherwise I am buying a PC and going on vacation

$2000 grand should buy a lot of computer (A current up to date model) but not in the Mac world.

QueenTyrone · May 22, 2017

2016 model is garbage and has too many issues, buy a refurbished 2015 mbp or wait for WWDC, bestbuy also has student discount deals right now if you insist on the latest model. You can buy a windows laptop and just put MacOs on it and have it perform better than the mbp.

willmtaylor · May 22, 2017

QueenTyrone said:
2016 model is garbage and has too many issues, buy a refurbished 2015 mbp or wait for WWDC, bestbuy also has student discount deals right now if you insist on the latest model. You can buy a windows laptop and just put MacOs on it and have it perform better than the mbp.

Garbage? How so?

Which issues?

Windows hardware with MacOS? Yeah, I don't think so.

ilikewhey · May 22, 2017

willmtaylor said:
Garbage? How so?

Which issues?

Windows hardware with MacOS? Yeah, I don't think so.

crap battery life, keyboard issues, lack of ports, etc tc.

QueenTyrone · May 22, 2017

ilikewhey said:
crap battery life, keyboard issues, lack of ports, etc tc.

Not to mention battery bulge and leaking issue, severely underpowered compared to the 2015 model. With a 400.00+ price tag.

What is wrong with your 09 OP?

willmtaylor · May 22, 2017

QueenTyrone said:
Not to mention battery bulge and leaking issue, severely underpowered compared to the 2015 model. With a 400.00+ price tag.

What is wrong with your 09 OP?

Bad GPU and old HDD.
[doublepost=1495501074][/doublepost]

ilikewhey said:
crap battery life, keyboard issues, lack of ports, etc tc.

Battery life is fantastic for most. There were issues at first, but they have been rectified.
Keyboard breaking is a warranty issue. Apple covers that.
Lack of ports is known beforehand. For many, that's not a problem.

QueenTyrone said:
Not to mention battery bulge and leaking issue, severely underpowered compared to the 2015 model. With a 400.00+ price tag.

Battery issues are covered by Apple.
Price/value is user-determined and too subjective.

ilikewhey · May 22, 2017

willmtaylor said:
Bad GPU and old HDD.
[doublepost=1495501074][/doublepost]

Battery life is fantastic for most. There were issues at first, but they have been rectified.

Keyboard breaking is a warranty issue. Apple covers that.

Lack of ports is known beforehand. For many, that's not a problem.

Battery issues are covered by Apple.

Price/value is user-determined and too subjective.

battery wise, is this your personal experience or what you heard. cause coming from a macbook air, the touchbar 13 battery felt atrocious, returned it after 1 day.

aevan · May 22, 2017

ilikewhey said:
battery wise, is this your personal experience or what you heard. cause coming from a macbook air, the touchbar 13 battery felt atrocious, returned it after 1 day.

Coming from the Air any MBP battery is bad. Retina screens + more powerful CPUs spend much more.

Coming from a previous gen MBP (speaking from personal experience), battery life (at least on the 15" model) is the same.

And significantly better than Macrumors Forums' favorite XPS 15".

There is no battery issue.

willmtaylor · May 23, 2017

ilikewhey said:
battery wise, is this your personal experience or what you heard. cause coming from a macbook air, the touchbar 13 battery felt atrocious, returned it after 1 day.

Then, I'm sorry, but you don't know what you're talking about. If you only gave it 1 day and didn't keep up with the news on the issue, then that's on you.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/12/23/phil-schiller-consumer-reports-macbook-pro-test/
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/01/10/consumer-reports-mbp-battery-safari-bug/
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/01/12/consumer-reports-recommends-new-macbook-pro/

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