Well, I have $400...

[Andy348]

Long story short, I've got $400 to spend on my set up. Now I'd prefer not to spend it all, but if its something that I really want, I won't mind.

My current set up (crappy Bold pics):



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Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Now here is what I'm thinking...

1. Mac Mini + 2x 24"

I'd sell my MacBook (2.1GHz, 4GB, 500GB, 2 years Applecare) for roughly $800 and buy a Mac Mini for $800 w/tax incl, etc. Then I'd spend $200 on another monitor and just use two 24" ASUS monitors. The only problem with this is I'm going to Cegep next year (Quebec only thing, kind of a pre-college, can use laptops in class) and I'm worried that I might want to use a laptop there. Then again, it could just distract me.

Total Cost: approx $250

2. New Speakers

My current speakers aren't bad but I was looking for some nicer + better options. I'm looking at the M-Speakers to replace my Bose ones. I figure $230 for them (because of tax) and I might be able to sell mine for around $40.

Total Cost: $190

3. New Computer

Sell my MacBook, buy a new MacBook. Everything is pretty much a speed boost and they have multitouch which is also nice. Cost would be pretty expensive... Sell my MacBook + Elevator stand, adapter, case, etc. for $850 then buy a new MacBook for approx 1K refurbished, with sales tax, approx 1.2K

Total Cost: $350ish

4. New Phone

Judging by the pics, the Bold 9000 is getting kind of old. Sell it for $300, buy a new phone for around $450.

Total Cost: $150

So there we have it. I would have already gone for option #1 if I knew for a fact that I wouldn't use a computer much next year. I really don't have a clue. Any ideas?

 

[BurningJah]

Hard question

This is really a hard thingy!
the first thing what you want to ask yourself is what I need! do I really need a new macbook. because the white MB is still pretty good!
The speakers are bose so you know the soundquality is still good! I don't really know the m-speakers but I believe you when you say they are super! the only thing I know is don't buy the mac mini when you can use a laptop in college!

 

[tomscott1988]

Wait

You could wait and save an extra while longer and have it all? Or you could leave your set-up as it is and use the macbook as the main computer using it for portability and as a desktop when you get home in dual screen mode?
In terms of a phone who spends 450 on a phone! you crazy?? get a contract, because the phone will either be free of at least a 1/3 of the price!
The Bose speakers you have I know arnt the best Bose offer, but are still very good and if your traveling they are a good compromise on size and quality! what they are designed for is portability.

 

[Andy348]

You could wait and save an extra while longer and have it all? Or you could leave your set-up as it is and use the macbook as the main computer using it for portability and as a desktop when you get home in dual screen mode?
In terms of a phone who spends 450 on a phone! you crazy?? get a contract, because the phone will either be free of at least a 1/3 of the price!
The Bose speakers you have I know arnt the best Bose offer, but are still very good and if your traveling they are a good compromise on size and quality! what they are designed for is portability.

450 for an unlocked phone isn't very much. An iPhone 3GS 32GB is around $600.

Just bought some Harman Kardon Soundsticks II though, very happy with them!

 

[brendu]

your current setup is pretty solid... I would wait a while longer, maybe 6 more months then when the i5/i7 macbooks get some software updates... you could even wait a few years really your setup is not bad in any way.

maybe get the new iPhone unlocked when it comes out... **** att's new termination fees...

 

[7thMac]

Interesting post. Consider doing nothing. Your alternatives do not result in a significantly better setup so you are just churning equipment / money. Instead of a phone, consider purchasing a camera. You could buy a small Canon for the difference in outlay and its quality would blow away any $450 phone that you are considering.

 

[Patrick J]

I would do nothing.

Your current setup works fine.

 

[gnasher729]

I didn't see your backup drive. If you don't have one, 100 or so of your dollars go right now to a 1 TB USB drive. That's the most important investment you could possibly make.