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How would you spend a $5k setup budget?

6 points by teachrdan ↗ HN
I'm have $5000 to setup my desk at my new engineering gig. I already have a mechanical keyboard and noise canceling headphones. Besides a new MacBook Pro and a big monitor, how would you spend the rest of that budget?

13 comments

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thunderstrike
I'd scrap the MBP and get a 5K iMac instead with that amount. Personal opinion, though.
zaphoyd
5K iMac + two P2415Qs is what I'd ask for. Depending on how much travel/client meetings maybe a tablet or cheap compact laptop.
Zekio
Custom built Ryzen Desktop with a high end gpu? and one or two 4k monitors maybe
predatur_2017
I just ordered the new Acer Predator gaming laptop and monitor (total $4200, Newegg). Curved 30" UHD NVidia G-Sync display with eye-tracking. Laptop sports NVidia GTX 1080 with 8GB video ram. Shooting for smooth 60fps 4K real-time rendering.

After that, next on the wish list would be: HTC Vive, GoPro 5 Hero, a large format (55"+) OLED UHD display, and perhaps the companion Predator gaming tablet (8", HD). Also need software: Abode Creative Cloud, Autodesk 3DS Max. And if there is anything left: Anki's Cozmo Robot for giggles.

lazylizard
something that takes ecc ram and can use zfs?
dsacco
Really have to know what sort of engineering you're doing....I have four monitors now, so that's what I'd recommend. If you're an iOS developer, get a Mac. If you are doing a lot of video processing, get a few graphics cards and build a PC...
rafark
For video processing I'd recommend a Macintosh as well.
dsacco
Video processing wasn't a good choice of terminology; what I meant was something like Unreal Engine.
Jason-Andrade
My new Windows 7 PC has an Intel WX58BP Motherboard and an Intel X5677 CPU, precisely because of the ECC support that "lazylizard" mentioned. Crucial ECC RAM modules would also be highly advisable. A system built around that core configuration will be highly reliable. I actually bought a spare motherboard too, to extend the lifespan to at least 12 years.
rafark
I'd get an iMac rather than a MacBook pro.
freehunter
I'd spend it on something that helps your mental health. I worked in a very dreary office under a lot of stress for a long time before I realized I could change my environment. I'm still doing the same work with the same equipment, but the walls are a color I like. The desk is comfortable. I have green plants to look at, and nice things on my wall. I have funny action figures on my desk. I spent my time and energy making my workspace nicer and it makes dealing with workspace stress a LOT easier.
michaelflux
Spend a bit of money on some desk plants. My desk looks like a little rainforest. All the extra green keeps you happy, you get a bit of extra oxygen, and gives you something to take care of to distract you from staring at nothing but your screen.

Beyond that I'm shocked no-one has mentioned getting either the comfiest chair you can find, or a standing desk. Either of those two will make a night and day difference.