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polarity
Toucan
Joined: Feb 16, 2006
Posts: 298
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 Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:54 pm Post subject: |
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Well my spending on computers for the last year goes something like this:
16/05/07 - £63.43 - Arctic Cooling Alpine 7 CPU cooler + Asrock Conroe945G Motherboard
09/06/07 - £104.48 - Samsung SH183 18x DVD+-RW + 2x512MB DDR2 800 RAM + Arctic Cooling Silentium T2 pro case
20/06/07 - £18.98 - Actic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU cooler
25/06/07 - £32.72 - Domain name renewal
04/07/07 - £28.00 - ATI Radeon 9700 pro graphics card
04/07/07 - £30.49 - Athlon XP2400+ CPU
04/07/07 - £32.50 - Nvidia FX 5900 graphics card
16/07/07 - £130.40 - C2D E4300 CPU + 8-port Gigabit ethernet switch
04/09/07 - £52.88 - Thermalright Ultra 20 Extreme CPU cooler
05/09/07 - £353.11 - Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 motherboard, EVGA 8800GTS 320 AC3 graphics card, Antec Phantom 500 PSU
17/09/07 - £11.99 - 1GHz PIII CPU
18/09/07 - £133.05 - 2x1GB DDR800 RAM + NZXT Lexa Blackline case
19/09/07 - £27.87 - Fan controller + quiet 120mm fan
03/10/07 - £306.75 - Zalman Reserator XT water cooling system + northbridge water block + fluorescent red coolant
17/10/07 - £40.76 - Saitek Eclipse II keyboard + 2xFluorescent orance SATA cables
18/10/07 - £18.92 - 2x fluorescent green 120mm fans
18/10/07 - £24.89 - Fluorescent blue Cable Sleeving kit for PSU
03/11/07 - £28.91 - The Orange Box game collection
30/01/08 - £46.92 - EVGA step-up (trade in) from 8800GTS320 to 8800GTS 512
19/11/07 - £59.35 - Crysis + Call of Duty 4 games
06/12/07 - £446.43 - Hanns-G 28" LCD Monitor
27/12/07 - £79.88 - Razer Lachesis mouse and Razer Mantis mouse mat
21/01/08 - £10.32 - World of Goo game
01/02/08 - £57.69 - AquaGraFX 8800GT waterblock
09/02/08 - £328.80 - XFX 780i motherboard + CoolerMaster 1000W Real Power Pro PSU + Creative Faality Headphones
or a total of £2466.72. With a few things I bought earlier my main PC looks like this:
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You aren't thinking or really existing unless you're willing to risk even your own sanity in the judgment of your existence. |
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Corvillus
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: Nov 06, 2007
Age: 24
Posts: 29
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:01 am Post subject: |
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| sarahstilettos wrote: | | I only like vinyl, I find it really hard to listen to whole albums on CD's or on my computer. It doesn't feel like pleasure at all, it feels like hard work, because of something I'm not tecchie enough to explain about the nature of the sound. I do download some major label stuff for free off Soulseek, but I always feel like I should support the indies by actually BUYING their music. |
Very true, once you have a decent pair of headphones, IEM's, or speakers, you can start to hear the artifacts of compression in MP3's and low sample rates of CD's. Vinyl (at least initially) doesn't have this problem (Although they do end up getting wear and tear, which CD's don't get.) Probably the best way to do it would be to record the output from the record player to a lossless format at whatever sampling rate you can tolerate if you have a good sound card, and then just listen to those. No need to wear out the vinyls then, plus you can put the files on your iPod and enjoy. That said...even the negative aspects of vinyls (the scratches from wear and tear) do have a nice nostalgic value that people enjoy.
As for expensive obsessions, I don't really have any at the moment, although I wasted a lot of money on trading card games back in grade school and high school. I also do tend to make impulse buys on tech items to hack or modify. |
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Heron
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Joined: Jan 04, 2008
Posts: 64
Location: Kent
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:21 am Post subject: |
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polarity is that a carriage clock sitting on top your computer or is it a serious bit of kit disguised as a clock?  |
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Jeyradan
Velociraptor
Joined: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 403
Location: Boone, NC, USA!
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 2:58 am Post subject: |
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Fortunately, it's not like there's a lot you can "buy" for oncology. Except textbooks...
However, there *is* the small matter of cycling and triathlon. I daren't even add that up. WHY must there be SO MANY TOYS? |
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wintersun
Butterfly
Joined: Feb 12, 2008
Posts: 12
Location: Ft Smith, AR
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 3:13 am Post subject: |
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Thats a nice setup you have there polarity. My big interest is computers too, and I have probably spent as much as what you have, but I haven't been able to upgrade for a while. My parents never understood my obsession with needing to constantly upgrade/tweak/fix my computer. I am on my third box right now, and I am saving up as much as I can to go all out on this next upgrade. But for now I just keep tabs on the latest releases of hardware, software, and games.
I used to have an obsession with Hot Wheels when I was little. I still have some that I have kept in the packages. My favorite was the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. I think I have like 6 or 7 somewhere in storage. |
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ChloeK
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: Aug 21, 2007
Age: 22
Posts: 38
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 6:01 am Post subject: |
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I buy gourmet perfume from an online company. I haven't spent a TON of money on it, but it's getting close to $200 since October. Way more than I've spent on anything else except food.
I want my newest shipment... gah! |
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freak_audio
Snowy Owl
Joined: Dec 10, 2007
Age: 21
Posts: 152
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:21 am Post subject: |
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| TLPG wrote: | | sarahstilettos wrote: | | Quote: | | What if one can't get the money any other way? And said interests are essential to one's well being? |
Human rights being a strange, totally socially constructed (but often necessary) concept as it is, it's hard to define what comes under them. But I don't think this does. It's tough, but if you don't have the money then you'll probably have to settle for, say, reading a book about cars, if that was your interest, or reading about the place that you're interested in travelling to. |
Not an option. My interests can ONLY be satiated by travel. There is no other way - and I rely on it to avoid becoming a vegetable. If there was another way, I'd do it. But there isn't. No books - in fact what I'm doing will hopefully become a book, and the first of it's kind as well. |
Traveling doesn't always require that much money, but I guess it depends on what level of comfort you want, how you fell about handling new people, hitching and such.. :s
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I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians, they are so unlike your christ.
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi |
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Prof_Pretorius
troubled Soul
Joined: Aug 21, 2006
Age: 51
Posts: 5872
Location: Hiding in the attic of the Arkham Library
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 12:15 pm Post subject: |
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I have to be very careful about visiting Collectible shops. My neighbor got several thousand vinyl albums at an auction. He gave me a boxful to take to a small shop to sell. While the owner was appraising the boxful, I almost gave in to buy two Syd Barrett albums !! I also do the same thing in antique shops, I see something and get obssessed about owning it.
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I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. I feel my fate in what I cannot fear. I learn by going where I have to go. ~Theodore Roethke |
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TLPG
Phoenix
Joined: Nov 13, 2007
Posts: 682
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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| freak_audio wrote: | | TLPG wrote: | | sarahstilettos wrote: | | Quote: | | What if one can't get the money any other way? And said interests are essential to one's well being? |
Human rights being a strange, totally socially constructed (but often necessary) concept as it is, it's hard to define what comes under them. But I don't think this does. It's tough, but if you don't have the money then you'll probably have to settle for, say, reading a book about cars, if that was your interest, or reading about the place that you're interested in travelling to. |
Not an option. My interests can ONLY be satiated by travel. There is no other way - and I rely on it to avoid becoming a vegetable. If there was another way, I'd do it. But there isn't. No books - in fact what I'm doing will hopefully become a book, and the first of it's kind as well. |
Traveling doesn't always require that much money, but I guess it depends on what level of comfort you want, how you fell about handling new people, hitching and such.. :s |
Hitching is dangerous so I don't do it. It also depends on what's available. For example the options are VERY limited to Perth from Melbourne (air - which I hate - and rail, and with rail the company that runs it refuses to carry me because of my Aspie needs unless I purchase a full blown sleeping berth which is why they are on my Wiki as Aspie Enemies). |
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freak_audio
Snowy Owl
Joined: Dec 10, 2007
Age: 21
Posts: 152
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 4:55 pm Post subject: |
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Ahhh.. 
What are your needs?
_________________
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians, they are so unlike your christ.
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi |
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Stevopedia
Velociraptor
Joined: Nov 03, 2007
Age: 18
Posts: 425
Location: Nowhere Land, Maryland, United States
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 4:59 pm Post subject: |
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It's insanely easy to spend a small fortune in both of my main obsessions: vintage audio and photography.
Photography-wise, a '60s or '70s vintage manual camera body in good physical shape and working order, plus 28 mm wide angle, 50 mm normal, 105 mm short telephoto/portraiture, and 400 mm or so long telephoto lens can easily set you back US$2000 or so, not counting front and rear lens caps, a body cap for the camera, and a case or two to store it all.
And my obsession with cameras (particularly Pentax, both screw mount and K-mount) means that I want to have at least one example of each Pentax body in working order, and an example of each lens.
And I'm also starting to get interested in the Canon and Nikon manual-focus systems as well, with similar aims.
That's not counting darkroom costs either, for those of us who prefer the art of film photography. Decent enlargers are quite pricey. Then there's the developing reel for the film, and the film itself. A siphon wash for washing newly developed film. Ideally, a drying cabinet to hang film to dry so it isn't scratched and doesn't get dusty. Chemistry for developing film and prints (it's different.) Photographic paper for the prints. A safelight. Ideally, a spare room for a permanent darkroom that incorporates good ventilation, running water, and plenty of space. Trays for developing prints.
Photography is really expensive. But it's just as enjoyable.
Vintage audio, not so much. But still easy. For example, a good tube receiver (like a Fisher) can easily sell for more than $400. High-end solid state sells for about half that much. But what I really want is a reel-to-reel tape deck, specifically the Technics RS-1500US (or similar). They routinely go for in excess of US$1500.
Fortunately, though, I think I have at least some self-control, so I won't spend my way to bankruptcy. I hope.
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What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness that gives everything its value.
-Thomas Paine, The American Crisis |
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sarahstilettos
Phoenix
Joined: Sep 08, 2007
Age: 23
Posts: 852
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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| TLPG wrote: | | freak_audio wrote: | | TLPG wrote: | | sarahstilettos wrote: | | Quote: | | What if one can't get the money any other way? And said interests are essential to one's well being? |
Human rights being a strange, totally socially constructed (but often necessary) concept as it is, it's hard to define what comes under them. But I don't think this does. It's tough, but if you don't have the money then you'll probably have to settle for, say, reading a book about cars, if that was your interest, or reading about the place that you're interested in travelling to. |
Not an option. My interests can ONLY be satiated by travel. There is no other way - and I rely on it to avoid becoming a vegetable. If there was another way, I'd do it. But there isn't. No books - in fact what I'm doing will hopefully become a book, and the first of it's kind as well. |
Traveling doesn't always require that much money, but I guess it depends on what level of comfort you want, how you fell about handling new people, hitching and such.. :s |
Hitching is dangerous so I don't do it. It also depends on what's available. For example the options are VERY limited to Perth from Melbourne (air - which I hate - and rail, and with rail the company that runs it refuses to carry me because of my Aspie needs unless I purchase a full blown sleeping berth which is why they are on my Wiki as Aspie Enemies). |
see, I was gonna put something similar to what freak_audio had written, then I did think about it and realised people can't us often can't go for the very cheap options due to various issues.
For instance, we definately need to have our own space so we can be alone.
Long journeys on public transport are bad enough as it is, so whatever we use it can't be too noisy or chaotic.
I would never transfer this onto others on the forum, but I know that I personally am just slightly too naive and too trusting of people to go hitch hiking.
One cheap thing I think most of us could do is hiking/camping, buy a cheap tent and get out in the wilderness! |
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freak_audio
Snowy Owl
Joined: Dec 10, 2007
Age: 21
Posts: 152
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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As I said, It most likely depends on the person, but it's bound to be rather difficult.
I've often considered taveling by walking/hitching/trainhopping/any means nessecary but I think being overly trusting might well be my downfall there too..
Then again, I've heard so many good stories from people about how many great and trustworthy people they've encountered. 
_________________
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians, they are so unlike your christ.
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi |
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TLPG
Phoenix
Joined: Nov 13, 2007
Posts: 682
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| Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 5:39 am Post subject: |
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| sarahstilettos wrote: | | TLPG wrote: | | freak_audio wrote: | | TLPG wrote: | | sarahstilettos wrote: | | Quote: | | What if one can't get the money any other way? And said interests are essential to one's well being? |
Human rights being a strange, totally socially constructed (but often necessary) concept as it is, it's hard to define what comes under them. But I don't think this does. It's tough, but if you don't have the money then you'll probably have to settle for, say, reading a book about cars, if that was your interest, or reading about the place that you're interested in travelling to. |
Not an option. My interests can ONLY be satiated by travel. There is no other way - and I rely on it to avoid becoming a vegetable. If there was another way, I'd do it. But there isn't. No books - in fact what I'm doing will hopefully become a book, and the first of it's kind as well. |
Traveling doesn't always require that much money, but I guess it depends on what level of comfort you want, how you fell about handling new people, hitching and such.. :s |
Hitching is dangerous so I don't do it. It also depends on what's available. For example the options are VERY limited to Perth from Melbourne (air - which I hate - and rail, and with rail the company that runs it refuses to carry me because of my Aspie needs unless I purchase a full blown sleeping berth which is why they are on my Wiki as Aspie Enemies). |
see, I was gonna put something similar to what freak_audio had written, then I did think about it and realised people can't us often can't go for the very cheap options due to various issues.
For instance, we definately need to have our own space so we can be alone.
Long journeys on public transport are bad enough as it is, so whatever we use it can't be too noisy or chaotic.
I would never transfer this onto others on the forum, but I know that I personally am just slightly too naive and too trusting of people to go hitch hiking.
One cheap thing I think most of us could do is hiking/camping, buy a cheap tent and get out in the wilderness! |
I've camped - but there are two things wrong with it. One - it means travelling heavy and that's a pest. Two (and this is the biggest problem) - more and more transport providers, especially the buses, get antsy about lots of luggage for one passenger.
When I travel I carry what a call my "entertainment case". It carries everything I need for the long journey to keep me occupied such as the old walkman, or the newer CD player. If I'm on a train my laptop comes in handy as well - as long as there's a power point handy! The battery only lasts a little over an hour before it needs to be recharged.
But you get the idea, Sarah! The worst kind of travel when it comes to personal space is by air - aside from my own issues with the take off and the landing. Bus isn't much better but I know when to travel and where so I can all but guarentee two seats to myself. Train's the best. |
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skahthic
Phoenix
Joined: May 11, 2007
Posts: 873
Location: Florida
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| Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 7:36 am Post subject: |
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| shaggydaddy wrote: |
What is the point of having a job and making money if you don't use it for the things you like? |
That sure is true--- I wouldn't spend myself into homelessness--- but so long as the bills are all paid and I have something set aside for a rainy day ( ie: sick, can't work and must take a few days off), then I feel it's ok to enjoy things now, before I'm too old to enjoy them and before I die. |
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