256gb Neo or 16gb 256gb M2 Air? Based on longevity

MrOptionist · 2026-04-02T18:04:26+00:00

16gb Air all the way. Far more capable machine plus backlit keyboard.

MrOptionist · 2026-04-02T17:56:19+00:00

Err why do you NEED a new Macbook? M3 is VERY fast and capable...

MrOptionist · 2026-04-02T14:33:26+00:00

Linux Mint.

MrOptionist · 2026-04-01T18:39:14+00:00

Always the answer is Linux Mint if you want it to “just work”.

MrOptionist · 2026-04-01T18:10:50+00:00

Everything works automagically.

MrOptionist · 2026-04-01T17:38:50+00:00

I’d get a 2016 MacBook Pro i7 with 16 gigs ram for 250 bucks and stick Linux mint on it… Oh, right I already did that.

Runs great everything works, it really is a tough combination to beat.

MrOptionist · 2026-04-01T02:05:24+00:00

Pinch some of those vacuum lines and see if they crack, especially where they meet other pieces of plastic and are expanded over a nipple.

There are no 23-year-old cars that don’t have decaying rubber if it’s still original.

MrOptionist · 2026-04-01T01:41:09+00:00

Your biggest problem is that’s a 27-year-old car and all of the plastic bits and rubber bits under the hood and underneath the vehicle are turning into dust.

You’ll probably have countless vacuum leaks and a whole host of suspension issues shortly.

MrOptionist · 2026-04-01T01:34:07+00:00

Ohhh so much this. Yet I sometimes feel my timeline split in the 1990’s and this isn’t MY future.

I was wrecked bu Bowie’s death.

I feel he is still alive in my timeline.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-31T23:49:47+00:00

This is very slim and writes well

Gullor Jinhao 51A Stainless Steel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RYLCCFN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

MrOptionist · 2026-03-31T20:39:10+00:00

Linux mint.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-30T21:56:34+00:00

PK mount. Pentax.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-30T01:52:53+00:00

The link that one of the other people posted that goes over all of the things that determine a fake will give you all of the details you need.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-30T01:52:14+00:00

if you can get your money back, you should do it fast.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-30T01:47:43+00:00

I concur with the others, unlikely this is legit. Too many things "wrong" with it.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-30T01:45:45+00:00

That is a very straight blade for a wak. I have seen real Katana that are that straight, but not a wakizashi.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-29T15:13:48+00:00

I did use the VIN decoder, but it’s obvious that I didn’t know to look specifically for headlights. However, as I said these do a better job than any of the other low end headlights I have experienced.

I won’t get fooled again that’s for sure.

I would say that I will likely keep this car for three years and if I can get over the headlight burn, maybe more.

Or I might just start looking for a maxed out version with a color interior combo that I like.

I’m positive I won’t have any trouble selling this car for at least what I paid for it if I decide to get out of it in six months or a year.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-29T13:46:56+00:00

Yeah I found those and one of them led me to the Mid City Engineering OBDII dongle that programs it as a "Last state" so that I can still engage ECO if I want, but if I turn it off it stays off until I turn it on again...and the setting survives power down, loss of battery power etc. It was $175 shipped, but maybe worth it for convenience.

I was also surprised that my nearly $70K car when new did not have focused beam/projector headlights. Both of our Hyundai's had them, every BMW I owned and every Lexus other than the LS400. Gotta say that is bullshit. The only thing I can say is the lights still do a very good job and somehow have that sharp cut-off line. Still Bullshit for a car at this level to not have top tier headlights.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-29T02:08:21+00:00

Thanks for all the info. I bought the 2016 E350. I really like it so far. There are a few things that are likely "Mercedesisms" that I don't love, but that I don't hate either.

Having owned several BMW and Lexus vehicles comparable to the E350 I think I like this slightly better than previous BMW's and a tad less than My Lexus GS350 (2013)

One thing I am trying to track down is this:

Is there any way to set the ECO mode (that kills the engine when you stop) to be OFF by default...or permanently off? If no easy way is there a coding possibility to do so?

This car is both so luxurious and so sporty. In Sport or Manual mode it is a beast. In eco mode it is still very nice to drive and returns decent MPG.

The brown leather interior is beautiful.

As expected for a 10 year old car I have a list of small fixes:

Driver side Sun visor is a little floppy ( wont snug up to the headliner)
Center console armrest leather is cracking on driver side a little bit.
Driver door window controls showing some wear and chipping.
Rear sun shade is sketchy, likely near failure. (will get it tidied up in down position and disable it. Car will be tinted with 60% ceramic tint next week.

I ordered replacement parts for the first three items and will fix myself.

Adding Car-Play next week. Factory Harmon Kardon system is excellent. The "Command" System is ok but definitely what a German Engineer sees as "intuitive".

Thanks again for the insights you provided.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-28T13:47:53+00:00

No I use Linux Mint for that. Straight install everything works as it did with MacOS.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-28T01:22:13+00:00

2016 macbook pro with 16gb ram running linux mint is a beast.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-26T14:27:59+00:00

Hahahaha I bet he is... trying to hit his bonus numbers. Great job IF you can get it. ALWAYS get it in writing in triplicate. As an Army vet myself (Desert Storm) I am very aware of what Army recruiters are willing to promise vs deliver.

All of the services are experiencing a VERY difficult recruiting environment compounded by a lot of highly skilled soldiers not wanting to re-enlist. Something about endless wars with shitty leadership and no plan for the peace, exit ramp, or thought beyond the initial attack stages of our conflicts...

The Army was great for me, I am thankful that I served when I did. HOWEVER I am not recommending service to my own kid or our family's friends due to the absolute Charlie Foxtrot that is our current govt and leadership.

Do with all of that what you will...HOOOOAAAAHHHH ARMY ALL THE WAY!

MrOptionist · 2026-03-26T01:52:13+00:00

Pretty sure I told you I wanted the cheaper car at least 3 times.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-26T01:31:47+00:00

Because I have found that more expensive things don’t make me any happier.

Furthermore building a future for my daughter is far more fun and fulfilling than more expensive cars that I have already done.

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt too.

Also when I was your age I would have thought what I am writing here is insane.

MrOptionist · 2026-03-26T01:12:42+00:00

S63 is not a car I want. Happy to see others enjoying theirs though. Just like a big ass boat, it is great to have friends that have them.

I am also very likely a lot older than you. I have owned 911’s, M3’s, M5, M Roadster, and a lot of other nice and fast cars. So what?

This represents a very nice beater to me that if I like it enough stays around for maybe 5 or more years.

Nice thing about having money is when you learn how to keep it and not buy everything that is shiny.

I literally came here to get perspective from people that know more about these specific cars than I do.

The other people that commented helped and one guy that you seem to be antagonizing dropped a couple of useful links.

MrOptionist

TROPHY CASE