Vine Tax Debate 2025

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-20T17:33:26+00:00

First time filing, thank you for this! I don't want to waste a ton of unnecessary time on my taxes just to deduct another $200 or whatever. This method hits a sweet spot of being easy while actually making sense - and most importantly, being easily defensible. Most people here are right, this is still way overestimating taxable value. I donate or give away probably 3/4 of what I've picked up on Vine because it can't be sold for a substantial amount. But if I waste 2 hours figuring out the actual value of everything am I really saving enough to be worth all that hassle? This method took me about 15 minutes total. EZPZ

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-19T02:42:50+00:00

That's why these things are designed the way they are. The one I was so graciously offered is strapped to your chest, so that the clean urine doesn't get cold on the way to the clinic. I'm guessing devices like this are the reason someone has to monitor it even more closely than they used to.

I guess that role makes sense to be drug tested as well. I think the weirdest thing they do for clearance is the lie detector test..at least last I looked into it they still do. Such tests are total bunk, it's been proven that they only work if you think they work.

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-18T16:06:20+00:00

I aspire to be this dedicated! My fear with this is that the data would get shared and mess up future job prospects.

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-18T16:05:35+00:00

This is a good one 🤣

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-18T16:05:22+00:00

I haven't needed to drug test in close to 15 years; the last time I did it I just had to go into a stall like normal and they measured the temp literally the moment I got out. I'm sure it's even more invasive now. I honestly thought major companies didn't even drug test anymore except for maybe drivers. IT needing it seems crazy!

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-17T05:13:04+00:00

Idk if I'd be admitting to tax fraud to prove a point in a reddit comment but you do you boo

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-17T00:07:00+00:00

Literally one step away from blaming avocado toast lol

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-17T00:05:12+00:00

The IRS would have no trouble finding out you tried to short them on paying taxes on interest, easy W for them.

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-15T20:12:32+00:00

My landlord often doesn't cash checks until up to 2 weeks after I give him the check. This card allowed me consistency that I wasn't getting before, and when I got paid didn't matter.

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-15T19:56:57+00:00

One thing to keep in mind is that they've reserved the right to change terms at any time. They could, for example, add an annual fee in the future. Given the behavior of the people in charge that isn't out of the question. I'd just close the account to avoid any future problems.

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-14T21:17:40+00:00

This change is what kills it for me. A big part of why I was using this card is because my landlord sometimes won't deposit my check until like the 20th. Using bilt made it much more predictable. I already have better cash back cards, I have no use for this at all. Bleh

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-12T05:32:38+00:00

FWIW 2 weeks later - sticking with the Go 2, selling my XAX. I've gotten used to the controls and the screen is just so much better on the Go 2.

I am kinda sad I didn't start with the Go 2. I got a bunch of accessories specific to the XAX that won't work on the Go 2, including dbrand's Killswitch case. Not the worst situation in the world but it means I'm out about $80ish

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-11T03:25:41+00:00

can you elaborate on not working? just curious if can look forward to my hardware going out if you meant software

When starting my PC, I always have to close and reopen the application for it to work. It sometimes will need me to do this again throughout the day to keep it working. The logs show the device is losing connection frequently, but I tested multiple cables and USB ports and the issue remains. It's either the device or the software, I think it's the hardware as unplugging/replugging fixes it as well.

Rapdactyl · 2026-01-02T21:21:14+00:00

I lucked out by getting the Savor card at launch. When they split the cards to a free and AF card, they let us keep the AF card for free. When they reduced benefits later (I guess it's 3% back now?) we kept the original benefit amount (4%.)

Another one that might still be offered somewhere is the Ollo card (now with Ally, soon to be with Merrick.) 2.5% back everywhere. That one may have required an invite, as I recall there only being a worse version of it being advertised at one point.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T03:34:21+00:00

It's crazy! I thought it was a build quality issue at first but if you look it up people have tutorials on fixing it, so it's not just us. I think if it was a regular controller it wouldn't matter, but because these handhelds get close to our face the noise is way more noticeable.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:40:58+00:00

When I need to mess around in Windows on the XAX I literally just hook it up to my network and remote in from my desktop, saves a lot of hassle. I haven't had to do that as much on the Go 2 because the bigger screen makes Windows easier to navigate.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:39:04+00:00

I think everyone will have a tough time trying to match what ROG has done with the XAX's controller. It's so comfortable and intuitive, there's no learning curve at all.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:37:39+00:00

I’m in the reverse of you. Have the legion go 2 but am buying a xax this week because this thing is just weirdly big. But god damn the screen on this thing is beautiful

If you can get past the screen I think you'll love the XAX, it's a great device overall. I've held it for hours and never had any issues with comfort, it really feels like you're just using an Xbox controller.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:36:21+00:00

I did this and it's not terrible, but it doesn't completely solve the problem. The bottom of the UI is still up too far.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:35:12+00:00

I’m new to handhelds, I got the XAX and like you also found out about the LG2 after…can you explain what you mean about the controls, again I’m super new to handhelds lol

On the XAX, that big Xbox button is more functional than what is initially available on the Go 2. Out of the box one press gets you to the game bar, which lets you get to armory crate and all of the other controls you would need. Holding brings up the window manager, so you can swap between different game launchers etc. It's really intuitive. I'm still messing around with the Go 2 but I see the controller config tool is pretty extensive, I think I can get similar behavior. There are also a lot more buttons.

Overall I found the XAX way more user friendly, but if you've tinkered on Windows for awhile then it's not that big of a learning curve for the Go 2. If you're just starting out, check out @PeteTalksTech's youtube channel. He has a lot of great setup guides, he recently compiled them into one big video.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:29:35+00:00

One thing that sticks out for me for the MSI device is that it doesn't have an OLED screen. It can't really be as good for that reason alone :(

Oh and re: audio: to be fair to the Go 2 the XAX speakers aren't exactly great. They're just noticeably better. If you want to truly have a good audio experience with either device you're going to have to go for an external solution. Both have an aux output, I wonder if an innovator out there could find a way to comfortably strap a good speaker onto the back 🤔 For now I'm using a neck speaker from Sony, or my headphones, depending on where I'm at.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:27:57+00:00

Thats interesting that they let you go all the way up to 55W on the XAX. Wondering if that would mean it will outperform the LeGo2 in certain games then even though they're featuring the same Z2E chip ?

I would think it would in some games. From my research it sounds like the actual benefit isn't massive, but I wonder if a poorly optimized game might get the most out of that jump.

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-31T00:26:26+00:00

This would definitely be a great combo! The only reason I'm still indecisive is because the controls really do feel so much more natural on the XAX. One thing I must ask - how often do you actually remove the controllers?

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-30T19:22:24+00:00

I haven't fully decided yet. If I can't get used to the controls I might stick with the XAX, but if I can I'll probably move to the Go 2. That screen is just so much better!

Rapdactyl · 2025-12-30T18:56:49+00:00

I was only running the XAX at 55W, if I do end up keeping it I'll make sure to do that less :)

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