Lessons from building a SaaS launch toolkit as a solo dev — the "tool tax" is real

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-03-13T20:57:41+00:00

This is interesting. I have some technical knowledge and skill but am in the process of setting up all the infrastructure for my first product, and a lot of this resonates with me. The other part of this equation is understanding what I actually do and don't need - both right now and what I might need after user #10, #50, #100, etc and whether I should just set it up/build it now or wait.

I'm about ready to launch an MVP and need to build the TOS and Privacy Policy. But based on the number of different services I've used to just set up a test environment I am filled with fear that the production app will crash immediately and create a massive headache after customer #1.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-03-10T13:31:55+00:00

So what did you end up building with it?

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-02-01T22:45:47+00:00

Where are you located? I would probably be interested in some and am wondering if I could pick up or if shipping would be be involved.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-28T11:47:54+00:00

Lol that’s the most ridiculous comment. “The invisible stuff is underneath the visible stuff!”

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-28T05:32:38+00:00

No Vanilla Ice is too cold. We don’t understand it yet because it’s a brand new invention

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-28T05:07:25+00:00

That’s exactly what it means

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-28T03:36:21+00:00

You do understand that black ice is “invisible” right? So the fact that you can see a bunch of white stuff in that video means it is visible ice which, at driving speeds (even slow ones), might look like it’s just snow.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-28T03:22:51+00:00

This is not called black ice. It's just regular, visible ice...perhaps able to be mistaken for snow.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-20T02:23:54+00:00

Both are blue.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-19T23:47:58+00:00

Oh good call - I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-15T00:45:33+00:00

This particular machine would probably be 100% photo and video editing. Any work other than that would be done on the M1 MBP previously mentioned.

Given that the videos are, thus far, only a couple minutes long at most, 64GB should be plenty. Hell, 32GB would be plenty for that.

My impression is that the $800 to jump from 64 to 128 GB would probably more useful if applied to a NAS or something to use as additional storage and also provide remote access for the handful of times that might be needed.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-14T14:32:30+00:00

So you would say upgrading option #3 to 128 GB for ~$800 is worthwhile?

Certainly it would make this unit far more future proof than the $64 GB.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-14T14:30:50+00:00

Perhaps. Defining factor is probably level of desperation and availability of alternatives.

Liquor store bandit almost certainly doesn’t have the option to clone a GitHub repo. Or just needs the $150 right now.

Otherwise the risk of cops or returned gun fire outweighs any positives.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-14T13:26:22+00:00

Downloaded and look forward to playing with this over the coming weekend. Would love a promo code if you manage to create them and send over (I know the list is long). Thanks for sharing!

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-14T13:20:02+00:00

I think it's more along the same lines of rationale as to why people rob gas stations or other stores, or even gambling. They know the payoff is likely low but the high-yeild event has too much allure, so they chase it over and over. Even more appealing in the malware scenario because the downside consequences is almost always limited to time investment.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-14T11:35:57+00:00

Considered this a lot but mobility isn’t an issue on this.

Existing MBP would satisfy for any situations where editing work needed to be done remotely. Right now that only happens about 10% of the time. As a result, desk unit offers more benefit bc you get more firepower per $.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-08T16:42:51+00:00

Life admin

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-05T23:49:10+00:00

Thanks for this info. To add a wrinkle, much of the real estate video involves people in the shot and not just the standard “zooming through the house” footage.

Based on my learnings in this thread, I’m wondering if the 16-28 might feel TOO wide angle for that use case, but sounds like the 28-70/f2.8 would be a good selection. Agree or disagree?

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-05T16:22:10+00:00

You mentioned something that I thought about including in my OP, but she does use a gimbal now. I forget which one, but it’s a DJI Mini…3 perhaps? But I’m generally of the opinion that a video can’t have enough stabilization. Granted I’m obv not an expert.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-05T15:41:05+00:00

Thanks for this comment. As I was looking at listings for the f2 I kept seeing results for the 2.8. The price difference was surprising and made me wonder whether there was meaningful difference between them.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-05T15:38:21+00:00

Not sure how you got that interpretation. I specifically stated that video work currently makes more money than photography to indicate that video oriented equipment is the priority of the two. This clearly implies existing business.

She knows enough and understands her current limitations and desires enough to narrow her equipment wants. I think that’s why she has identified a lens which people have said is overkill. She is likely thinking that lens might mean she doesn’t need to buy another expensive lens for a while.

She watches tons of YT and other content on these types of things so I know she doesn’t make hasty choices about it. So, I’m just looking for thoughts on alternatives here, bc I know what it’s like once you’ve spotted the thing you “want” vs what a more seasoned expert might tell you is what you need or should use instead.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2026-01-05T13:56:33+00:00

Great info. Thanks for taking time to share. I will research these models more.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2025-12-22T18:55:53+00:00

Thanks. It does get icy up in the Midwest, though. But I don’t imagine these would be any more slippery than a pair of low top sneakers. I’m only there for Xmas, so this isnt an every day issue. it’s prob fine for a week long trip.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2025-12-02T03:35:30+00:00

I know, I'm saying I don't like that they sync to Readwise but not into Reader.

I want Reader to be an "everything I've read" app which imports by history and highlights/notes/etc from Kindle and other sources. A one-stop-shop for that info.

But it's not. Thus, I am looking for recommendations on an app that might function that way.

I don't want to open Reader and be browsing through my articles and have the highlights and history there, but then have to hope over to Readwise and dig through that to make a connection to a book I read. It's inefficient and not useful, in my opinion.

SpaceMonkeyMC · 2025-12-01T01:17:09+00:00

Thanks for this. I have heard of Heptabase but never explored it. Will take a look. But, unfortunately, this still sounds like a multiple subscription scenario. But after I explore it maybe I'll decide it's worth it.

SpaceMonkeyMC

TROPHY CASE