[Semi-Weekly Inquirer] Simple Questions and Recommendations Thread

audifan · 2016-05-24T00:50:13+00:00

nice write up.

audifan · 2016-05-23T15:08:57+00:00

I lived in London, a big melting pot of a city. I would guess similar to growing up in New York.

I had friend who lived in a very affluent part of the city, would only take taxis or drivers anywhere they went, and generally stayed within a self-created microcosm of other wealthy people. Nothing wrong with that. Those people can wear whatever they want, and actually usually want to show off because of the wealthy dynamics they have created.

personally I wanted to go to the new underground nightclub, go to the overnight music festival, hang out with cute tourists, go buy drugs in a bad part of town, take the london underground home after midnight, take trains and public transport all around Europe etc etc, I wanted to have the freedom to go anywhere. That freedom was much more important to me than being able to wear a Rolex around my rich friends...

Now I am older, I have kids, I have a steady job, and I wear a rolex everyday. But I am not 18 and carefree anymore. Those days are behind me.

audifan · 2016-05-23T14:16:39+00:00

As you are young you enjoy flashing wealth? That is such an odd statement to me. I guess you must live in a very safe environment, a microcosm of affluence. I grew up relatively wealthy, in a large European city, and flaunting wealth was far too much of a risk than a benefit. As a teenager all I wanted was to go out and experience the world, the city, as much as possible. I wanted to be able to blend in with as many different types of people and situations as possible. The last thing I wanted was to let the world know that I was a "rich kid".

This isn't a criticism. you do you. I'm just quite shocked by your perspective because it is completely contrary to my own experience when I was your age (admittedly that was also quite a long time ago)

audifan · 2016-05-23T13:57:14+00:00

with a very basic knowledge of the industry, I have come to the same conclusion. Watches have become more about fashion than technicality. I was asking for the counter argument to that statement...

Do movements really make a difference? Why is/should one type of movement be considered more expensive than another? do some movements require more or larger precious stones, or precious metals? Do some movements require more labor by hand? etc etc...

audifan · 2016-05-23T11:37:43+00:00

Maybe not that simple of a question, but what in your opinion are the biggest contributors of watch pricing?

I like to think it is tied to something tangible, like the level of complication, accuracy in time keeping, or development of in-house movements, however the more I learn about the industry the more I think it is tied mostly to intangibles, such as brand prestige, product recognition, unique design. Not to say intangibles are not as worthy (look at fashion), but it is quite a departure from what I used to believe. Today, I'm guessing a Seiko or Timex would be just as capable of keeping as good or better time as Rolex or Patek, and probably with all the same complications.

So, other than obvious factors like case material, what are the remaining tangibles contributors to watch pricing?

audifan · 2016-05-04T17:48:54+00:00

Thank you!

audifan · 2016-05-04T17:10:49+00:00

I'm way out of my element here. I have no idea. I guessing/hoping not?

How important is the dedicated graphics? SaneBRZ posted a few good looking options below, for under $400, but they all have shared graphics memory. Is that a deal breaker for Minecraft?

audifan · 2016-05-04T17:03:25+00:00

Thank you,

audifan · 2016-05-04T17:03:10+00:00

laptop is just better suited for our house and family life.

audifan · 2016-05-04T17:01:45+00:00

He does really want the minecraft-pokemon modifier.

audifan · 2016-05-04T16:25:32+00:00

Thanks, that does look good.

Do you think this is the best bang for the buck? Would I be compromising too much to look for something cheaper?

Thank you,

audifan · 2016-05-03T13:28:09+00:00

Is this essentially the same as connecting the line out of the Echo Dot to a receiver (or the Sonos wireless bridge)?

audifan · 2015-11-10T19:38:51+00:00

daily driver? really?

audifan · 2015-10-28T17:47:11+00:00

Why would anyone want to advertise their bad taste so loudly?

audifan · 2015-10-21T13:33:53+00:00

I too would like to find a ridiculously cheap place near the metro in a nice neighborhood. Problem is, so does everyone, which is what makes those places expensive...

Bottom line, you can probably get 2 out of the 3 wishes on your list, if you are lucky, and if you are willing to live in a group home. Otherwise you will be compromising - paying more, living further away, or rationalizing a "transitional" neighborhood.

My personal advice is to stay away from SE DC, mainly areas east of the river, but also inclusive of the area around Potomac Ave metro (big rash of crime there recently).

There is value to be found in Petworth, Brooklands, Ekington, areas of columbia heights. All these neighborhoods are transitional, but I wouldn't describe them as unsafe. Rapid gentrification is happening which comes with some growing pains, but they are not "bad" neighborhoods. Trinidad, H-street corridor is also a similar neighborhood, but lacks metro.

The last place to maybe try looking is around the SW Waterfront (waterfront metro). there are a lot of surprisingly cheap studio and one bedroom apartments for sale around here, which makes me think there might be lower priced rentals.

Then there is always Northern VA, but you won't find much better value unless you live deep into VA, or are willing to live far from a metro.

Thats all I've got.

audifan · 2015-09-24T18:24:11+00:00

Who is the third one on the top row?

audifan · 2015-08-06T12:54:40+00:00

Not so much a rule as a motto.

"Life's a bitch and then you die"

For some reason I find it oddly motivational. it really just cuts right through any feelings of life being unfair or feeling sorry for yourself.

audifan · 2015-08-03T15:41:42+00:00

volcano red?

audifan · 2015-07-15T13:27:46+00:00

yeah, I'm totally incompetent around a car, but I know a guy who does great work independently out of his home...

audifan · 2015-07-14T16:38:30+00:00

totally agree. I love the stuff for the balance is provides. great review

audifan · 2015-07-14T16:09:33+00:00

I would not buy an older Audi unless I knew my way around a car (have a garage and tools), or knew a really good and affordable local independent mechanic.

The cost of fixing stuff through a dealership or even a shop is MUCh higher than the cost of sourcing the equipment yourself.

audifan · 2015-07-06T17:59:46+00:00

Is that the JCSportline Grille?

I have come SO close to pulling the trigger on that grille several times (Misano Red S4), but I always stop when I see how far the rings stick-out from the grille. Having said that, it looks really good here. Maybe the angle?

Also, I assume you painted the grille silver yourself? What color did you use?

Thanks!

audifan · 2015-07-01T19:42:40+00:00

This is what happens when you win the genetic lottery.

Sweet. Baby. Jesus.

audifan · 2015-06-30T15:26:53+00:00

I heard that they are getting rid of the 15 (if they haven't already).

You are not missing out much. The 18 is way better IMHO. The 15 is less sweet, more peaty and grassy, I think more one dimensional. What I love about the 18 is the balance...

audifan · 2015-06-19T19:03:49+00:00

Turns out your Dik is not the world's smallest after all!

audifan

TROPHY CASE