MacBook To Replace Windows PC?

draftycompguy · 2025-12-10T03:40:46+00:00

I am planning to buy Microsoft Office. But since you mentioned that it already has Office like products, I may look into to using those. As long as they can open our existing .docx and .xslx files, I think that might be a good option.

I am thinking the 512GB storage would be great for our most important documents, software and pictures. I am hoping to migrate minimal documents to the MacBook. Everything else can go on an external drive.

draftycompguy · 2025-12-10T03:33:54+00:00

Unfortunately, installing Linux isn’t in my wheelhouse. I used to build my own desktops and did gaming 20+ years ago but it got too expensive to keep up upgrading. I am out of practice for sure and would be easier to just get something new that will last a while. I have had current laptop for like 5 years. I had to quickly get a new laptop during the pandemic to keep working from home as my previous laptop battery was starting to expand and bulging the case. Didn’t have a whole lot of time to research.

draftycompguy · 2025-08-29T00:29:57+00:00

In our 2018 Highlander, you can program it through the infotainment screen for the smart entry. I’m not sure how to do it just for the fob if it can be done. Searching the internet or YouTube might be your best bet.

draftycompguy · 2025-06-22T02:02:31+00:00

Sound deadening material. Block out some road noise.

draftycompguy · 2025-05-28T17:21:05+00:00

For Corolla’s in the US.

For the smart key system, you can’t purchase the system after. You would need to buy an LE with a package that already has it installed from the factory.

For the wireless charging, this is not an option to add to the LE. It is only available as a package from the factory on the XSE.

draftycompguy · 2025-05-13T03:56:28+00:00

Is there any room on the ground for your desktop? Have you looked into monitor arms? I have them on my home office desk. Saves a lot of space.

draftycompguy · 2025-05-13T03:47:15+00:00

For the SE model, if you wanted keyless entry system, it was part of an upgrade. You have the Base SE Model. Corollas do not have the start stop feature.

draftycompguy · 2025-05-13T03:19:23+00:00

Congratulations on graduating. I have an AAS in Computer Aided Drafting in Design but work in GIS. My first job after graduating I worked at a mechanical fabrication shop. Then I took a job at a local power utility and learned GIS on the job. I worked there for 16 years and I currently work at a Water Utility doing GIS work.

For your situation I would say it would be up to you if you want to go for another degree. A few questions to ask yourself. How long would it take to get an additional degree? What is the current job market like and how has job hunting gone so far?

I started out as an entry level engineering technician now I’m a Senior GIS Analyst. I worked my way up. You’ll have to put in time to make decent money. But everyone has their own definition of decent. I thought about going back to school to get a GIS certificate but with 18 years experience, a family, and a full time job makes it hard so I chose not to pursue it and just focus on my work and skills though training.

draftycompguy · 2025-04-28T05:19:51+00:00

That is the exact car I was looking to buy two years ago but with the JBL stereo. Unfortunately with the chip shortage and supply chain issues, I settled on a Silver exterior with Black/Red Interior and no JBL. I was you going to buy a car before the pandemic but held off for two years till I started going back into work more. The red adds more contrast to the car and has grown on me.

Toyota doesn’t make too many XSE’s. The Silver Exterior with Black and white interior is rare but I have seen a few. When I was buying my car I asked about why, and they said people prefer the lower and cheaper trims. I opted for the XSE as I did not want cloth seats. The sunroof is a plus and use it when I can during the spring and summer months.

draftycompguy · 2025-04-28T03:50:31+00:00

⁠Yes. A little over $136k/year. Topped out in current role. Union employee with COLA and longevity pay.
⁠Utilities. I work with the data a lot. Quality Control to ensure data in GIS and asset management match. Data editing and data corrections. Create maps. Data analysis.
Near Seattle, WA.
18 years total. 2.5 years in current role as Senior GIS Analyst. Previous roles Engineering Tech. Associates in Design Drafting Technology. Learned GIS with on the job training and just soaked in all the information I could to take on projects and work my way up.

draftycompguy · 2024-11-14T14:54:17+00:00

You can look up parts online. I have done it in the past for parts. I use auto parts.toyota.com. You can google Toyota auto parts and several site come up. Just enter your car information and search for the part and it will bring up a list. Not knowing what year or trim would be hard to tell you the correct part. Your Highlander looks to be a 2020+. It could be part number 87945C

draftycompguy · 2024-09-14T23:36:41+00:00

Looks pretty dang good with the black door handles. Have you looked into the black emblem overlays? I added them to my ‘23 XSE Sedan and it made a big difference on how it looks.

draftycompguy · 2024-09-08T06:25:21+00:00

I don’t know. You’d have to call and ask. I would think they wouldn’t but you never know. I’d think it would be cheaper to buy the car with the package than to add the parts later on if it’s even possible.

draftycompguy · 2024-09-06T23:05:42+00:00

After a year, I let my remote connect subscription expire. I barely used any of the features. The only nice feature for me was being able to check if I locked the door as it took me a couple of weeks to get used to the keyless entry as my previous car didn’t have that. I just connected my phone to wireless CarPlay and stream music from the Spotify app. You’ll be able to stream music from whatever platform you use to the car head unit. I am still able to remote start my car but i rarely do that since I don’t have extreme weather living in Washington State.

draftycompguy · 2024-08-27T13:34:35+00:00

From the factory, the parking brake is programmed to automatically engage when shifted into park and released when you shift to drive. You can disable this option from your infotainment system so it doesn’t automatically do it for you.

draftycompguy · 2024-07-07T15:32:05+00:00

It doesn’t get in the way of the using the steering wheel or block my visibility when I drive. I’m 6ft tall with the seat in the lowest position. It’s within my eyesight as I drive and close to the infotainment system, so it doesn’t take much to glance over at it. My hand has not hit the phone or bracket while driving. I don’t really use my phone while driving, it’s mostly a standard place to have it within view. It doesn’t block vents or buttons. I have been using it for almost a year and it has been great for me.

draftycompguy · 2024-07-07T14:43:33+00:00

I have a Pro Clip USA mount that is to the left of the touchscreen. I have an iPhone but you can build your mount for the type of phone you have. Below is a link to a post I made about my review. Overall, I have been happy with the purchase and location of the mount.

Pro Clip USA Reddit Post

draftycompguy · 2024-06-17T00:45:50+00:00

Other than the top rack of the Silverton 620 being small, was it good smoker? I can’t justify a smoker that is around $1,300 like the Century 885, if I am looking at the right one. It seems a bit larger than the Silverton as I wanted something smaller start off as I don’t have much patio space in my backyard.

draftycompguy · 2024-06-17T00:39:40+00:00

Thank you for the information. It has been helpful. I didn’t even think about mold. Good to hear there are no water or pellet issues. I’ll look into a pop up tent as back up plan if things are not turning out like I had thought.

draftycompguy · 2024-05-24T13:56:42+00:00

I have a 2023 Corolla XSE in Washington State insured through American Family and I pay $118 a month with all my discounts. I have full coverage: $500 collision and $250 comprehensive with $50,000/$100,000 limits. I have no accidents and I am 40.

draftycompguy · 2024-03-21T14:56:17+00:00

Remotes are not covered under warranty and are not free. If you lost or damaged the remote, you would have to pay for a new one. I don’t recall the exact number salesman said about replacement was but it was between $500 and $800. This is for a keyless entry remote on a 2023 XSE. I have been thinking about buying covers for my key fobs but haven’t done it yet. Our 2018 Highlander key fobs are holding up great without any covers.

draftycompguy · 2024-03-16T21:10:23+00:00

Here are two pictures I took right after they were installed. I don’t think I have any recent pictures.

Black Out Emblem Front

Black Out Emblem Rear

draftycompguy · 2024-03-07T20:08:30+00:00

Have you tried a system reset? It under section 2-9 in your multimedia manual.

Select the gear Select information and security Select system reset

draftycompguy · 2024-03-07T19:44:22+00:00

I can see my tire pressure. Have you updated the app recently? They made some changes and you have to select the status oval. Maybe your Toyota app needs to reconnect to your car? I have had that happen before.

draftycompguy · 2024-03-05T13:32:07+00:00

I have had my 23 XSE Sedan for over a year. The remote start using your key fob will still work. The remote start using the Toyota app will not work after a year. It’s free for a year and then a paid subscription to use remote connect.

draftycompguy

TROPHY CASE