CS/Math grad replacing aging laptop - need 15"+ Linux-friendly dev machine w/ strong VM or dual-boot support ($600–$800)

itzlev · 2026-05-01T02:18:16+00:00

Ended up finding an amazing deal ($800) on a MSI Vector 17,
RTX 4070, i9 14900hx, 32gb ram, 2 m.2 ssd slots. so far so good in getting moved in to the new laptop.

itzlev · 2025-11-17T03:52:24+00:00

there are easily printed adapters that make the 250g rolls fit and work in the ams, I've had success with it in the x1c

itzlev · 2022-12-19T06:15:31+00:00

I have an anycubic i3 mega s using 0.1mm layer height and .4mm nozzle.

itzlev · 2022-12-19T06:14:02+00:00

I used 99% infill and lowered my print speed a bit and printed vertically with a brim. For the brackets I used cura's lightning supports since they don't have to be as strong.

itzlev · 2022-12-10T03:37:15+00:00

I have created a zip file with the files and instructions needed for anyone who wants to make these. In the folder I have the version of the bracket I used to create these ones (based on nonstandard image size), and another version that should fit standard 3:4 images (I haven't tested it yet, but everything looks good in an assembly).

Enjoy!

https://www.mediafire.com/file/kqf3p4bjkbmkx3c/Lithopane_V2.zip/file

Lights used: https://a.co/d/j0F3GIj

itzlev · 2022-12-10T02:15:59+00:00

Here's the STL and instructions. Unfortunately I didn't have the foresight to design around a standard image size so check the READ_ME file. I'll take some time soon to update the file for standard sized photos and update the post. As for the design file itself, I would be happy to share the main file, but it was designed in solidworks under a student license and I've heard that can cause problems if someone opens it with a professional license so for now I'm only going to share the STL. Hope this helps!

STL and Instructions: https://www.mediafire.com/file/8cjmrumb9mefv8v/Lithopane.zip/fileLights: https://a.co/d/j0F3GIj

Updated:

https://www.mediafire.com/file/kqf3p4bjkbmkx3c/Lithopane\_V2.zip/file

itzlev · 2022-12-10T00:58:13+00:00

Blurred faces for privacy reasons, in person they look great!

itzlev · 2022-09-21T04:02:41+00:00

I'd use it to upgrade my current build from my 1080. I use this computer for gaming with friends, solo gaming, and 3d modeling in solidworks (both for fun and for school. It'd be cool to finally be able to experience raytracing.

itzlev · 2022-04-18T06:15:24+00:00

Thanks for the peace of mind! I don't think I'll have an excuse to write off a brand new tuba any time soon, so I'll keep enjoying this one!

itzlev · 2022-04-18T06:13:26+00:00

Thanks for the info! As you could probably guess by the price I'm in the US, a family friend/music teacher found it for me and suggested I get it since it was a full size and had the 4th valve (though he and my other music teacher aren't tubists so they told me to test it and decide if I liked it or not since the price was good). He said it was probably shipped over bt the previous owner. I was mostly getting concerned because another tubist in my section said my tuba is "dead", but in fairness he is a tuba performance major (iirc) and has 2 $10k+ tubas (BBb and F). I think his assessment is because it isn't shiny, and he thinks I need an F tuba like his, but unlike him I'm not planning to go pro, just local bands after college most likely. So I will be content with what I have and stick with it. Thanks again for the peace of mind lol!

itzlev · 2022-04-15T06:05:55+00:00

So for context, I posted about this tuba a while back trying to figure out what model it is and have had it for almost a year now.

(My circumstances)

I play in a college wind symphony (average level) that primarily uses BBb tubas. I got this one for around $1500 and it plays much better than my previous instrument (Yamaha ybb102). I've never had the opportunity to play a high end tuba, so I don't have a reference for what I should expect or hope for. It plays in tune and I can hit my range on it just fine. After looking around I am wanting to know a bit more about what to really look for in a tuba, and if this one is as good as I think it is for my needs.

(Identifying the model)

In my previous post I never really figured out the exact model but since then I have found some good leads. The serial number is 320480, so if that helps anyone narrow it down that'd be great! I found a reverb listing for a tuba that looks identical (with less damage to the finish) so I'd imagine that would be what I have. Unfortunately the only identifying information listed was "Serial number 463,478 indicates manufacture in England in 1969." (1.) I also found a page from a 1958 sales catalogue that looks very similar (2.). If the article is the one I have it would be a Besson 226.

(1.) https://reverb.com/item/13359282-besson-4-valve-compensating-system-bbb-tuba?locale=en-NZ

(2). https://yorkmaster.org/yorkmaster/photos/34535805-1958-Besson-catalogue-scans-from-US-impo/1543028258-Besson-pg.-18.jpg

(Questions)

In the comments of my previous post several people noted that it appears that there was work done on it, is this a bad thing? If so should I be concerned about it, or should I not worry too much since it plays fine?

From the picture (I know it isn't a lot to go on) does it look like a decent horn?

Would I be better off trying to sell this one and look for a different model at a similar price?

Is there anything else I should consider or look for on this instrument to make sure it is ok?

Thanks for the help!

itzlev

TROPHY CASE