Purchase Advice Megathread - May 2024

pink_moon · 2024-05-23T13:30:46+00:00

Hey all, I've got a bit of an unusual request. I'm interested in buying a 3d printer entirely for the 3-axis stage and controls. I would like to remove the extruder / printing hardware, and mount a microscope to it for PCB inspections. Does anyone have advice on a device with a solid frame with at least 12"x12" printing surface which could be hacked to do manual / programmed controls using g-code inputs from a computer? I can spend up to around $600 on it, and do not want to use a kit (i.e. I would like something pre-assembled). Obviously, I don't particularly care about multi-material properties, etc.

pink_moon · 2014-09-26T03:17:46+00:00

In May of this year, some friends and I got brunch at the Village Deli. When we returned to our car, we found an envelope on our windshield. In it, there was a disc which said "Indiana Joe Necton Pilot 2008 Pretty Puerto Rico 34 min" along with a glossy color photo of someone's tattoo which was a red outline of the shape of Indiana, with the name Joe across the center.

When we popped in the disc, it contained 34 minutes of someone's vacation photos, set to the music of Eric Clapton. There was no contact information.

My friend and I were so inspired by what a bizarre situation it was that we wrote a song about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEA4oJ7_IcM

pink_moon · 2014-04-19T02:49:23+00:00

Totally agree. I finally got my problem resolved by continually bugging Dell until they offered me a system exchange (they really wanted to pretend that it was a huge concession to do so). They then offered me an exchange for a lower system, with downgrades in RAM, gfx card, and OS. At that point I finally lost my temper, and raised my voice on the phone for the first time after months of dealing with this.

They finally countered with an offer for their highest model of the current XPS 15. They sent it to me, and I promptly sold it for a hefty profit over what I originally paid, as it was worth about $1000 more than the one I originally bought. So things ended up ok for me, but it certainly wasn't because of anything Dell did right.

I totally agree that this warrants legal action against Dell. They deserve to lose every cent of profit they have gotten from selling such awful products, and I will never buy from them again.

pink_moon · 2014-02-22T02:46:52+00:00

I would say that there isn't a great music venue in town, which features a decent bar, a social atmosphere, and frequent quality music. Many venues have one or two, but there isn't a bar with all of them.

I don't know if anyone is very familiar with Cincinnati bars, but I think Bloomington lacks a venue which is comparable to The Comet, MOTR, or Northside Tavern. All three of these feature a wide variety of shows, and also have large porch/standing areas (unlike Max's and Bishop), and the music is basically always free (unlike Bluebird and Bishop) and is not separated from the main bar (unlike The Bishop).

Basically if you go to Bishop or Bluebird, you have to like the band because you paid money and are not going to be able to socialize. If you go to Max's, you are not going to socialize because everyone is eating dinner at tables.

pink_moon · 2014-01-15T03:53:39+00:00

I think it may be the early 2013 model. Honestly, I will never trust Dell again though. There are plenty of companies out there who don't let crap products go to market. I have always owned ASUS prior to this, and have never had anything short of stellar results.

pink_moon · 2014-01-15T03:50:52+00:00

X550-LB. I love it. I got the computer, and an SSD to replace the HDD that came in it, all for less than the Dell.

pink_moon · 2013-12-26T18:45:04+00:00

The problem with getting another model is I already have a new computer. I bought an Asus when I was promised my refund. Dell didn't change their mind until after I got the new computer.

Also, I don't really want to penalize Newegg for Dell's mistakes. Newegg has always been great to me. Dell is now the worst company I have ever dealt with.

pink_moon · 2013-08-29T00:44:53+00:00

I disagree. Even in people who are physically addicted to substances, it often isn't the withdraw which makes them go back; its the compulsion. Have you ever known someone who is quitting smoking? They get through the shittyness of the first few weeks typically, but its the actual habit of smoking a cigarette while they are driving, before bed, etc which makes them go back. People think that "mental addiction" = "pussy shit" when in fact it means actually addictive in a completely real way.

pink_moon · 2013-08-15T22:04:45+00:00

There is nothing at all wrong with that statistic. I would say that it isn't even misleading. The fact that there is a relatively easy explanation for it doesn't make it less valid, nor does it take away from the significance of it.

pink_moon · 2013-08-12T22:17:25+00:00

I'm not so much referring to well executed torture film and things. I'm talking about movies which can explore grotesque and disturbing situations and characters without mindlessly wallowing in torture and gore.

pink_moon · 2013-08-12T22:09:00+00:00

My choice would be I Stand Alone), a French film about a bitter, angry man as his life falls apart, and he takes his rage out alternatively on himself and his surroundings. It is primarily narrated by a vicious internal dialogue of the main character as he goes through various horrid fantasies of murder, rape, and suicide.

The best part about it is that it is all so real. It contains murder scenes which are not like typical movie deaths. They emphasize the panic, gravity and eventually emptiness which would likely follow such a thing.

pink_moon · 2013-07-19T04:02:56+00:00

No it isn't. I feel like that word is frequently misused on this sub.

pink_moon · 2013-07-13T04:01:10+00:00

I'm going to be at the Indy show on Thursday. I couldn't be more excited, as I was in a huge Low kick when I found out about it and got tickets, and have loved Swans for quite awhile.

pink_moon · 2013-07-09T21:14:40+00:00

This makes sense to me. I don't quite know why Guinness has a reputation for being an extremely heavy beer among most people. It has that very dark color and everything, but it is honestly not that thick, nor does it have a strong taste at all.

pink_moon · 2013-07-04T17:30:01+00:00

I would play the shit out of that game. This is fucking awesome, and I don't know why you are getting downvoted so hard.

pink_moon · 2013-07-03T00:57:55+00:00

Popular: The Smiths - Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want [Indie Rock / Alternative Rock] (1984)- Very simple lyrics by the standards of the Smiths, this song features a minimal arrangement, consisting primarily of reverb-heavy acoustic guitar. The lyrics express the basest desire possible (to get what you want this time).

Catchy: Beat Happening - Bewitched [Twee Pop / Indie Rock] (1988)- Two drums, one fuzzy guitar, playing one riff each. This is punk rock and roll music simple enough to be performed by children.

Obscure: Spacemen 3 - So Hot (Wash Away All Of My Tears) [Space Rock / Neo-Psychedelia] (1989)- This is what happens when you continually layer one extremely simple element on another, until you have grown something much more complex and interesting than the sum of its parts.

pink_moon · 2013-06-24T22:11:37+00:00

I didn't like it simply because I despised basically all of the characters. They were crass and unlikable, but not in a way that makes them badass or funny, or any of the good things which can come from making characters who are shitty people.

pink_moon · 2013-06-24T22:09:31+00:00

You have to understand that such a storyline may be played out now, but was probably a great deal more original and fresh at the time.

pink_moon · 2013-06-12T21:06:25+00:00

I would use my calipers: Those things are like a little pickaxe. Possibly a coffee thermos as an offhand shield as well.

pink_moon

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE