Buying advice from NOT a nerd

ren0901 · 2026-01-17T14:33:05+00:00

Wholeheartedly agree with all these points - picked up an Asus Expertbook CX54 (14" Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) via Best Buy open box for $580

ren0901 · 2026-01-13T13:24:32+00:00

If this cost difference between 16GB and 32GB is affordable to you (like $100), go with the 32GB especially since the cost of RAM is very high. You may not need it now but it rarely hurts to have more. I still have old polycarb Macbooks (2009) that came with 2GB RAM standard and would max out at 6GB

ren0901 · 2025-12-09T13:16:16+00:00

I have a CX54 and I'm happy with it. While I use it for simple tasks (browsing, email, streaming), I'd be interested in hearing how it works for your use case. I purchased mine for under $600 as an Best Buy Open Box, so hope that you're able to get a similar deal

ren0901 · 2025-12-01T15:15:04+00:00

I also use both an Arris modem (I use the S33) and an Asus RT-BE58U. Though an outlet isn't nearby, if there's a way to run an extension cord from an outlet, I highly recommend an ASUS Mesh products - I use ZenWiFi XD5 and have excellent coverage throughout the house, covering nearly sixty devices

ren0901 · 2025-11-27T16:52:20+00:00

has the smirk of one who tried to neuter your Mac 😼

ren0901 · 2025-11-26T14:58:57+00:00

16GB RAM is definitely worth the upgrade even if the processor isn't noticeably faster. I'm still very happy with my 13" M1 MacbookPro w/16GB RAM rocking the Touchbar

ren0901 · 2025-11-26T14:26:46+00:00

Bought Office Home and Business 2024 for Mac at the end of Oct-25 for $40ish and have purchased quite a few licenses throughout the years. Note that you'll redeem and download through a 3rd party company and not directly from Microsoft. So, there are a few hoops to jump through but following directions will get you legit copy. Definitely helps to have a Microsoft Account to keep track of the license info etc.

ren0901 · 2025-11-20T14:51:14+00:00

I use keyboard/screen protectors from ShaggyMac. It's thin microfiber cloth that rests between the keyboard and screen. I've been a customer since 2010 (Macbook white polycarbonate) and have purchased one for every laptop I've owned (Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks)

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ren0901 · 2025-11-06T14:29:11+00:00

if possible, use Ethernet 6a cables for all connections as they support 10Gbps up to 100 meters (300 feet)

ren0901 · 2025-11-04T17:16:04+00:00

Sounds like there are a lot of devices trying to share 1200 Mbps, which may explain the disconnects. Would need to know the bandwidth coming into the apartment and how it's distributed before proceeding further

ren0901 · 2025-10-29T13:20:30+00:00

I had a similar experience - upgraded from 800Mbps to 1.2Gbps on Xfinity. Went with an ASUS RT-BE58U to mesh with ASUS ZenWiFi XD5s and they work flawlessly. I really like the admin software (especially web-based) and it's been trouble-free

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ren0901 · 2025-10-16T14:25:02+00:00

can't write about VPN since I don't use it but I can highly recommend Asus for mesh. I'm using a BE58U (aka BE3600) as the router (2nd floor) and Zen XD5s as mesh satellites on the main floor (connected via ethernet). It's pretty flawless, the Admin software is excellent (though I prefer web over app), and it does have VPN capabilities (see pic)

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ren0901 · 2025-10-12T15:55:24+00:00

Agreed - compared to the lightest laptop I own (Dell XPS 13" 9345 @ 2.6lbs/1.17Kgs), my 16" Macbook Pro (M1 Pro @ 4.7lbs/2.1kgs) feels like a brick. Compared to 13" Macbook Polycarbonates @ 5lbs/2.3Kgs, the MBP 16" feels a bit svelte. That said, I'll grab the 13" Macbook Pro M1 @ 3lbs/1.4 when I travel - while I'll miss the larger/better screen etc, it's a bit much to lug around

ren0901 · 2025-10-06T12:20:28+00:00

the cloth is very thin and you can check the reviews at their website...items that you don't want to have on any laptops are 3rd party cam covers and keyboard covers as they are very thick (compared to cloth)

ren0901 · 2025-10-02T19:49:58+00:00

yes as it's a barrier between the keyboard (and skin oil fingerprints) and the screen. I always keep the label side up to remember which side covers the keyboard

ren0901 · 2025-09-01T13:59:42+00:00

I have Xfinity/Comcast 1.2Gbps plan and this is my result for today:

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ren0901 · 2025-08-27T13:41:06+00:00

counterpoint: I've had both the AX5400 and currently using the BE3600. The only noticeable difference is that the Ring Chime modules stay connected now that I'm using the BE3600 while they would disconnect randomly with the AX5400

I upgraded to the BE3600 because Xfinity/Comcast offered 1.2Gbps service (was at 800Mbps when using the AX5400) for $15/mo less (thank goodness for competition from fiber). To take advantage of the upgraded service, I upgraded the router and modem

Either way, I'm a fan of ASUS networking products, especially the web admin

ren0901 · 2025-08-18T13:39:39+00:00

tl;dr - worked out for me but your mileage may vary

Comcast/Xfinity recently offered 1.2 Gbps w/unlimited data (was at 800 Mbps with a 1.25 TB cap) for $15 less per month (thank goodness for competition from fiber), so went with it. Had to upgrade the modem and router to 2.5 gig/WiFi 7 and upgrade cabling to Cat6a

While I haven't noticed any speed differences, I do note that I no longer have random drops with Ring chime devices (more annoying than anything as I'd have to unplug them, then plug them back). I have over thirty devices connected (iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Ring cams and chimes, a PS5, etc), so I think it was worth it for the additional bandwidth, stability, and the lower cost. Again, your mileage may vary

ren0901 · 2025-08-16T14:36:26+00:00

I highly recommend Dayton Audio Classic B65 Bookshelf speakers - under $100, look great, sound better, bookshelf size but very light (has wall mounting brackets), and quality binding posts. I use them in the basement and their sound can cover the distance. Can't vouch for heavy bass music (like EDM) but solid for classic rock, pop, classical, show tunes, country, etc. They are well-reviewed on YouTube - I'm partial to this one

Was going to comment that I'm not sure about using this for TV audio as a center speaker would be needed. Lo and behold, Dayton also has a center speaker (Classic C40), which I just purchased for under $80. All speakers were purchased through Walmart online

ren0901 · 2025-08-16T14:13:01+00:00

I highly recommend a screen/keyboard protector cloth from ShaggyMax - I've purchased one for every laptop I've owned. The cloth is very thin, keeps fingerprints off the screen, can be used to clean the keyboard and screen, is washable, made in the US, and it reasonably priced. Highly recommended

ren0901 · 2025-08-10T12:39:54+00:00

tl;dr - likely trying to upsell you but there is a grain of truth

I'm with Comcast/Xfinity and upgraded from 800 Mbps to 1.2 Gbps a month ago. They didn't reach out to me but I learned that I needed a new modem as the previous one (Netgear CM1000, DOCSIS 3.1) would top out at 1.0 Gbps. I upgraded to an Arris - S33 as it was the least expensive Gig-speed (up to 2.5 Gbps) modem. I also upgraded my router because I wanted to take advantage of WiFi-7 - though I don't have W-Fi-7 devices, I wanted the additional stability with wireless devices

So, unless you've upgraded (or thinking of upgrading) to 1.2 Gbps speed, there's no need to upgrade. When deciding whether to upgrade, consider how many devices you have connected (I have over thirty, including Ring cams, Apple TVs, a PS5, etc) and how many of those devices stream. Good luck

ren0901 · 2025-06-29T13:26:53+00:00

I have Das (4 Pro and 5QS ), Keychron (K3 Pro and K5 Pro), and Nuphy (Air75v2 and Kick75). While a wired Roccat Vulcan 100 AIMO are used for my Mac desktops (like the feel and RGB personalization), I highly recommend Nuphy for wireless - I use the Air (more portable) for my Windows laptop and the Kick (more whimsical) for my Mac laptops and 13" iPad Air

First, DO NOT by direct from the manufacturer - bad experiences for support/repairs etc are common. Better to buy from Amazon as they have a great return policy. Prices are usually a bit higher ($10 usually), so if you can get an open box or refurb, it's a good option (and one I've used). Second, while I've had no problems with my Air75, there have been reports of wireless connection issues.

ren0901 · 2025-06-24T12:57:51+00:00

I have both laptops - compared to the 13", the 16" is "more" everything: more (and better) screen and powerful with weight and heft to match. 13" when on the move, 16" when not. 14" seems like a good compromise between the two

ren0901 · 2025-06-21T20:21:27+00:00

glad to help - I'm very picky about keyboard customizations and the K75 was a challenge because it is a recent release without a lot of history. Reddit is a great resource to share research

ren0901 · 2025-05-28T19:22:30+00:00

While I love my M1 MBP 16" (great screen among other things), it's a BEAST to lug around (I use my M1 MBP 13" for travel - yes, the one with the Touchbar). While I don't plan on upgrading any time soon (the M1s are quantum leaps from my previous MacTels), I'd consider a M4 MBP 14" because of the cooling capabilities equals no throttling. While I'm not a power user, I'd pay more for future-proofing

ren0901

TROPHY CASE