Car or Computer?

Makkon

I have a summer job at a security systems company (APX) doing data entry, and I make pretty good income ($9 p/h full time). Since I've been readjusting from mission life, I've sort of had to start everything over again. My current computer is nearing 11 years old. It still works, but not very well. Photoshop mostly works, but Maya can't hardly run anymore. It constantly crashes with more tha one program running and has all the problems associated with an old computer. But on the other hand, getting around to and from school and work, not to mention DATING is a real hastle because I have no car. The question is, with the prospective income, what should I save up for? Car or Computer?
Pros/Cons suggestions etc, please.

slipsius

9/hr wont be enough for a car. go for the computer

ScudzAlmighty

well if you get a car then you also need insurance, gas, and regular maintenance.

but I guess you can't really get laid in the back of your computer...

ZacD

ScudzAlmighty wrote: »

but I guess you can't really get laid in the back of your computer...

Ever heard of craigslist? :P

stimpack

I dont know how hard data entry is to do, but it sounds like ur getting ripped off at nine bucks an hour. I made 10:50 loading trailers at fed ex during school. Get the comp, or a really shitty car that cost as much as a comp.

[Deleted User]

You can get a sweet computer for under a grand. Any car you get for that is likely to cost you more in repairs. And you can't make art on your car.

ZacD

DKK wrote: »

I'm Srsly tho Makkon, screw chicks... buy computers, get sick job, make sick moneys, then you'll be beating off the honeys.

Beating off honeys? are you talking about jerking off trannies?

Justin Meisse

I dunno, see how much you can afford to pay a month. You might be able to get a card AND a computer.

Progg

ZacD wrote: »

Ever heard of craigslist? :P

Better make sure they are close since you don't have a car.

pliang

How often do you need a car? Maybe join a zip car/co op program?

Ben Apuna

Tony Montana - Scarface wrote:

In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women.

+1

Slipstream

I've had to make a similar choice before. The car offers a better lifestyle in the short term but in the long run the computer will benefit you a lot more. Go for the computer dude.

Ben Apuna wrote:

Tony Montana - Scarface wrote:

In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women.

+1

Also, win.

ENODMI

Ha, I like this thread. Get the computer:)

crazyfingers

You can get a computer you'll fall in love with for 1000 dollars, or a car that you will hate with all of your body. Your call.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-34Fdtg1dI[/ame]

Cody

I got a car I LOVE for $4800 bucks and a computer that rocks for 900 bucks. See the difference? If you can actually afford the car, you should be able to get a computer too, no problem.

flaagan

http://www.carsforagrand.com/

Guess what I'm voting for...

Xoliul

Hah cool thread, nice change from the "what rig, plox?" threads.
I have a car and a computer that cost the same, but I made the money for the car off the computer (among other things even). I wouldn't have been able to do that with a shitty computer.
So I'd say get the computer first, don't spend too much on it though (don't go wild like some of those kids, picking all the most expensive parts), even 500$ spent on it will be vastly better than your current one.

A-N-P

I have to agree with Xoliul. I had a car back in August and sold it because I was going in the army. Long story short, Army didnt work out and I ended up building my new rig from the 'new car fund' and havent looked back. Get the puter dude.

rolfness

computer for sure.. car can wait..

EarthQuake

I recently sold my piece of shit car and bought a dSLR. Havent regretted it yet, the wife has a car however, so its not a big deal.

conte

11 year old work station...
and you still think about what to buy?!

Disco Stu

^^ 11 years is bad! Is it already the new pentium technology:D?

oobersli

I'd buy a cheap ass car if it were me. Not having a daily ride for school and work can create a lot of problems that a computer can't fix.

notman

A woman will keep you from ever having enough money to afford either... put that on hold :P

Save up some dough, and then look for a local auto auction. Get a decent car, cheap. Then get a computer. You already have that, even if it IS too damn old. If you lived near me, I could probably give you an upgrade for free

Don't get into a car payment situation yet though. Have patience

retleks

Looking at your sketchbook, I cant for the life of me figure out why you don't have an industry job. I say buy the computer, do some photoshop shit, portfolio, industry job, car, done.

Elhrrah

Car? You don't need a car, you need a motorcycle!

Pick up an older bike, fix it up, and if you've played your cards right, you'll be enjoying 40+ gas mileage for around $1200.

Xoliul

Yeah i was thinking that too, can be an advantage for dating, that is if it's not raining.

Bruno Afonseca

Computer first, cars suck. I´m living car free now after 6 years of car addiction and I feel way better! Get a bicycle if you don´t have one, and you can date on buses or taxis. It´s cheaper in the end, and older cars need service often, which is a pain in the ass.

But hey... I lived a little in Utah and I made $10+tips an hour as a shuttle driver, $9+commission working on a car rental place. I think you should ask for a raise...

edit: Oh BTW, I´ve seen your sketchbook and why aren´t you in the industry yet? You´re better than the people I work with. Get the computer, pimp a portfolio, land a job, then you get your ferraris and women

catstyle

11 years old? man that must suck

go comp

East

retleks wrote: »

Looking at your sketchbook, I cant for the life of me figure out why you don't have an industry job. I say buy the computer, do some photoshop shit, portfolio, industry job, car, done.

I'd have to second this, your sketchbook looks very good (there's a few pieces in there that I'd love to make 3D characters out of when time permits, if you'd be okay with that...).

I've seen much less skilled people get jobs in the industry.

Go with a computer and pour your heart and soul into turning your talent into a finely honed skill, and date girls with cars instead. Jeez, this is 2010, not the 50's

disanski

I had a car for 5 years and for the last 3 years I dont and it feels soooooooooooooo good. I know there are some places that you just cant get around without one and it is tempting... but get the computer and a bike and as East is suggesting date girls with cars...

MALicivs

Car dude, don't even think about it, just do it.

dejawolf

get yourself a paypal account and i'll donate money for your puter. FFS, your 2d-fu is sweet as hell.

Mark Dygert

Tony Montana - Scarface wrote:

In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women.

Then you get the divorce and they get half of your money, half of your power and all of the pool boy.

- Get a cheap motorcycle for $1,000. This gets you mobile.
PROS:

• $1000 toward a car goes next to no where, 1000 toward a bike goes pretty damn far
• Bikes are allowed in most freeway carpool lanes.
• Great on gas mileage.
• possibly cheaper to insure, really depends on your age and the bike.

Cons:

• Don't forget about a helmet and protective gear, it isn't cheap.
• Cops love to pull you over, someone has to balance the state/local budget, guess what its you!
• Its your ass skipping down the pavement at 70mph when some douche on cell phone decides to not check when merging.
• Riding in the rain sucks and is pretty dangerous.

- Piece together a computer for $1,000. This stops you from going insane.

The rest goes to gas, insurance, beer and hookers.

Mio

get new computer man!!!

Justin Meisse

best of both worlds: car-puter

piippo

Get reasonably priced comp, make a killer portfolio - get a industry job, buy a car. If you manage without a car.

rolfness

notman wrote: »

A woman will keep you from ever having enough money to afford either... put that on hold :P

This man is a sage..

xvampire

i dont know but...

aria from mass effect 2 said :
information is power ...

Cyrael

Voltaire wrote:

B*tches aint shit but hoes and tricks

Voltaire said that.

buy a computer.

Rurouni Strife

Anyone who's saying you can get both is probably right. Car does have the extra expenses added though...which sucks. But you can get a decent PC that'll get you by and be a HUGE upgrade from what you currently have for 600 dollars. Hit up www.Techreport.com and look at their system guides.

Ark

Car's are just bottomless money pits imho. If arn't a total petrolhead and can do without, then id spend my money on something else.

TheWinterLord

Buy a girl, there, solves all your problems.

Pedro Amorim

Buy a motorcyle. Pronto!

kingcobra

computer with decent programs first. car can wait as long as you can walk....and motorcycle ....you are happy until your first crash . when you relized that you not a rider..it is alredy too late.. save your money homme....

fill3r

my vote computer then bike

EarthQuake

Another thing to consider, you can build a computer that will be very capable of running all current 3d apps for $600, i've recently put together a $400 system for my wife, and a $350(HTPC, he already had a spare video card, hence the cheaper price) system for my father in law, both of which would only need a better 3d card to be pretty capable, especially if you're comparing to an 11 year old system. On a budget $600 gets you a decent rig, $800 gets you a good rig, $1000 gets you a great rig, $1200 gets you a powerhouse workstation, and $1500 gets you something you can brag about for a few years and tons of power you'll only use 2% of the time

So keep that pricing in mind, and let me know if you're interested about the cheap ass systems i built, or if you have a general budget to work with, I/someone else here can help you out with what stuff to buy from newegg to make a nice build, for pretty much any budget.

sebas

I would go with a cheap computer first, cars make you waste a lot more money than you initially think.

Cyrael

kingcobra wrote: »

computer with decent programs first. car can wait as long as you can walk....and motorcycle ....you are happy until your first crash . when you relized that you not a rider..it is alredy too late.. save your money homme....

I can vouge for the motorcycle thing.. shattered my leg in an accident..

but chicks dig scars win win.

Justin Meisse

Don't forget, this is America, CAR COUNTRY! Gas is cheaper than milk.

breakneck

Its good to hear someone say that 9/hr is pretty good income