31 Days Blog to Biz / day 11 - what equipment should YOU get?

I recently ran into trouble with a photoshoot. I've been needing a macro lens forever and decided to bite the bullet and get what was needed to do the job.

I tend to do that. I need things but wait till the 11th hour because #1 they're expensive and #2 I wait for my blog to pay for my blog things.

Once I was there, I realized I needed a few more things on my long overdue list as well. I gulped hard, picked it all out and came home with a bagful. And yes, my blog paid for it all. :)

While you don't need ALL these things for a blog business, here's a run down on the things I now have in my arsenal.

Digital recorder - $60ish - London Drugs, Chilliwack

I'm planning to do an interview for FOLK magazine that entails me either developing a speed writing technique overnight or record the whole thing. I chose this.

Diffuser flash - $400ish - London Drugs, Chilliwack (BC Canada)

After 3 photoshoots gone bad for an overdue article, I knew I had to try and end the deep dark cave dilemma of shooting indoor photos in rain country.  So I picked up this diffuser flash to try. You can bounce the light off the ceiling.

Don't even ask me what those colored lenses do yet. I've yet to read the booklet.  Or try the flash! :)

iPhone - mall store - free with a 2 year plan (valued at $600!)


This guy has gotten me out of lots of pinches. I'll retrieve email, check the blog, and have gone to publish posts when my internet was down, all while on the road. I've even shopped for clients and have sent them a picture of the item before I purchased. The screen is amazing and so are all the helpful apps you can get.  If you're upgrading your cell, consider an iPhone. The screens are AMAZING.

Nikon D3100 - $1000 is with body and 2 standard lenses - London Drugs, Chilliwack


You don't have to have an SLR, but you do need at least a decent point and shoot. Get what's affordable, just don't choose bottom of the barrel this round. One with settings including macro is a must.

I'm very happy with my camera choice. I went to the store with full intent on bringing home a Canon, however soon learned you need to 'feel' it. This one fit me like a glove and I knew within seconds of holding it that it was coming home with me.

iMac 27" - $1500 and up - Mac Station, Abbotsford

If' you're still using an itty bitty computer that's as old as the hills, I beg you to upgrade as soon as you possibly can. You can get a new laptop for $500 these days! But I do suggest to get the biggest monitor you can spring for.. it'll change the way you blog and work with photos. I prefer to do my blogging on a stay put computer vs. a laptop myself.

I LOVE my 27" iMac with my whole heart and soul! :) The 21" is VERY nice too and a bit cheaper. But I still vote for the 27.

Please compare a mac screen to a pc if you work with photos. I was a PC girl until I did the comparison. You can read my pc vs mac review linked to the bottom of this post.

Nikon Micro Lens SB-700 - $350ish - London Drugs, Chilliwack

I was badly in need of a macro lens. I was having to revert back to my point and shoot for closeups and felt that I shouldn't 'have' to be doing that with that fancy schmancy SLR I now have.

Point and shoots don't need this fancy option but SLRs do. What's nice about this lens is it's a fixed one (you can't zoom) that will shoot to 40mm (vignette shooting) as well.

Tip - this is actually a micro lens, not a macro. It supposedly zooms to resemble microscope close.

TechPro tripod, TP 242B62 - $100ish - London Drugs, Chilliwack


I've been without a tripod for some time after mine broke. But after running into issues with indoor blur, I knew I had to smarten up and get with the program. A stationary camera is the ONLY way to take blur-less photos. Just do it.

Especially if you have a point and shoot.  Their lenses aren't lenient to movement at all, especially in macro mode. 


This particular tripod performs neat tricks. It will allow you to lower the legs to nearly ground level for low shots. You can also remove and replace the middle post upside down for amazing ground level closeups. I really liked the feel of the clips and the way the components seemed to turn with air cushiness.


Go play with tripods and you'll soon know the one you can't live without. My dream tripod is a magnetic one (not sold in Canada) but this was the next best thing in a hurry and came highly recommended by another camera buff. And wasn't even that expensive!

13" macbook pro - $1199 and up - Mac Station, Abbotsford


I wanted something for on the road and when we went travelling but denied myself. It wasn't until my son needed a laptop that I bit the bullet and got this little thing. In hindsight, I wish I went for the bigger screen, (I was too cheap!) but this does travel extremely well.

You can get a decent PC laptop for as low as $500 these days so there's really no reason to suffer as long as I did with 2nd hand junk.

I shop local 


I choose to shop local for these kinds of things. I can hold what I like, view the selection avail and be near a place that also troubleshoots for me if need be.

I won't apologize for having these nice things because I've worked hard to earn each one. And I'm more committed than ever to work them hard to pay ME back one day soon. :)

If you wanna turn pro, gear up right.

What's on your wish list for equipment? 

Bad computers go bye bye in 2 weeks

My pc to mac review

Our new mac toy

All 31 Day posts to date can be found HERE.

Day 1 - intro

Day 2 - money isn't first

Day 3 - take time to RESET

Day 4 - submitting work for magazines and websites

Day 5 - my top 5 photo tips

Day 6 - my big announcement (offer something)

Day 7 - all about sidebar sponsors
Day 8 - how I do it all
Day 9 - be original

Day 10 - an unexpected lesson (ask for advice)

Day 11 - what equipment should YOU get? - this entry

Our new mac toy

I have a long and sordid story to tell about all the troubles we've had with crappy computer components. But I'll save you 20 years worth of grief and just speed up to yesterday's exciting instalment.

I went to work yesterday, bringing my son along as school is out. (YES!) We packed up the 'ol laptop and some movies so he could sit in the lunchroom while I wallpapered yet another firetruck.

But... troubles galore hit us from all directions.

I brought the wrong laptop. Oh yes. We have TWO crappy loaners to choose from. One runs at 60% capacity and I grabbed the one at 3%.


I brought the wrong cord. We have a few of those as well. Mix and match you know.


So we borrowed a cord. Strobe light type of connect but if you held it just right...


Ahhhh. Of course. Crappy 3% laptop  doesn't accept dvd movies. Riiiiiight.....


I looked around the extreme mess we'd made of the lunchroom with our jury rigged system and before I mustered a temper tantrum, I simply and calmly resolved to be

DONE. SO DONE.

I announced to my son we were heading to the Mac store  for a new laptop. NOW.

Ever make a very big decision in 30 minutes flat from start to finish? That's so not me but it was yesterday.  I basically blew in those doors with my debit card ready to burst into flames. My firetruck was waiting and my boy needed his movies!

We ended up choosing a new 13" MacBook Pro. My intent was to get a $500 refurbished variety. Until I saw the new screens.

Don't even THINK about old technology! Go for the LED screen.

Plan B was officially in full effect and this laptop became MUCH more than just a means to entertain a 12 yr old.

This thing is itty bitty to me. At a whoppin' 13", it's pretty compact. I REALLY wanted the 15" screen but I also had to accept some reality. Price AND portability. This thing was a lot more compact to cart around. And that's the whole point this round.

(truth be told? The 15" in my price range was sold out.. )

No matter. This will also be my new Starbucks laptop. :) For now. Until, you know, I can spring for that 15" screen for myself and all...

Gotta tell ya, I really hate laptops because of their keyboards. I always use to bring a full size honkin' keyboard with me when using the others. Not cool.

Until my fingers landed on this one.

The keys 'feel' rubbery to the touch and grab your fingers. LOVE them. They also have tiny led lights under them so you can see at night. It's pretty cool. :)

Got a mouse too. The cord is on the short side for right handers though, so not sure what's up with that. I like the cordless varieties but dislike worrying about changing batteries on the road. We went easy this round.

Easy to buy and quality all the way

What I really like about buying from Mac is the fact that your options are bundled and limited. You decide what you need, then decide if the price is ok for your budget. If not, there are others to choose from.  But you KNOW everything is top of the line no matter what you choose. And that makes me hand over my money in comfort.

I'm also a Mac fan because of how easy they are to navigate. I have to know too much with PC's. I don't want to know lots. I just want to punch typing keys, load my pics and have fun, ya know?

We did not go with all the bells and whistles because my son may need a laptop for school next year. I decided on this purchase with that in mind. Maybe by that time I can have my own...

My boy thoroughly enjoyed his new movie experience! The screen clarity is like looking outside. I liken it to HD TV. Crystal sharp and clear. I beg you to go check out what I'm talking about next time you're in the market for a computer/laptop. Because I want any blogger that messes with photos to see what I'm talking about.

This thing will also be so fun to take camping with us. :)

The next recycle depot run will make me smile from ear to ear. And I'll make sure we make a stop at Starbucks with the new laptop to celebrate it all. :)

I'm pretty frugal. But one thing I won't be frugal about is good money well spent. Whether it be PC or Mac will be your call to make. Stay current and you'll love blogging all the more.

(Mac doesn't know who I am or what I did. I bought this baby with my own money.)

What's your last heat of the moment purchase?

Bad computers go bye bye in 2 weeks.

Dear not so dear computers,

I'm so done with you and your shoddy ways.

I don't get you. You tease me by eating well and working out one moment, and then call in sick the next. With no doctor's note.  NERVE!

Am I seeing double or did I have to try yet another new crappy monitor in order to patchwork quilt you again? And by the sounds of it, crappy monitor #2 isn't cutting the mustard either now is it?

Ok, it's not the monitor's fault. You simply can't blame a new car for driving bad. You've gotta blame the driver. Pretty monitor #2, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I will miss you but your lines are still a little fuzzy. I no longer wish to clean my glasses when they don't need cleanin', kwim?

Oopsee daisy... typo on the watermark. NOT.

You make me crazy. Your litter is strewn from one end of the house to the other. This isn't happy clutter my friend. No. This is PLEASE WORK THIS TIME clutter. Bleah!!

Oh looky here. Is that another dead keyboard? Why, we have enough carnage to play a round of 'Where's Waldo's Crappy Computer Components." Wait. I could write that. In fact, I think I just did...

Look. Isn't this sweet? This dead mouse even has it's own graveyard.

So you know what I did? I crossed the line. I took a drive into the 'other side of town.'

I feel like a good girl gone biker chick.

 Remember THIS post? This is what the masses said. And do check out the comments. Only 76 to read. I sincerely thank-you for your feedback! You indeed helped me decide!

Well, maybe now I MIGHT read this article. Second thought, nahhh.

Let's just hope Mr. iNag, the dude that disturbed me in the middle of my work day today nagging me yet again to BUY IT ALREADY, doesn't leave town anytime soon. Because I may need his help OR flaunt just how good I am on it without training.Yeah. Bet it'll be the latter.

In 2 weeks my new baby arrives! I might even call her... miMac. :) Yes, it's a girl!!

Honestly, it wouldn't have mattered whether I called her PrettyPC or miMac. I just want a reliable sort and decided to venture where I've never gone before. Cuz I'm a little bit country, an' a little bit rock n' roll.

RIP black keyboard dudette. I'm trying on a 'shabby white with a touch of galvanized' experience this time around.

I must run! I have a new office nursery to build before the due date! Think palette wood, saw horses, ladders, add some white, stir in crate design, and bake alongside other fun junk. My kinda cookin'!

Do you have any amazing office inspiration links to share? Leave the url in comments if you do pretty please!

Wish me luck! gulp...

This is how I plan to feather my nest soon, so I'm sharing this post with

The Secret Cottage's new link party, Feather Your Nest.

Good gracious.. these flowers would make any crap computer look good!

Go check out her shots!!

FJI may end soon... so let's talk computers, quick! Poll added.

Welcome to the major headquarters of  Funky Junk Interiors!

Behind the scenes, this blog is a major congomerate, reaching all major cities. Networked to millions of databases for those searching for all things funk, this is the place that it aaaaaall happens. 

Come on in, won't you?

Yes indeed, to keep things humming along, this impressive executive office is run with 3 computer stations to keep up.  FJI delivers high end in your face funk at a rate that quickens the 'ol ticker!

Impressed?

Ok. I cannot tell a lie. The above 3 workstations above have the most pathetic reason attached. Ever. Award winning pathetic even. Ready?

I can't get even one of these dang computers to work right, so I need up to 3 to make a decent post! Feel better now?

I have a love/hate relationship with computers. When my son was born, I focused on raising him and downsizing my sign biz. And didn't keep reinvesting into the biz. And if you don't upgrade your computers on a reg basis, well...

Sadly, my heirloom white dinosaur computer stations in my work area will not allow me to blog. So I started with laptop #1 on the left, my very first ever hand me down.

When that went down like burnt toast, in came hand me down #2 in the knick of time! 

But all things must come to an end do they not? The screen is too dark to work on, leaving me with NO idea what my photos looked like to the rest of the world. The screen's too small for my aging eyes. It's running out of hardrive space. It's getting slower. It's starting to chug. In panic driven mode, enter hand me down #3.

But #3 was only a tower. With no monitor. So I bit my bottom lip and head for a place that sold monitors.

 

Well let me tell you, it was like 5 Christmas morns when this baby came home a couple days ago!  23.5"! Bright! Cheerful! And guess what. After working on it for 6 hours, I found out I can't get it to it's full potential because the harddrive isn't new enough for it.

(crickets)

(bad mood bad mood bad mood) Where was I? Right!

So I started whining online to a few places to gain some empathy for my dismal plight.

Just so happens that my buddy Dan had just written this article on a related topic. He's been bugging me forever about how wonderful his Mac is. And I've silently (not very silently actually) ignored him, despite his best intentions on selling me to the 'dark' side.

Sorry Dan, I'd love to throw in your blog button, but it's on the 'other computer.' (What. EVER!!!)

As if that wasn't enough, Dan gave me a call after one of my online cry fests. No sympathy folks. None. Just a sales pitch. To the max. Same 'ol.

"Get a Mac!"

"NO!"

"WHY????"

"BECAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

GET A MAC!"

... x this by about 100. We act like adults after all.

Allow me to back up just a tad. I'm not computer guru material. Aren't you amazed? I know how to turn it on, off and unplug it. And apparently build a kinda sorda blog. But tech stuff, it's not ME. And when you don't troubleshoot well and you live in the boonies, you need something that actually works. 

Basically, Dan's story went something like this. The PC industry is tremendously huge. Because it's so vast, it's difficult to regulate what works with what. Yes indeed I could go ahead and get a new PC, BUT what will happen eventually? I already know the answer because I will download and experiment.

Macs have limitations for good reason. You can only do so much, so they tend to maintain their streamline quality.

Ok, that part sorda made sense. Did I just say that out loud?!? Shhhh!!! I cannot admit I'm thinking about it!

So, I spin over to Dan's office to view my blog on his teeny weeny litto (not really) Mac. And my head bangs down on the keyboard. (I hope I broke it!) Amazing quality. Better than my NEW monitor. I cannot be undersold! This will NOT do. This is a high quality operation here. Dan cannot beat the likes of ME. NO!

(I have an iPhone and he doesn't. Just putting that out there..)

So I go home and sleep on it. And then comes today for a Sunday night post to be fresh and ready for Monday morning. Cuz that's what I like to do. Because. And what happens?!?

Can you GUESS which computer I had to download my pics on? HELLO?!?!? What was the point of that amazing monitor again?

I'm razzed. And undecided. Go PC so it talks to my universe in my work stations too? (maybe not.. win 98 you know)  Or go Mac and rewrite the book on all things familiar?

So my dear friends, let's talk computers. What's under your hood? Laptop? Computer? Monitor size? Happy with it or sadly miserable like me? I'd LOVE to hear the pros and cons of whatever you've got to deliver. Because at this point, I'm going to close my mouth and listen.

Ah yes. I forgot to mention. To add insult to injury, I got an autographed copy of that mag artical that says... 

Ha! Like HE can predict what I'm gonna do! Riiiight....

Unless you all say you love your M_ _ of course. I can't even say the word. He can't be right! He just can't! Can he? 

I might have to move if he's right. Just so you know. Or.. hmmm... perhaps he'd better be afraid... VERY afraid if I do get a Mac.... I mean.. a real computer plus a real camera one day plus a super real video camera too???

Look. Out. Mr.

So, whatcha got?

*Edited to add:*