Everyone 18 & Under Post Your Setups

[hotwire132002]

Hey Verto, just cuase your jelous doesnt mean that you have to be a snotty.

I have absolutely nothing to be jealous of.

The fact that you have nothing to be jealous of isn't the point--I think the point is your attitude isn't exactly coming across as, well, friendly.

Coming in and basically accusing people of lying isn't the best way to make friends on this forum, you know.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Man, I am feeling old! Back in my HS days, we worked at the local Monkey Wards or Waxie Maxie - did minor car repairs to gain extra money.

 

[Verto]

Well they might not need one but whats the matter with letting them own one. No one needs a big house, no one needs an expensive car, no one needs an expensive watch, and no one needs designer clothes, but people still buy them anyways.

And they work for it. I just get annoyed at the little kiddies who never work a day of their life, and can't even recognize what an extravagance it is. And before you all get high and mighty and list the many reasons why you absolutely need that computer, don't.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Well they might not need one but whats the matter with letting them own one. No one needs a big house, no one needs an expensive car, no one needs an expensive watch, and no one needs designer clothes, but people still buy them anyways.

You hit on a topic that bothers me. For so long for most, there was a "progression of wealth" - meaning the young worker struggled to just get their first new car or solo apartment. Starting in the late 80's or early 90's you had a situation were just out of college grads were buying $300K homes and expensive SUV's or BMW's.

Hardships are a right of passage in growing up. In some ways the "easy money of the 90's may have led to the attitude that prevails in the US of "I have mine, now you get yours". But I worry more if fortunes reverse, how will those that their first new car was a BMW end up having to look for a used Kia because of a turn in the job market.

Yes, this is coming from one that is over forty. Yet, it is coming from seeing some of my peers now finding themselves "redundant", and able to find new jobs due to cheaper (younger or overseas), or more work time (meaning that family and friends have little place in their lives) workers.

No jealousy or envy here though. I admire the go get 'em attitude exhibited here. Since some may have only seen rainbows in their lives, just a reminder that storms are need to have those rainbows.

 

[PaRaGoNViCtiM]

Personally, I give these "students" alot of credit. Even if they are lying, they have alot of intiative. As far as the kids that have parents that buy them the stuff, I also think that's awesome, and the people who are speaking negatively about it are jealous, because I'm sure that if their parents were willing, they'd jump all over it. You guys really do have some awesome setups!

 

[CompUser]

You hit on a topic that bothers me. For so long for most, there was a "progression of wealth" - meaning the young worker struggled to just get their first new car or solo apartment. Starting in the late 80's or early 90's you had a situation were just out of college grads were buying $300K homes and expensive SUV's or BMW's.

Hardships are a right of passage in growing up. In some ways the "easy money of the 90's may have led to the attitude that prevails in the US of "I have mine, now you get yours". But I worry more if fortunes reverse, how will those that their first new car was a BMW end up having to look for a used Kia because of a turn in the job market.

Yes, this is coming from one that is over forty. Yet, it is coming from seeing some of my peers now finding themselves "redundant", and able to find new jobs due to cheaper (younger or overseas), or more work time (meaning that family and friends have little place in their lives) workers.

No jealousy or envy here though. I admire the go get 'em attitude exhibited here. Since some may have only seen rainbows in their lives, just a reminder that storms are need to have those rainbows.

With the "progession of wealth" thing, my cousin graduated college at 22, got a job. When she was 23 she bought a brand new 4Runner Limited. Now she is 24 and is building a $400,000 house. Shes not married and her parents aren't helping her pay for it.
---
I don't see why some of you people are getting so mad that people that are younger than you have better computers or what ever.

 

[rkristich]

Man, I am feeling old! Back in my HS days, we worked at the local Monkey Wards or Waxie Maxie - did minor car repairs to gain extra money.

Don't feel old, most teenagers don't make videos or do other high tech things to earn money. When my dad was a teenager he worked at a Quik Check grocery store (now known as Winn Dixie). My job last summer was pretty much the same as his--working at Winn Dixie as a cashier. The only difference is that my dad wanted money to work on his car and I wanted money to get electronic devices (and contribute some more to my college savings account). In fact, most of the teens I know have minimum wage jobs working as cashiers, baggers or waiters. Others mow lawns and do various types of manual labor. And there's one person I know builds and fixes computers. He makes more than minimum wage, but not much. So trust me, things really haven't changed all that much.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

With the "progession of wealth" thing, my cousin graduated college at 22, got a job. When she was 23 she bought a brand new 4Runner Limited. Now she is 24 and is building a $400,000 house. Shes not married and her parents aren't helping her pay for it.

While I did not graduate in 1980, I got a great management job that allowed me to buy a new Buick Century 2dr for under $7000 - in todays $ that is about $18K. My rent (was too dumb at the time to think about buying a house) was $400 - now about $1100 in todays $).

Depending on where she is building her new home, that $400K may be "entry level" today. Just sold my "starter" TH for $355K recently, over double of what inflation says that it was worth.

My personal experiences of "advancement of wealth" are not far from my own parents experiences.

---
I don't see why some of you people are getting so mad that people that are younger than you have better computers or what ever.

Not mad here. And I am pleased for the success of your cousin. The point I was trying to make is that everyone that starts at the top of the ladder will not be able to stay up there.

Example, how will your cousin deal with her next car being 1/3 to 1/2 the cost (adjusted for inflation) 10 to 15 years from now? Or that the $400K home ends up having to be sold, and going into a moderately priced apartment (for me it was no issue, since it was coming full circle in my life). Some are equipped to deal with what life gives them, others are not.

Witness the suicides or mental health hospitalizations that I have seen among my peer group in the last 5 to 10 years. Not a great number, but I do think higher than norm for their ages. IMO all because they never had to worry about where their next paycheck was coming from.

The financial "hardships" that I faced in the past year and half or so were made easier IMO since I had been there before. And that my Depression Era parents gave me values of not counting on "wealth" always being with you.

In the end there are those with experience of Life that question the values that we as a nation have. I am pleased to see that many here have been able to buy their own computers and what they have. And it is impressive that they have been able to achieve what my peers thought could be impossible at comparable ages.

For me and my peers it was a big thing to buy a TV (B&W) and a stereo. This was during a time that we didn't have to wear labels (maybe other than Levi jeans and Izod shirts). It was also a time that it was cheaper to repair an item than to buy a new one.

Sorry if I sound like some Grandparents that talk about walking 3 miles to school each way (uphill - ) in the snow (in South Florida ); but there is a cautionary tale that all good things must come to an end.

 

[Daveway]

Here is my setup for now. I'll be getting a new desk this weekend and hopefully moving it. Decor courtesy of mother.

Setup:
17" iMac G5 (see sig)
3G 10gb, 4.5G 20gb, and shuffle ipods.
HP Photosmart (old)
Canon i950 Awesome printer
80gb external drive
Boston Acoustics
Wireless router, cable modem
Stark blue (vagina) mouse
Canon A95
2.4ghz Gateway craptop

All paid for by me except iMac which I went half in.

I know its not as good as others, but I'm happy and that's all that matters.

 

[drison]

With the "progession of wealth" thing, my cousin graduated college at 22, got a job. When she was 23 she bought a brand new 4Runner Limited. Now she is 24 and is building a $400,000 house. Shes not married and her parents aren't helping her pay for it.
---
I don't see why some of you people are getting so mad that people that are younger than you have better computers or what ever.

It's called CREDIT. It's far easier to get what you want without actually paying for it these days and in exchange you bury yourself deeper and deeper in debt. You'll learn soon enough if you haven't already, but my warning is to seek the guidance of a financial advisor before making decisions like these that can deal serious damage to your financial future.

You have to remember that just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

-Dave

 

[Verto]

The fact that you have nothing to be jealous of isn't the point--I think the point is your attitude isn't exactly coming across as, well, friendly.

Coming in and basically accusing people of lying isn't the best way to make friends on this forum, you know.

To be fair, I did allow for the possibility that everyone here wasn't ********ting..however, I learned long ago to take everything people say on an online forum with more than a grain of salt, and I will continue to have my doubts. If I came across as inexcusably rude, I apologize. However, I deal with people who come from wealthy backgrounds, which is in itself perfectly fine as I myself have had no lack of support growing up, but who also assume a super-than-thou attitude. I am not saying any of you had adopted that same demeanor, but you will understand it is a pet peeve, and so I may have jumped down your throats.

So, to start off fresh, I will congratulate you on taking a talent you have and using it to your advantage, instead of squandering it, like I did for so long, before I finally got my act in gear and published what I'd allowed to sit on my computer for months and years. Carpe diem!

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Don't feel old, most teenagers don't make videos or do other high tech things to earn money. When my dad was a teenager he worked at a Quik Check grocery store (now known as Winn Dixie). My job last summer was pretty much the same as his--working at Winn Dixie as a cashier. The only difference is that my dad wanted money to work on his car and I wanted money to get electronic devices (and contribute some more to my college savings account). In fact, most of the teens I know have minimum wage jobs working as cashiers, baggers or waiters. Others mow lawns and do various types of manual labor. And there's one person I know builds and fixes computers. He makes more than minimum wage, but not much. So trust me, things really haven't changed all that much.

Having grown up and still living in the Greater DC area, I have a different experience and view on life and living. In my area we have two "over achieving" (meaning IMO that material goods are more important than quality time spent) parents, that due to job demands, shower their children with money and goods instead of attention.

As an example of the changes in the last 30 years, I can point to drivers licenses and parking at the High Schools. Getting a drivers license was a right of passage when I was growing up - sort of automatic when you turned 16. Most of my peers relied on use of one or two family cars. A lucky few were able to buy their own car. Or we waited till we graduated for our parents to get us our first car.

Even then we could not park on school property unless we could prove that we had jobs that required to be at work, that required us parking at school. Fast forward to today with anyone with a car being able to drive to school. If they have the money to pay the parking fees. A news article last year had this girl crying the blues that she had to get to the school an hour earlier than her class time to get a parking space (she had no after school activities that required a car), while admitting that she lived within walking distance of the school!

You are an exception to the rule IMO. You are making sacrifices to better your chances for the future. And hopefully those choices will give you a better perspective as life gives you challenges.

 

[jimsowden]

lol... I know, I know. I was thinking about becoming an English major. I'm not very good at writing. I'm more of a math guy. I could use a little help on my English... but hey, I'm 14 and I'm going into 8th grade. It's awhile off.

P.S.- This time I tried to make it perfect.

You ended your sentence with a preposition.

 

[hotwire132002]

If I came across as inexcusably rude, I apologize.
So, to start off fresh, I will congratulate you on taking a talent you have and using it to your advantage, instead of squandering it, like I did for so long, before I finally got my act in gear and published what I'd allowed to sit on my computer for months and years.

Apology accepted. I can certainly understand taking anything you hear on a forum with a grain of salt! The internet isn't exactly the most reliable source of information.

I just took a bit of offense at your comments. I hope I didn't come across rudely! Anyway--fresh start. Friends?

 

[Bloo Ice]

15, will be 16 next month. Paid for the better half of my setup, but, mostly everything is used, bought from computer fair [no idea how much of the stuff there is legal] bought off shelf, or at a discount website [with cupons]. Yeah, I'm not like you rich people. And, I wish I had a mac. But, on my birthday I'll have a job [already have it but...legalities and such] then maybe I'll get one after I get my S10 paid off. Already in over $4g debt....ahh, the joys of life.

Picture is a bit old. Few minor changes.

I'm 16 and here is my setup:
I opted for a high-end mini rather than a PowerMac, although I can afford it. Honestly, the mini does everything I want FAST... and I do web design. www.phantom9.us is my site incase you wanna check out what I do. I saved like $1500 by not going with a PowerMac, and I will soon be getting a very, very, nice Scion TC

Damn, nice, but you need to make it more, slow ass DSL friendlier. And most of your links dont work in XP IE7 [at least for me].

 

[Jedi128]

Why don't we all kiss and make up?

Anyways..... I am 17, but I relized like someone said with the cars at high school thing that I think my generation doesn't know hardship. Everyone has a new car, and iPod and a new laptop for college.....? But not made from their own hard work, no...... Mommy and Daddy pay for it all. Quiet frankly I'm sick of it. Many of my friends get new cars and computers for their birthday or a holiday....... I just think its a bad idea like was stated earlier. I think everyone should "pave their own path" and sometimes help is welcome, but like in something like starting a business, or paying for college. Anyway, I pay for it all myself and I'm proud of it.

 

[w_parietti22]

Why don't we all kiss and make up?

Ummm... or not... maybe a handshake instead???

 

[Bloo Ice]

I agree with most of you 'old timers' here. Yes, most kids today are spoiled and don't 'know the value of a dollar'. I've heard my dad say that a million times. He says that about me, but I think he's partly wrong, but hey, he also says I think I know everything, but I dont think that and I know I don't know much about a lot of stuff. BUT, it really just goes back to the parenting. My parents spoiled my sister [19] and she's just aching to move into an apartment, but she doesn't realize that her measly $6.35/hr for 25-35 hours a week just won't cut it, but she thinks mommy and daddy will pay for that and her college as well. When I was born, they had realized their mistake they made with her, and tried to do better with me. I've got about $2500 in the bank, and save every chance I get. I do get some nice things, but I don't just go out and buy tons of stuff. Yeah, you look at my sepcs and say, damn, nice computer for when it was new. Yeah, it was, but it took almost 3 years to build, just gettting the money up for the parts. I knew I couldn't touch my savings, and I'm glad I didn't, because I'll be buying my S10 probably this week. This might bring up that argument of teens having their own cars, but I NEED a car. My mom has a van that is always being worked on, my dad has a p.o.s. that too is always being fixed, and is ulgy as hell, [sister wrecked it, but it still runs]. My sister went out and bought a $6500 Firebird because "it looks cute" after she wrecked her first and second car. After having it 1 1/2 years, she still owes $1500 on it and is wanting an apartment. Parents work, she's at college, and I have to get to school work. Living not near these places requires me to have one, unless I can sprout wings out my ass and fly there. I could drive our old Honda in the summer, and in the winter, well, figure out something else, but I've got some money and I'll have a job, so I'll buy what is failry nice at a good price that I can way more than afford. MOST teens are spoiled, yes, probably 70% or more. Enrolling today, I looked at the people signing up for free & reduced lunch prices, and financial aid [for public school], and they were the ones who walk or ride the bus. Then, you see the people who drive the car mommy gave them pointing and laughing at them 'because they're poor'. My point is, its all in the parenting. Parents spoil you, you don't realize what others go through or what you most likely will. Parents help you, you have some good idea. Grow up poor as hell, grow up that way, or grow up and fight to be regular. My rant.

Damn, this thread really derailed

 

[realityisterror]

15" iMac G4 800MHz
paid for by me.
Still trying to make myself spend 2.5K on a 15"PB, but it seems I'm leaning towards the 12" now.

Anyhow, let's see more pictures and less debating about money.

reality

 

[doucy2]

i think kids like me that have to pay for all of their "toys" are more responsible and learn how much hard work it really is to get moeny together
spoiled kids may have all the neat stuff but they havent done anything thing to earn it

But since i started this thread we need to get on topic and talk bout or pimpin setups
not bickering back and forth (that is why we get no respect from elder mac persons) lets act mature and responsible fellow young men and women

 

[rock6079]

15" iMac G4 800MHz
paid for by me.
Still trying to make myself spend 2.5K on a 15"PB, but it seems I'm leaning towards the 12" now.

Anyhow, let's see more pictures and less debating about money.

reality

im in the same boat as you. hopefully gonna pick up a G5 shortly. for now I have an iMac 700 for personal use and a dual 1.25 for business.. but will probably get rid of both and just get a G5 and some other hardware updates such as lots of HD space.,.. will take picture soon

 

[ryannel2003]

15" iMac G4 800MHz
paid for by me.
Still trying to make myself spend 2.5K on a 15"PB, but it seems I'm leaning towards the 12" now.

Anyhow, let's see more pictures and less debating about money.

reality

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..................... love the G4 iMac's.

 

[Bloo Ice]

i think kids like me that have to pay for all of their "toys" are more responsible and learn how much hard work it really is to get moeny together
spoiled kids may have all the neat stuff but they havent done anything thing to earn it

DAMN STRAIGHT!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..................... love the G4 iMac's.

DAMN STRAIGHT!!

 

[doucy2]

DAMN STRAIGHT!!




DAMN STRAIGHT!!

Best Comments Yet
This Thread is Fun lol

 

[ryannel2003]

DAMN STRAIGHT!!




DAMN STRAIGHT!!

I think everybody like the iMac G4's! If they don't, I'll have to kill them!