Hardware Recommendations
This is what I'd buy if buying new equipment today - by dropzone size.
For the iPad and AppleTV, I recommend renewed/second hand.
If you are buying directly from Apple, you can typically save 15% by buying refurbished (subject to availability)
Stephen has great deals on refurbished equipment
He's based in the US, but has been shipping worldwide for different dropzones very efficiently.
Other options are possible - for example if you have existing kit you want to re-use.
Feel free to call me to discuss (Rob: +44 7966 412213)
For the iPad and AppleTV, I recommend renewed/second hand.
If you are buying directly from Apple, you can typically save 15% by buying refurbished (subject to availability)
Stephen has great deals on refurbished equipment
He's based in the US, but has been shipping worldwide for different dropzones very efficiently.
Other options are possible - for example if you have existing kit you want to re-use.
Feel free to call me to discuss (Rob: +44 7966 412213)
Summary
- M4 Mac Mini (exact specs can vary by DZ)
- iPad
- Apple TV
- Kingston Card Reader
- Screen / Keyboard / Mouse
Large Dropzone
1) M4 Mac Mini. Get the basic model, with additional storage
- 1tb storage
2) iPad
- A good choice would be the 2021 iPad (9th generation) - Renewed on Amazon for ~ £150
- Depending on your size, you may want two or more of these. I suggest starting with one.
- (iPad has to run iOS 17 - so 6th generation or later are supported)
3) iPad Stand/Mount - depending on your physical setup
- Use a stand/mount to ensure that your iPad is always in the right place, in portrait mode, and plugged in to power.
- We recommend bolting it to a wall or table where your Filmers/TIs can see manifest and prepare for their next customer.
4) Kingston SD Card Reader
- Buy directly from Kingston
- Buy one "Workflow Station + SD Reader" (this is the "Dock")
- Buy up to three "Workflow microSD Reader" (each one can read two micro sd cards)
- If you buy the dock, and three micro-sd modules, your cart will look something like
5) Backup Drive. 4tb will store approx 2k jumps. How long do you want to keep backups?
6) Screen
- I would buy a 27" QHD monitor. Example - Any reasonably sized monitor will do
USA Example
7) Wired USB-C Keyboard/Mouse
8) Apple TV
- 4th Generation AppleTV + Remote from ebay ~ £70
- (later models also supported - but make sure to buy one with an ethernet port)
Small / Medium Dropzone
Exactly the same as Large dropzone - except
1) For the Mac Mini - 512gb of additional storage is adequate, though I still recommend 1tb!
1) For the Mac Mini - 512gb of additional storage is adequate, though I still recommend 1tb!
Mobile Dropzone / Independant TI
1) M4 Macbook Air: Get the basic model, with additional storage
- 512tb storage minimum, 1tb recommended
- M2 Air will do the job - but if you're buying new, then the M4 makes sense
2) The iPad is optional - you can run the QR code app directly on your Macbook Air
If you prefer to have a standalone iPad, then
If you prefer to have a standalone iPad, then
- 2021 iPad (9th generation) - Renewed on Amazon for ~ £220
3) Kingston SD Card Reader
- As for Large Dropzone (above)
4) Backup Drive. 4tb will store approx 2k jumps. How long do you want to keep backups?