Hardware Recommendations
This is what I'd buy if buying 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)
If you're in the USA/Canada, then Stephen has great deals on refurbished equipment
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)
If you're in the USA/Canada, then Stephen has great deals on refurbished equipment
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 ~ £220
- Depending on your size, you may want two or more of these. I suggest starting with one.
3) iPad Stand - depending on your physical setup
- Use a stand to ensure that your iPad is always in the right place, in portrait mode, and plugged in to power.
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
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) M3 Macbook Air: Get the basic model, with additional storage
- 512tb storage minimum, 1tb recommended
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?