Need advice on starting first contract + laptop

[NCOTBAC]

Sorry to maybe point the obvious out here but the OP is aware that just because the company pays for its not free right? Around 80% or so still comes out of his pocket. Thought I'd mention it just in case.
Someone else may come back with a more accurate percentage

[Contreras]

A capable machine NOT two machines.

Quite.

Ex-corp "refurb" laptop with 8GB RAM ~£270
New 500GB SSD ~£140
Docking station ~£30
Big ass monitor ~£360

And enough change out of a grand to get a really comfy desk chair. <-- that's the 'productivity' bit right there.

[Rafd]

This has gone off topic.. I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!

Yes, desktop + laptop seems an odd choice but I am considering it. I will work 75% remotely but need to work in the client office about 25% plus on the train so I think a laptop is going to be useful. I may even end up working partly from home and partly from a co-working space.

I want a high spec machine as my main workstation so I have two options: Spend on a high end quad core laptop (perhaps 1500), or spend 700 on an much faster desktop as my main home dev machine then the other 800 on a less powerful but lightweight dual core laptop for light/mobile use.

[WTFH]

So, you need a good laptop, but there's no NEED for a desktop. You might want one, but a high spec laptop will give you the portability you require.
You also don't NEED 2 monitors on day 1. In fact, if you can do development on the laptop then maybe until you get your first month's pay in the bank, you would probably be better not to waste your money on any monitors.
Work off the laptop with no desktop, no multi-monitor setup until you're settled into the contract. Then once you have cash flow you could look at buying 1 or 2 monitors.

BUT, if you were only off work for one year, I.e. You were contracting in 2014 with a home made computer, then why was the computer ancient? It's only a couple of years old! Why not go out and buy a new HDD for it - that will cost <£100 and will keep you going, along with the monitor you must still have for it!

You may say this has gone off topic, but you've asked for advice from people who have some experience, and most of us are giving you the same advice. Just cause it's not what you want to hear doesn't make it bad.

[SueEllen]

This has gone off topic.. I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!

Not off topic as your contract can be pulled anytime the client likes.

[MrMarkyMark]

This has gone off topic.. I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!

You are posting in a forum, allegedly, full of analytical people, what did you expect?

[Rafd]

So, you need a good laptop, but there's no NEED for a desktop. You might want one, but a high spec laptop will give you the portability you require.
You also don't NEED 2 monitors on day 1. In fact, if you can do development on the laptop then maybe until you get your first month's pay in the bank, you would probably be better not to waste your money on any monitors.
Work off the laptop with no desktop, no multi-monitor setup until you're settled into the contract. Then once you have cash flow you could look at buying 1 or 2 monitors.

BUT, if you were only off work for one year, I.e. You were contracting in 2014 with a home made computer, then why was the computer ancient? It's only a couple of years old! Why not go out and buy a new HDD for it - that will cost <£100 and will keep you going, along with the monitor you must still have for it!

Sorry I failed to mention this is my first time contracting. My old home pc is from 2006.. not really worth repairing.

From others comments it seems the advantage of buying things up front is the VAT saving before I register for flat rate. Disadvantage is obviously the risk that the contract will end or not be renewed and the up front cost would not be justified.

I cant work as productively on a laptop sized screen so going to have to spend 1 or 200 on a bigger display. My old pc was running a 15 inch display after my bigger one packed in so no better than a laptop screen.. Far lower res too!

[MrMarkyMark]

My old home pc is from 2006.. not really worth repairing.

Try and recycle.....

[WTFH]

OK, if you can't work productively on a laptop, then you don't need a laptop. Buy a desktop to do your work. One monitor not multiple. And it doesn't need to be 4K.
Use your iPad when you are on a train.

After you have submitted a couple of invoices, then consider getting more of kit you want.

If money is tight then you need to make sure you have enough in your bank account to pay for things. Remember, if you start your first gig next week and are on normal 30 day terms, you will not be getting paid until mid Feb. Your money to travel to the client, to buy food, etc, will need to last until after your first payment. But before you get your first payment you will have to pay for setting up your company and getting accountancy sorted out. Those payments have to come from somewhere.

Be patient, get what you NEED to do your job. Work out what it is you NEED, not what you want, and spend within your means.

[MrMarkyMark]

Be patient, get what you NEED to do your job. Work out what it is you NEED, not what you want, and spend within your means.

That's not very, bloody, British.

Do you want the economy to fail