… try using a Macbook touchpad and then any other one after it.

^ This.

Have been given a current Surface Pro laptop for work and must use an external mouse, or rage in frustration that my 13 yo MBP has a better functioning trackpad.

Anyone have recommendations on a vanilla server?

That’s just one that we can see, it’s the ones we can’t that give pause.

Gear on the cheap?

If you’re patient and can self-support, your local non-profits and their online stores may be useful.

It’s rare to see big gear NIB, but it does happen; have seen rack mount Cyberpower, 10 outlet, hi-watt units, IOB going for around $200+ in the last 6 months. Picked up a previous generation, 5 disk NAS for a tenth of its retail price, used.

You’re north of my border so my sites won’t work for you, but seriously, look into any Goodwill/Salvation Army type organizations, and don’t neglect local, they can be rewarding too.

GL&HF!

Epstein?