Critique my set-up for BI

[hello_rai]

Hi, everyone!

I just wanted to say thanks for providing such a great resource and forum!

Was wondering if anyone could provide some feedback on my set-up.

For example, the computer running BI-- would you consider it more than enough for my set-up; is the location being in the loft area (which would serve as the office) ideal?
Your thoughts on a doorbell selection or the indoor camera that I've chosen?

Equipment/Software:

• Computer - ASUS K501LX-EB71 Gaming Laptop 5th Gene Intel Core i7 5500U (2.40GHz) 8GB Memory 256GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M 15.6" Windows 8.1 64-Bit

• Cameras - 3 outdoor cameras (front of entry door, side door, back sliding door) and 1 indoor camera by the stairs
  
• Outdoor (3 cameras) - Dahua IPC-HDW5231R-Z - 2MP WDR IR Eyeball Network Camera - $169 each - Aliexpress.com : Buy Starlight 2.7mm ~12mm motorized lens 2MP WDR IR Eyeball Network Camera IPC HDW5231R Z ,free DHL shipping from Reliable network camera suppliers on Empire Technology Co., Ltd
• Indoor (1) - Dahua IPC-A35 Built-in Mic & Speaker -$99.74 - Buy Products Online from China Wholesalers at Aliexpress.com

• Western Digital Purple Drives - $130 - WD Purple 4TB Surveillance Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM Class SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD40PURZ - https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Surve...tk-20&linkId=0199f038ea42a7d5e8ee21d5ede686f5

• Ethernet Switch - Netgear - 79.99: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-8-Po...ts=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin:2885863011

• Blue Iris Software - $60 - Blue Iris - Video Security Software

• Modem - $67.99 - ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 - compatible with Comcast provider ONLY - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MA5U1FW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
• Router - Orbi WiFi System (RBK50) AC3000 - $291- https://www.bestbuy.com/site/netgea...D=1&siteID=jo_pTdthTuc-mwlY14TQiLTWiZOM2.yORw

• Doorbell - $150-$200
• - LTS $199: LTS LTK6128W-WIFI 2.1MP IR Fixed Wireless Doorbell Cube Network Security Camera - $199.99
• - Nelly’s $149.99 NSC-DB1 Onvif Compatible Wifi Doorbell 1080P IP Camera W/ 32GB Built-in Storage - Nelly's Security
• - Third Option: SkyBell HD SkyBell HD - SkyBell WiFi Doorbell

The home is 2500 square feet. There is a built-in enclosure in the master bedroom walk in closet that will house the modem, router, PoE switch, and wiring from the cameras. I would place the computer running the blue iris software on that same floor in a different room (the loft). I was considering a PoE indoor camera, but I really like what this one offers in regards to the built-in speaker and microphone.

If you could let me know your thoughts, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

[looney2ns]

Welcome, if you haven't yet, read the cliff notes in the wiki at the top of the page.
Also read the choosing a computer for BI in the wiki. Laptops dont' generally do well.
Indoor cams: ANNKE I61DR 2MP (Hikvision Cube Clone)
The switch you listed only has 4 poe ports.

In my opinion, doorbell cams aren't ready for prime time yet, unless you like to continually tinker.
Both the LTS and the Nellys' doorbell cam you list are both exactly the same cam, a re-branded Hikvision.
Sweet! LTS is releasing an ONVIF compatible doorbell with SD card slot and 940nm IR

Put up a good cam at the front door, with a 2.8mm lens, such as the
Dahua IPC-HDBW4231F-AS Instead.
Set up notifications from BI to your BI phone app, and it'll do much the same.

 

[hello_rai]

Thanks for catching these very newbie mistakes. I guess I misinterpreted the recommended specifications in the wiki with the laptop’s specifications. I thought the processor and other pieces were in line with what was recommended.

And actually, I did look at that exact Annke camera so thanks for confirming that it might actually be the better alternative!