Welcome, JT!
As Edoaurd has noted, there are options to your options.
The WL-IP sends data 24/7, as previously noted, whether you Mac is running or not.
Like Edouard, I have my console elsewhere in my house, and used an Envoy as my connection between my Mac and the WeatherLink data logger. Using an Envoy is the only time that launching Davis' WeatherLink software would be required. As there is no screen on the Envoy, you need the software to set location, elevation, adjust barometric pressure, etc. (If you go this route, there is a trick to launching WeatherLink on newer Mac OS versions, so be sure to ask when the time comes.)
I went one more step, replacing my Envoy with a second VP2 Console. This is a more expensive route, but there is another option. The cost for a Vue Console is similar to the cost of a Weather Envoy. This gives a second display (if you want your VP2 Console in another location), and eliminates ever using the WeatherLink software. The trade-off is that the Vue Console is not as flexible as the VP2 Console or Envoy. It can't add as many auxiliary channels. You'd have to double check, but I don't think you can use solar, UV, soil station, secondary temp stations, etc with the Vue Console.
One thing we're great at doing here is spending other people's money.
If you think that somewhere down the road you might add Solar and UV sensors to your VP2, go ahead and get the VP2 Plus, as it is less expensive as a package than adding the sensors later. If only interested in solar, then adding that to a VP2 is cheaper than a VP2 Plus. Your location doesn't sound like it would be needed, but if you have periods of hot, sticky, humid air with little or no circulation, a 24-hour FARS (Fan Aspirated Radiation Shield) unit will give you more accurate temp/humidity readings. This is an option that can't readily be added after the fact. Most folks do not go this route, but I wanted you to know ahead of time.
Note also that locating your weather station properly is as (or more) important than the equipment you purchase. A $5000 professional system on an asphalt roof or under trees will be worthless compared to a $50 unit located properly.
Have fun figuring out what you need/want! That's half the fun.
Steve
