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Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

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21–30 of 205 posts

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#21

This was technically the end of 2021, but I got a new gaming/workstation desktop. I have an RTX 3080 which I can make AI images with, as well as learn more about deep learning since I have a GPU handy. It also has 16 cores that come in very handy for compiling programs, I don't have to wait anymore. Along with that, I bought an LG OLED 48 inch TV that I use as a monitor, the screen space is amazing. Along with that,…

This is only true if your plan supports deferrals, right?

Had after-tax deferrals available through a Fidelity plan at an employer once, it was great being able to roll that over into an IRA. Hopefully I'll have it again soon - it's an underrated perk for sure.

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#22
I'm going to cheat because I actually bought this in late 2021, but: my own ski equipment and a weekday season pass. I used to go maybe two or three times a year with rented equipment, which was a whole production that required extra hours to go rent and return it, and I had to plan ahead. Now I can just decide last minute to head up to the mountain for the day, so last year I went about 15 times, on track for 15-20 times this year. It's great exercise and tons of fun.

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#23

A professional-grade musical instrument caused me to want to get better at craft, and increased my reward curve in a way previous instruments had not. In my case it was a Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar ($1900 nowadays).

In a similar vein, years ago I decided to upgrade my soldering iron and it made soldering so much less of a pain that I ended up getting way more into electronics, simply because I didn't have to force myself through the normal frustration to getting a simple thing done. My takeaway in general was that once you're sure you're into something, upgrading your tools can really smooth the edges which can feed back into you doing it more.

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#24
Do $150 products count? If so: an air fryer. It really cut this household's "stove time" and electricity consumption down. They're more versatile than one may think at first glance. It's worth spending a little bit extra for one with decent capacity (e.g. 5 litres / 1.5 kg).

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#25

I'm going to cheat because I actually bought this in late 2021, but: my own ski equipment and a weekday season pass. I used to go maybe two or three times a year with rented equipment, which was a whole production that required extra hours to go rent and return it, and I had to plan ahead. Now I can just decide last minute to head up to the mountain for the day, so last year I went about 15 times, on track for 15-20…

Nice! I made this move a few years ago as well, $ well spent. Now there's no stressing of getting to the mountain first chair and being able to enjoy just a few hours out there. Helps that my in-laws have a place in the ski town though... :)

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#26
post #5

a hit-air motorcycle airbag vest. Cervical collar on demand, 90-100ms lag! getting closer and closer to having the tech my HN username had by the day.

I met someone recently who had their life likely saved by one of these. I guess they had a collision that launched them off some height of an overpass. They were still messed up of course, but survived and are well now. I'm inspired to consider one for my 2023 riding.

I seriously recommend it. I put mine over my roadcrafter, and i stopped noticing that i was wearing it within 10 miles. Now "clip in!" is a reflex just like "buckle up!" is in the car.

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#27

This was technically the end of 2021, but I got a new gaming/workstation desktop. I have an RTX 3080 which I can make AI images with, as well as learn more about deep learning since I have a GPU handy. It also has 16 cores that come in very handy for compiling programs, I don't have to wait anymore. Along with that, I bought an LG OLED 48 inch TV that I use as a monitor, the screen space is amazing. Along with that,…

mind expanding more on "per company you work for". w2 employment?

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#28
The Steam Deck 512GB. It gave me a realistic pathway to replay classic games I love, while bringing AAA titles to a playable state on the go. As someone who travels pretty regularly both for work and personally, having a portable way to play games like Cyberpunk 2077, Stray, etc. as well as run emulators for Skies of Arcadia, Chrono Trigger, et al was a huge step up. The ergonomics are great, it gets fair battery life, and it works exceptionally well docked in Desktop Mode. The Steam Deck made it possible for me to reasonably game again after having missed having a proper gaming PC for a number of years.

M1 Macbook Pro 14". I don't know how to entirely put it into words, but this recaptured what I loved about my MBP from 2015, and did it better in every way. I'm truly impressed with the engineering and the form factor, it just "feels right", in a way that my 2017 and 2019 MBPs do not. A big piece of this is a return to the prior keyboard design, getting rid of the unnecessary touch bar, and bringing back useful features like the SD card slot (this replaced my 2015 MBP as my carry along during travel for photography). And, maybe the surprise for me above all else, is it has EXCELLENT battery life. Realistically using it for 11-14 hours on a single charge, and it's been great at playing Mac games off Steam.

IV-Works AV3 Custom Ergonomic Keyboard (AV4 is now available). Getting ergonomics right for my home office has been literally life changing. On the previous thread I mentioned the Evoluent vertical mouse, and with this keyboard and that mouse, I was able to pretty much solve my thumb and wrist pain without requiring surgery. I bought into both after finally going to see a specialist about my hands and wrists, and after an adjustment period my typing speed is back to what it was beforehand, and I was able to avoid the recommended surgery. I essentially have no pain anymore, and I still get to use the heavy mechanical switches I'm used to.

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#29
post #9

An AXS wireless derailleur for my mountain bike. A $600 outlay to get rid of a cable doesn’t make too much sense on its face, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it improved shifting performance.

But now your bike doesn’t work if it s not charged?

Re: Ask HN: What $500-2500 product improved your 2022

#30
post #19
post #18

A Litter Robot 4. Automated litter boxes are easy more expensive than I thought they would be, but you just can't put a price on not having to scoop

You like it? I've been considering it. Any reservations?

I don’t own a robotic scooper, but a reservation might be your cat’s health. Since they tend to hide their illnesses well, a change in your cat’s litter appearance or habits can be one of the only signs they’ll give you that they’re sick. You could easily miss that with an automatic scooper.
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