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Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

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Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#461

Post by marketgod »

paledot wrote: post #220

My wife and I both work, but our lifestyle does not require two incomes. So we've tried to find trustworthy charities to entrust my salary to. It's harder than it sounds, and we're only about 60% of the way there, but it has measurably improved the quality of life of many people - not just us. I also "purchased" a 4-day work week, which has had a substantial impact on my own quality of life.

Are you serious? We need more people like you. Crazy proposition. I'm the best trader out there for options. There are services which allow others to mirror my account, I am planning to set one of those up.

If you are interested, I'd let you follow my account for free, if you are willing to donate 100% of the profits it makes and pay your own fees for the required brokerages.

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#462

Post by mleonhard »

hatchnyc wrote: post #20

This is very easy for me, I bought a Boosted Rev electric scooter last year. It cut my commute time nearly in half compared to biking to work (before covid), I don't arrive hot and sweaty in summer and in winter a helmet with a visor keeps me totally warm. It is powerful and sturdy enough that my wife and I can ride together, now that's how we get around Manhattan. All the benefits of a car + bike in a smaller packag…

"IIHS researchers found that e-scooter riders sustained more injuries per mile than bicyclists and were twice as likely to be injured because of potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts, and signposts, although bicyclists were three times as likely to be hit by a motor vehicle."

https://www.consumerreports.org/electric-scooters/safety-ris...

Boosted Rev has both regenerative and mechanical disc brakes.

"The typical 15 mph stopping distance for mechanical systems is 20 feet, with the absolute best stopping power being under 10 feet."

https://electric-scooter.guide/guides/electric-scooter-brake...

If you put two people on a scooter, the stopping distance increases.

I searched online and found no data on the risk of double-riding an electric scooter. Intuitively, I expect double-riders to be 10 times more likely to get injured than single-riders. I worry for you and your wife and the people I see double-riding in SF.

Someday, US cities may be safe for scooter riding. I doubt they will ever be safe for double-riding.

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#463

Post by mleonhard »

brokenmachine wrote: post #460

A really nice mattress. We went to a few shops and laid on probably 30 different ones before deciding on the best one. It was "expensive" but feels like it was cheap and 100% worth it because of the pleasure of going to bed every night really comfortable and waking up well-rested. When you factor in how much time you spend in bed and how important it is to get a good night's sleep, it's totally worth it to buy the pe…

You can double or triple the lifespan of a mattress by covering it with an oil-proof cover. This also prevents dust mite infestation, a major source of allergens in homes and a major risk-factor for children developing asthma.

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#464

Post by dragonwriter »

hatchnyc wrote: post #20

This is very easy for me, I bought a Boosted Rev electric scooter last year. It cut my commute time nearly in half compared to biking to work (before covid), I don't arrive hot and sweaty in summer and in winter a helmet with a visor keeps me totally warm. It is powerful and sturdy enough that my wife and I can ride together, now that's how we get around Manhattan. All the benefits of a car + bike in a smaller packag…

> I've said this here before I think, but the Segway inventor was claiming cities would be designed around it and everyone was laughing, but with an electric scooter I can totally see this happening.

Powered (both electric and gas) scooters in the same form factor as is now becoming more popular were around before Segway; Segway’s innovation was a new form factor tied to a balance-based control system (sure, the brand later got applied to traditional-layour scooters, but that wasn't what Kamen was hyping when made his bold predictions.) The key enabling developments from the scooters before Segway to the modern electric scooters were battery improvements; the original Segway was mostly a distraction. (There are balance-based devices which owe something to it, but basically-traditional-layout scooters like Boosted Rev aren't among them.)

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#465

Post by bloodorange »

rozab wrote: post #255
smaslennikov wrote: post #18

Automated cat infrastructure: automatic USB water fountain[0], food dispenser[1], Litter Robot 3[2] (as of recently, with a homebrew controller[3]). These allow me a good four days of absence from the house - for camping or whatever else. Doesn't happen often that both the wife and I are MIA, but when it does, these things are indespensable. [0]: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WGLYV22/ [1]: https://www.amazon.c…

I wonder if you've noticed any change in your cats behaviour towards you as a result of this? People often claim that cats only like their humans because they're the ones who feed them etc

Those claims are false. Cats are very affectionate creatures. They are not dogs and you shouldn't expect them to behave like dogs. They are not all the same and not all of them are cuddly (especially if they are not taught to share affection via touch since a young age) but if someone says that cats only like people who feed them, then I have to disagree based on my experience raising more cats than _most_ people.

However, I do concede that sharing food is an easy way to form a bond with an animal (including our very own species).

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#466

Post by bloodorange »

k__ wrote: post #191
amelius wrote: post #185

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Embarrassed to say but I use a normal toilet and sometimes I try to flush skid marks away using the shower head (from my bath-tub) in strong jet mode. However, this is often quite difficult, which makes me believe that the bidet isn't all that hygienic ...

Interesting, my bidet has much more power than my showerhead and if I'm not careful and pull the trigger to much I hurt myself.

Do note that some of those "jets" are meant for cleaning the toilet and not for hygiene. When buying one, make sure you are getting the right one. The difference is indeed in the intensity with which the jet of water is ejected from the device.

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#467

Post by mleonhard »

torvald wrote: post #28

A robot vacuum cleaner. «I» now vacuum every day, the the flat just looks overall better. There is barley any dust on the shelfs anymore either. https://us.roborock.com/pages/roborock-s5-max

Roomba 614 (Wirecutter pick) is only $135 used from Amazon Warehouse.

https://www.amazon.com/iRobot-Cleaner-Self-Charging-Carpets-...

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#468

Post by justsid »

mdeeks wrote: post #157
smaslennikov wrote: post #18

Automated cat infrastructure: automatic USB water fountain[0], food dispenser[1], Litter Robot 3[2] (as of recently, with a homebrew controller[3]). These allow me a good four days of absence from the house - for camping or whatever else. Doesn't happen often that both the wife and I are MIA, but when it does, these things are indespensable. [0]: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WGLYV22/ [1]: https://www.amazon.c…

I second this. It’s an incredible time saver. I don’t do the powered water fountain anymore though. The last two filled with a disgusting bio film in the pump that was nearly impossible to clean and is unhealthy for the cat. I had to dump both. You need to clean them super regularly. Easier to just use a bowl and swap it out every few days. Or a large bowl when we go on a trip.

The problem with bowls is that cats love love love running water. Stale water is super gross for them, so they’ll only drink out of it if there is no other option. Our cat refuses to drink from anything but her fountain.

Re: Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved your quality of life?

#470

Post by mleonhard »

Nextgrid wrote: post #168
windowshopping wrote: post #113

Extra device chargers. Now wherever I sit around the house I have a cable nearby, I don't have to be lugging them around everywhere. So worth. A power tower. Simple, doesn't take up much space, but lets me do a variety of upper body exercises on-demand without having to set anything up. A great way to fit exercise into the day without friction. A good rice cooker. Makes the rice perfectly every time without me having…

> A good wardrobe. Started getting compliments on how I dress all the time. I never cared about this very much, and that made me unaware that other people did care. Any advice for someone that doesn’t care about this? I’m currently in this boat - I dress “fine” in the sense that it’s functional but is otherwise pretty plain and boring. Every time I try to improve on this I give up after being overwhelmed by the parad…

My friends say I dress nicely. Here's what I wear:

Volcom, Men's Frickin Modern Fit Stretch Chino Pant, Charcoal Heather. They look dressy. They are 40% synthetic so sweat/rain dries quickly. They're a bit stretchy which is comfortable. I own 4 pairs and have washed each one about 75 times. The color has faded a bit, but evenly. There is little visible wear. TCO ~$0.75 per wear. Wear with a simple brown leather belt.

https://www.amazon.com/Volcom-Frickin-Modern-Stretch-Chino/d...

Banana Republic Factory, Standard Fit Non-Iron Shirt, Sky Blue. This is a standard Banana Republic shirt, but made with more durable cloth. I own 4 of them and have washed each one about 75 times. They all still look great. TCO is https://bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com/browse/product....

Uniqlo, Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck Long-sleeve Sweater, Dark Gray. I own 4 of these sweaters, purchased over 2.5-1 year ago. I can't tell which ones are newer or older because they all look great. They are warm, soft, extremely durable, dry quickly, and don't hold any body odors. I wear each one about 10 times between washes. I wash them in a front-loading washer on delicate warm cycle with standard fragrance-free detergent and hang on a normal hangar to dry. TCO is https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/men-extra-fine-merino-crew-neck...

Uniqlo, Cashmere Crew Neck Long-sleeve Sweater, Dark Grey. Compared to the merino one, this sweater is also durable, twice as warm, twice as soft, three times the price, and a bit shorter in the waist. Uniqlo's product is special in the industry. It's a $200 sweater for $100. $100 cashmere sweaters from other companies will pill after 5 wears and look terrible. Uniqlo's is durable. I've worn mine about 30 times, washed it twice, and it still looks new.

https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/men-cashmere-crew-neck-long-sle...

Patagonia, Men's Torrentshell 3L Jacket, Andes Blue. This is good for wind and light rain. It rolls up into about 1L of volume. I've worn it nearly every day for 3 years, walking about 1 hour a day and riding in carshare. The waist tension cord channel fabric has worn through in the back. The jacket still looks fine and functions well. TCO ~$0.20/wear.

https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-torrentshell-3l-rain-...

Crazy Cool, Men's Seamless Boxer Briefs Underwear, Camouflage. Underwear can be fashionable. These have no interior seams to rub against male equipment. If you have a belly crease, the wasteband will start to roll after 5 wears, but it's not too tight. They can smell if you sweat repeatedly. They dry quickly. The legs ride up. I expect final TCO to be ~$0.20/wear or lower.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Crazy-Cool-Men-s-Camouflage-Seaml...

Woolly Clothing, Merino Wool Long Drop Boxer Brief, Everyday Weight, Charcoal. Extremely expensive and extremely comfortable. Wearing these and using a bidet will solve all body odor issues below the belt. The "long drop" version doesn't ride up your legs. The company had fabric durability problems but solved them. These wear out by getting holes on the seat after about 50 wears. If you have a belly crease, the waistband will get a crease after 15 wears and can roll and become tight and uncomfortable. TCO ~$0.55/wear.

https://www.amazon.com/Woolly-Clothing-Merino-Boxer-Brief/dp...

Columbia, Men's Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot Shoe, Cordovan/Squash. These are roomy in the toes and flat inside (no "arch support"). The interior fabric and tread wear out after about 750 miles of walking. TCO ~$0.10/mile. If they wear out within a year, ship them to Columbia and they send you a $96 gift card.

https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Newton-Waterproof-Hiking-Cor...

Nike, Men's Revolution 4 Running Shoe, Black/White/Anthracite. These are flat inside (no "arch support"). I put these in the washer every 6 months to whiten them up. To wash, remove the laces and inserts, put the shoes and everything into a mesh bag, and wash them on a delicate warm cycle. The tread lasts a long time. The inserts and interior fabric fail around 750 miles. TCO ~$0.10/mile.

https://www.amazon.com/NIKE-Revolution-Running-White-Anthrac...

Darn Tough, Vermont Men's Merino Wool Boot Full Cushion Sock (Style 1405), Charcoal. These are the best warm socks. I wear them all day every day, even at home. I walk 1,000 miles a year and go through about 6 pairs a year. TCO ~$0.13/mile. Darn Tough makes many variations of socks so be sure to get the full cushion version.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENQYZIE

O'Neill, Loaded 2.0 Hybrid Shorts, Heather Black. Comfortable and quick-drying. With a collared shirt tucked in and a belt, you'll look "loaded".

https://www.amazon.com/ONeill-Loaded-Hybrid-Shorts-Heather/d...

Minus33, Merino Wool 703 Algonquin Men's Lightweight Short Sleeve Crew, Dark Gray Heather. Super-quick drying, nearly eliminating body odor. Extremely durable fabric and stitching. They keep their shape. They don't fade. I own four, purchased 4-6 years ago. I have probably worn the oldest one 100 times. I cannot tell which one is the oldest. They all look fine. TCO ~$0.50/wear.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R7E1LU

Tortuga, Outbreaker Daypack. Chest strap. Understated logo. Comfortable even when full and heavy (2L drinks, 13" Macbook Pro, charger, headphones, sweater, jacket, lunch, snacks, & workout clothes. Water-resistant zipper stops being water resistant after about 1,000 zip/unzip cycles. Stitching around top handle fails after about 1,000 miles. TCO ~$0.10/mile.

https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/outbreaker-travel-...

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I wash my clothes in a front-loading washer on a delicate warm cycle and dry on delicate warm. I take them out immediately after the dry cycle finishes and hang them up. I never iron. All wool skips the dryer, going straight from washer to a hanger or clothes-pin rack.

https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/the-proper-way-to-hang-dres...

For drying socks and underwear on the bathroom door:

https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Clip-Drip-Hanger-Hanging/dp/B...

https://www.amazon.com/Over-Fitting-Sized-Doors-Unjumbly/dp/...

For drying sweaters and shirts:

https://www.amazon.com/JEFEE-Garment-Clothes-Storage-Fashion...

If you use a top-loading washer with an "agitator", double or triple the TCO numbers. Such washers destroy clothes.

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