Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#71

Post by TMWNN » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:29 PM UTC

hereisdx wrote: post #7

Kindle Paperwhite

The one benefit I did not expect from an ereader was the freedom to flip between any and all of my books at any time.

My usual routine is to fall asleep while reading my Paperwhite at night. It is small enough to carry in my pocket when traveling or doing anything outside the home.

Yes, I could do all those things with my phone, but the e-ink makes reading all so, so much more pleasant.

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#72

Post by voisin » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:29 PM UTC

pelario wrote: post #43

Therapy. Best use of money in my life. You don't need to have a "big problem" (like depression) to visit a therpist.

I can’t wrap my head around the cost without an obvious “big problem” to deal with.

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#73

Post by sadlion » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:30 PM UTC

- Sleeponlatex mattress and Ecosa pillow

- Magnesium L Threonate, Vitamin D, B12, Zinc and Krill Oil

- Headspace

- Electric toothbrush

- Deep Work by Cal Newport

- Minimalist home work area: MPB, airpod pro, magic keyboard touchpad and monitor

- Leetcode premium, educative.io and free guides on engineerseekingfire landed me 2 FAANG offers

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#74

Post by canada_dry » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:31 PM UTC

Linux.

*acquired - not purchased.

I've been through many game changing OSes (I'll skip pre-Windows) NT, OS/2 and Windows 3.11, then Win95 and finally - arguably the last decent OS from MS - Windows 7.

Then I discovered Linux (debian and ubuntu flavours mainly) and it's been a game changer! I haven't had an anti-virus clogging up my system nor required running registry cleaners. I feel like I've regained control over my computer vs. it controlling me!

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#75

Post by diplomatpuppy » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:31 PM UTC

bradleyjg wrote: post #58

wgx wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agree, the Sony WH-1000 are astonishing. I can use them for everything from video calls to airplane travel, to grocery shopping. https://remotivo.com/gear/product/headphones/

Not intended as a criticism, but since it’s not something you can really ask in person—- Doesn’t it get tiring to listen to music all the time? It’s not that I have anything against music, but I can’t imagine myself listening the majority of my days from waking to sleeping.

I use mine almost exclusively for listening to books - when you have a chore that you know how to do without thinking like putting away the dishes or mowing the lawn it can turn it into something enjoyable. For me, mowing the lawn doesn't engage the brain enough so I avoid it by itself.

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#76

Post by angelbar » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:32 PM UTC

All around my 40's, almost at the same time

Fitbit tracker Books, audiobooks services Cast iron pan

So... Exercise, mind and eating get a boost

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#77

Post by TMWNN » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:32 PM UTC

rawgabbit wrote: post #2

Android TV and Air Fryer.

Although I've been using YouTube since it first appeared, I did not expect to use YouTube 95% of the time on my Shield TV. It has quite effectively replaced regular TV as both primary source of entertainment and as background material while doing something on the computer or mealtimes.

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#78

Post by pier25 » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:33 PM UTC

A Herman Miller desk chair.

I spend at least 10 hours everyday in front of my computer and the investment was well worth it.

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#79

Post by voisin » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:34 PM UTC

TheHideout wrote: post #55

Lasik eye surgery. It cost about $4k per eye USD due to how bad my eyes were. I went to a super reputable place and now have perfect vision. I can barely remember what it was like before. Even better, I paid for them using money I made from my first indie game release. Was a huge emotional win for me.

I second this. The cliche you hear when looking into LASIK (“my only regret is I didn’t do it sooner”) is 100% correct. I can’t believe I didn’t do it 10 years earlier. I am 2 years post-op and I still find myself breathlessly looking at a vista shocked at the clarity. I think the price has come way down since you paid, and no longer varies based on amount of correction. It should be around $4k flat for both eyes.

Re: Ask HN: Most life changing things that you bought?

#80

Post by tacotime » Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 3:34 PM UTC

Reverse Osmosis water filter. It's turned me into a water snob and I never want to go back. It improves the quality of a lot of things that I cook including like coffee and pasta and it automatically/effortlessly improved my hydration because water just tastes good now. I've used Brita filters and the like and they just do not compare.