Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#741

Post by glasz » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 5:56 PM UTC

detaro wrote: post #615

vlehto wrote: post #589

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm Finn, coming from the land of Fiskars and axes. And I have to disagree with Fiskars. The axes are very good for chopping wood, but that's it. If you are serious backpacker, craftsman, carpenter etc, you wan't to use your axe in different ways too. The biggest "chopping" axe from fiskars is too short for building a fire that would keep you warm for the whole night. All of their "splitting" models have unnecessaril…

So what is a good universal outdoors axe?

the favorite axe in my collection has a simple, old head and a wooden handle. i put it together myself.

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#742

Post by Dowwie » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 5:57 PM UTC

closed wrote: post #38

Instant pot pressure cooker. Want to use it as a crock pot? sure. Want to saute things inside it first? sure. Frozen meat or dried beans? Why not! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FLYWNYQ?psc=1

This is a gem, for sure.

Dried beans don't turn out exactly as hoped, but this imperfection doesn't stop me from using the instant pot for them.

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#743

Post by Dowwie » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 5:59 PM UTC

SwellJoe wrote: post #111

Zojirushi fuzzy logic rice cooker. I've owned it for more than a decade and made maybe hundreds of pounds of rice. Always perfect. Cast iron skillet. Lodge makes cheap, very high quality, pans that just work, forever (there are many brands, several are great).

this and my Zojirushi water heater

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#744

Post by sizzzzlerz » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:00 PM UTC

dredmorbius wrote: post #731

sizzzzlerz wrote: post #659

I'm going to go real old school and suggest the slide rule. While there is a short learning curve, once you've mastered a few simple rules, using one is a breeze and if you keep the slide lubricated and don't abuse it, it will perform it's function reliably and accurately for decades. I have a Pickett, it's now 40 years old but works like new, but just about any brand will offer the same performance.

How do you lubricate the slide? Metal or plastic?

My ruler is metal and I use graphite to lubricate it. Just take a pencil and run it along the slots and the slide. Lightly wipe it off and then reassemble the pieces. Works great.

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#745

Post by bookofjoe » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:00 PM UTC

I've been reading this thread since I clicked on it 3 hours ago: every contribution/comment. Wonderful stuff, I've learned SO MUCH. Time to give back — here are my faves:

— Fiskars all-purpose scissors (they make a L-handed version for weirdos like me, such a delight after growing up with R-handed iterations): https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-All-purpose-Left-hand-Scissor...

— Fiskars scissors with non-stick blade coating (wonderful for cutting tape) https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Non-stick-Titanium-Softgrip-S...

— iPod nano Gen 7 [latest] (FM radio; Podcasts; video; photos; bright 2.5" screen; super-thin & light; beautiful esthetically; Bluetooth lets me run with my music without wires) http://www.apple.com/ipod-nano/

— BlueAnt Bluetooth earphones: ≤1/6 the price of AirPods/Beats wireless; comfortable; good sound; easy to sync & operate; lightweight; they stay in; connecting cord so you don't lose one earphone; cool looking IMHO) https://www.amazon.com/BlueAnt-Pump-Wireless-Sportbuds-Black...

— O'Keefe's Working Hands cream (unbelievably effective, best thing ever for cracked/chapped skin) https://www.amazon.com/OKeeffes-Working-Hands-Hand-Cream/dp/...

— DuraScoop Cat Litter Scoop (the Maybach of litter scoops) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DCAAP4?psc=1&redirect=...

Easton Bat Weight (so many uses around the house: paperweight; equipment/furniture support; door stop; small item container; weapon in extremis; I could go on) https://www.amazon.com/Easton-Bat-Weight-Royal-16-Ounce/dp/B...

Trombone paper clips (so much better than regular ones, it's not even funny, plus they look cool) https://www.amazon.com/ACCO-Regal-Length-Silver-A7072130/dp/...

— Rain Design mStand Laptop stand (functional; beautiful; lasts forever) https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-mStand-Laptop-Patented/dp...

— Pioneer Kuro Elite Plasma TV [2007] Yes, it cost $5,000 10 years ago — still works perfectly, never had a single problem, picture is sometimes 3-dimensional it's so lifelike; as good as ANYTHING at the very highest end today INCLUDING LG 4K OLED and top-of-the-line Samsungs.

— Stagg Pour-Over Kettle with Integrated Thermometer (if you're a fanatic about your coffee and demand the water be 200° ± 5° when you pour, this is your baby. Beautifully designed, a pleasure to use) http://fellowproducts.com/shop/stagg/

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#746

Post by criddell » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:03 PM UTC

mitchellst wrote: post #688

The Trek 500. It's a bicycle. It's a steel bicycle, which is out of favor these days, but Trek still makes a few each year. And they haven't really changed the design since it was introduced in the 80's. Why? Because it's the perfect bicycle. At least, if you're doing a very particular thing. I rode one from the Oregon Coast to Long Island. It was an unsupported tour, so I had about 50 pounds of gear strapped to it t…

I have a mail order steel-frame bicycle (Windsor Tourist) and I think it's the springiness of the steel frame that makes it so nice to ride. I bought the bike 5 years ago planning to ride it for a year then upgrade and have no desire to upgrade. There's nothing I would want to upgrade to because it's pretty much perfect.

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#747

Post by rubberstamp » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:03 PM UTC

delegate wrote: post #428

mdip wrote: post #362

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Completely agree! The funny thing is the first thing I thought of was an old microwave I owned with a similar setup mainly because the microwave I own, today, is so awful [0]. I have a GE combination convection oven/microwave and it was clearly designed by someone who had their first experience with LSD that day. Every function requires a different, magic, set of key combinations to make it work. Want to set a timer?…

Obviously whoever designed it didn't get the 'good' acid. Had he gotten the real shit, it would have been a musical instrument... with wheels, which also microwaves... inside and outside... Because that's how you get to the aliens. Who wouldn't want his oven to roll around the house improvising some trippy music while the meal is being heated ? While at it, why not also vacuum clean the house ? Just hit the knob a ma…

Should I take acid to be able to write like you? Its so hilarious

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#748

Post by diimdeep » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:05 PM UTC

Jaruzel wrote: post #182

Logitech MX510 and MX518 Mice: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Performance-Optical-Gaming-M... For some reason, these mice are awesome for me. Neither are made any more, and I will cry when mine finally die.

Changed cable on my MX510 like 5 times, 10+ years in use.

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#749

Post by hxta98596 » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:09 PM UTC

artimaeis wrote: post #668

mdip wrote: post #374

It took me about a second to think of Dixon Ticonderoga pencils. These are the perfect nexus of good and cheap. These things have the critical features one looks for in a writing instrument, my favorite of which is that I can put it in my electric pencil sharpener and the lead never snaps just prior to the point at which it becomes sharp. And these guys finally figured out something useful to do with that pink, rubbe…

The Ticonderoga is a wonderful workhorse of wood cased pencils. As you've pointed out their lead is sturdy and their price is almost unbeatable for the performance. Possibly the only downside is they're no longer made in the USA and I feel like their overall quality has suffered since the move to China and Mexico. If you're willing to explore pricier options there are so many excellent wood case pencils to be had! Th…

This person knows their pencils. I agree. Second the Palomino recommendation.

It's all relative but I wouldn't call the Blackwing 602 "ludicrously expensive"...they cost about $1.50 per pencil.

Though maybe you are thinking of the vintage Blackwing pencils. Blackwing used to be made by a different company (Eberhard) decades ago. These older vintage Blackwing pencils if you can find one cost like $50 today. Still the new ones being made are about $1.50 and are great too.

Re: Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

#750

Post by criddell » Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:14 PM UTC

eric_b wrote: post #711

armandososa wrote: post #674

Earlier quoted context omitted.

+1 I have one older model with the big buttons on the sides of the device while my wife has a newer one with a touch screen. Sometimes I wish the contrast on my screen was better, but I will never trade those big physical buttons for a lousy touch screen.

Yes! I will use my Kindle Keyboard until they discontinue it. The large page turn buttons are amazing. I am so surprised that they went away from these. Do people not realize how much better it is?

The Kindle Oasis has big page turn buttons. I have a Paperwhite that works wonderfully, but I really want an Oasis. I'm secretly hoping my Paperwhite breaks so I can buy an Oasis without feeling guilty.