Books.
Still a fan of the dead-tree variety. It's not so much paper vs e-ink, more that every new book is a new physical object with its own size, shape, weight and (sometimes) smell.
Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
21–30 of 86 posts
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#22I personally enjoy collecting scientific gadgets that fascinate me like a child. I have an IR thermometer, pocket microscope (might get a USB one soon), range-finder, digital caliper (measuring the height of a piece of paper is surprisingly gratifying), altimiter, multimiter, scale (not as precise as I'd like [10mg]), and weather indicator. Eventually, I want a collection capable of measuring any attribute of anythin…
Try this, homemade electron microscope (appears to be WIP):
http://www.chemhacker.com/topics/stm/
Or this, a finished, working one:
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#23I enjoy spending money on things that will help me make more money or save money. Home entertainment saves me from spending money out and good computer hardware helps me develop faster, dual monitors, test hardware all help me make money.
I have a real hard time buying stuff that doesn't fall into those two categories for myself.
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#24I personally enjoy collecting scientific gadgets that fascinate me like a child. I have an IR thermometer, pocket microscope (might get a USB one soon), range-finder, digital caliper (measuring the height of a piece of paper is surprisingly gratifying), altimiter, multimiter, scale (not as precise as I'd like [10mg]), and weather indicator. Eventually, I want a collection capable of measuring any attribute of anythin…
Try this, homemade electron microscope (appears to be WIP): http://www.chemhacker.com/topics/stm/ Or this, a finished, working one: http://sxm4.uni-muenster.de/introduction-en.html
These are STMs, by the way, not electron microscopes.
Making an electron microscope is probably a more expensive task for the homebrewer, because you invariably need a vacuum-proof chamber with a door that can be opened and closed, and the pumps to evacuate it...
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#25Friends, food, travel.
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#26I spent either money on good memorable experiences (dinners, traveling, friends etc), entertainment (movies, games) or investments in products/services which will earn back their value (books, courses, hosting etc)
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#271. experiences--vacations/trips
2. quality food
3. house/apartment
4. possessions
I enjoy having nice things, but fewer of them. I like to spend my money on things that I imagine my grandkids would fight over. But really, I think vacations and memories are a much better investment in the long haul. I don't buy things unless I think it's something I will still want in another year, or hopefully two or more. Eating healthy costs more, but without a doubt I think it's worthwhile to pay more to eat organic/local foods. Living in a place you feel comfortable and happy to be at is also very rewarding, just do the extra work to find a deal.
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#28Experiences and adventure: Blowing a pile of money to go somewhere new is always worth it. The memories are priceless and occasionally the experience helps me redefine what I thought possible for myself. The right price is whatever I can scrape together to make this happen. (Trip to Europe, basic gear for camping, a tank of gas or two for a roadtrip.)
Plus standard geek staples: iPhone, solid computer for coding, writing and designing. Nothing surprising in the tools department.
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#29A Pagani Zonda.
Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?
#30First, I really (really) enjoy spending money on other people, especially those important to me (friends and family). When it's a surprise it's even more fun! I love to see their face light up when they least expect. Great feeling. Now, if we are talking about items for myself, not necessarily of great importance, I do indulge on certain things, but I have rules. I have no problem spending money on well designed item…
Ubuntu user here. Wireless, video, sleep and hibernate work too and I never spend time tweaking anything.