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Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

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31–40 of 47 posts

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#31
post #8

I've been eyeing a curved monitor, but not sure if it's worth it relative to a 27" Dell monitor. I'm not a gamer fwiw.

I had 2 Apple 27" Thunderbolt displays that I've had since 2013.

Over the holidays I replace it wit a Samsung CRG9 49" 32:9 curved display.

A single big curved display is much better than 2 flat monitors. Without the break in the middle is much easier to position windows in the middle of your field of view. I have my main window in the middle and my reference windows on the sides.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#32
post #6

Supplements have been really fun. For example, 2:1 L-Theanine to Caffeine, especially after a nap, is like productivity medicine for me. I bought a shelf stereo system and keep it turned on at low volume while I work, and it's nice to randomly hear an old song I like, or a new song I like. Local FM is handy during emergencies here too, and it even seems like about 1/4 of the ads are PSAs or local announcements from N…

I agree, I'll take a small spoon of pre-workout late morning to keep myself awake. Sounds funny but it works like a charm.

What's a pre workout? Which one do you use?

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#33
post #8

I've been eyeing a curved monitor, but not sure if it's worth it relative to a 27" Dell monitor. I'm not a gamer fwiw.

I think curved is worth it on the bigger ultrawides. It feels a lot more natural.

I also like how nice an ultrawide is compared to 2 separate monitors.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#34

Supplements have been really fun. For example, 2:1 L-Theanine to Caffeine, especially after a nap, is like productivity medicine for me. I bought a shelf stereo system and keep it turned on at low volume while I work, and it's nice to randomly hear an old song I like, or a new song I like. Local FM is handy during emergencies here too, and it even seems like about 1/4 of the ads are PSAs or local announcements from N…

> Supplements have been really fun. For example, 2:1 L-Theanine to Caffeine, especially after a nap, is like productivity medicine for me.

Add some N-acetyl-L-tyrosine for even more focus: https://www.vitacost.com/jarrow-formulas-n-acetyl-tyrosine

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#36
post #7

Does anyone have good experience using a wacom tablet to replace paper/whiteboard? I tried using an ipad but it's not quite the same. It's too small and there's no way to directly integrate with desktop (I'm on linux).

The remarkable 2 tablet is a good (though expensive) device for writing. It feels quite a bit like paper and the different writing instruments you can select make for a lot of choice even in doodling/sketching stuff. You can also use it to take notes on a PDF you are reading etc.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#37

Here's some free/low cost suggestions... 1. Listen to all of 10 hours of rain and thunder on Youtube whilst working every day. I get into a state of flow much easier listening to that than practically anything else. 2. Text important people in your life to say you're offline until lunch and then turn your phone off and put it in a drawer. 3. Get a water jug so you don't have to keep getting up to fill your glass of w…

I'd personally skip point 3. Refilling my glass is a perfect way to remember to take regular breaks to get away from my desk for a few minutes.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#38

Here are some ideas (and US prices): 1) Nespresso coffee machine. Can get a good one for 2) Autonomous standing desk. Base model $399 3) Trackpad. Nice addition to the mouse. E.g. $129 from Apple. 4) Second monitor. I personally find this convenient. A decent one will cost you under $300. 5) Tablet. Useful for when you are too tired to sit or stand. Good for reading docs or whitepapers, for example. $329 for a base m…

> Faster internet. A few bucks added to your monthly bill. A few bucks? Yeah, right.

On civilised countries without cartels such as the US, yes.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#39
I would spend it to have a perfect home office. 1. Probably for desk, an adjustable-height standing desk would be great so I can alternate my position throughout the day. 2. Customized chair that will suit any home color scheme. Everything from the headrest to the seat height and angle can be adjusted. 3. Accessories such as second monitor, cabinets, and a desk lamp.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to spend $1000 to improve your productivity?

#40

Here are some ideas (and US prices): 1) Nespresso coffee machine. Can get a good one for 2) Autonomous standing desk. Base model $399 3) Trackpad. Nice addition to the mouse. E.g. $129 from Apple. 4) Second monitor. I personally find this convenient. A decent one will cost you under $300. 5) Tablet. Useful for when you are too tired to sit or stand. Good for reading docs or whitepapers, for example. $329 for a base m…

I really like my coffee maker, which is De'Longhi EC685M. Easy to handle, no wasteful cups, great coffee. In the US it seems a tad more expensive (300 USD) But a great machine.
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