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Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

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Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#451

Post by loufe »

dehrmann wrote: post #425
alanbernstein wrote: post #339

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I used to think noise-cancelling headphones were a gimmick. I'm also pretty indifferent to audio quality, so I never expected to buy expensive headphones. But I had an opportunity to try out one of the best options available right now, and the noise cancelling performance blew me away. With the closed-back cups sealing over my ears, and the noise cancelling active, I can only just hear normal-volume conversation next…

5 years ago, I got a pair of Sennheiser over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones for long flights after realizing how loud I had the volume turned up on earbuds. I'm happy enough with them, but they're too plasticy for the price and rather bulky for traveling (so I'm considering Airpods Pro), but on a flight, noise canceling is absolutely not a gimmick.

I wouldn't give up on Sennheiser without looking at their new offerings just quite yet. I just bought a noise cancelling over the ear pair from them (after returning my XM4s) and their build quality is excellent - metal, leather, high quality plastic.

Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#453

Post by nameless912 »

k__ wrote: post #357
ChuckNorris89 wrote: post #48

Oculus Quest 2 - despite the whole Facebook thing, coupling it with awesome games and experiences, it saved me from going mental during the autumn-winter-spring lockdown in Europe combined with the depressing weather of that time. Worth its weight in gold for that. Roborock Robovac - also worth its weight in gold since the whole lockdown WFH turned my apartment into a permanent office, kitchen, cinema and gym, the fl…

Any Quest game recommendations? I have one, but I barely use it right now.

Population: One is pretty great if you like online multiplayer. Superhot is an obvious classic, lots of replayability and one of the first things I put people new to VR into. I've heard great things about the Walking Dead game but haven't played it yet.

Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#454

Post by Humdeee »

kaybe wrote: post #17

- Noise-cancelling headphones (Sony 1000X-M3) are totally saving the rest of my productivity in home office. (The bluetooth does not work with my current Linux version, but I will not update that until my work is done just in case something else stops working. It does however work with my 10-year-old Nokia phone. But hey, there is an audio cable which also works fine. The next time I will probably buy Bose, but only…

I actually bought the Sony 1000X-M4 about 2 weeks ago. I love them and the noise cancelling is top notch. I figure why not since WFH could be much more common in the workplace. Should have made this purchase awhile ago.

Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#455

Post by Erwin »

shireboy wrote: post #214
Jakobeha wrote: post #128

Material goods: Ear plugs (silicone). Don't waste your money on noise-cancelling headphones, I have $200 ones and they don't compare to simple ear plugs. If you live in a moderately noisy area and you want peace and quiet, get them. They basically just make everything quiet. 24 from CVS = $10. OpenMove by Aftershokz - Bone-conduction headphones. Perfect for running and just good for listening to music. They work, the…

Second cast iron. We use ours daily - and it's a handmedown from my grandmother who also used daily for 20+ years. Once seasoned properly, it is non-stick, cleans easy. We just be sure to put a little oil on it after each use. Really the only skillet you need.

Staub iron cookware has an enamel, so it does not require seasoning nor does it have issues with tomatoes or other acidic things. I use their cocotte, since I often put things in the oven but it's also good for e.g. steaks at max temperature.

Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#456

Post by lbotos »

calebm wrote: post #370
lbotos wrote: post #42

Anova Sous Vide. Cooking perfect Chicken or pork chops every single time is an absolute joy. I don't eat as many steaks but also cooks them just the same. It's one of my go-to kitchen gadgets, and I cook most of my meals with it.

One concern I've had with Sous Vide is the concern of plastic leaching while cooking or marinading. I haven't researched it though - just an outstanding concern.

It is a fear of mine, and I've seen reusable silicone bags that some people have used, but haven't gotten any yet.

Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#458

Post by basch »

tomlagier wrote: post #231
silicon2401 wrote: post #216

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> cast iron skillet Personally I think these are a waste of money unless you live in a house. Trying to season one of these smoked up our apartment for hours. Apparently we didn't do it right because it's still sticky even with oil, but there's no way we're going through the headache again until we have a house.

You can just use it like a normal, heavy duty pan. The difference in use and flavor between seasoned and unseasoned is pretty minor, IMO. The real advantage is that they're so cheap relative to their utility. They heat evenly and stand up to incredible abuse at a fraction of the cost of a normal pan.

Heating evenly is a benefit of aluminum not iron.

Clad steel is a nice middle ground, either with aluminum or copper. More even heat distribution, long lasting without the care regimen of cast iron. They arent expensive either.

Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#459

Post by 0xB31B1B »

Peloton Bike. I bought it for my wife and thought, I've never been an indoor spinner person. I thoughth I would hate it, and now I ride it 240 minutes/week. I've lost 25 lbs in 4 months, I sleep like a baby and I have more energy and focus when I'm awake. The threshold energy needed to hop on the bike is much lower than the threshold energy needed to go to the gym so I just do it way more frequently. Strong endorse.

Re: Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?

#460

Post by SpaceL10n »

mayormcmatt wrote: post #375

A bug net backpacking hammock! I love to backpack, but have never, ever found a good solution for comfortable sleep, so I dread the nights. A hammock setup changed all that. Sleep better out there than at home, in some cases. The model I have is a Hammock Gear Zippered Bug Net Hammock for $129. Basic and functional. I think with all the clips and slings, etc. it probably set me back $200 in total. Saved money on the…

One of my favorite purchases as well! I bought a two-person hammock because I'm a big guy and I can't believe I used to sleep on the ground. So snug! The only downside is when I'm hiking above treeline, there aren't aren't any places to tie up to. Then again, as long as there are trees around you can setup camp anytime. With a tent, it's not always possible to find a large enough flat spot to place your tent.
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