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Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

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Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#11

Post by mtlynch »

Someone1234 wrote: post #4

"Real" Chair (Steelcase / Herman Miller) and four-legged standing desk (better stability). Plus a handheld "mouse" (ELECOM Relacon) so when I'm reading I can stand differently or do light movement/exercise. Blowing $2.5K on a desk + chair is a lot, but also not a lot depending on your perspective.

I second the recommendation of Steelcase. I bought my Steelcase Leap chair five years ago, and it's still rock solid and has no noticeable wear.

My wife recently decided to buy one too, and she got hers refurbished from a company called BTOD. I was impressed with the quality. It was indistinguishable from mine (which I bought new) and cost half the price.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#12

Post by dubcanada »

stephenitis wrote: post #7
Someone1234 wrote: post #4

"Real" Chair (Steelcase / Herman Miller) and four-legged standing desk (better stability). Plus a handheld "mouse" (ELECOM Relacon) so when I'm reading I can stand differently or do light movement/exercise. Blowing $2.5K on a desk + chair is a lot, but also not a lot depending on your perspective.

I'm sorry I've been searching steelcase and Herman Miller for a chair for awhile. what does "Real" mean here?

Ergonomic/good for your posture/body. Sitting is pretty terrible so anyway to make it flow more naturally is better.

Or you could just stand up and largely solve most of those issues.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#13

Post by 20kleagues »

- A pair of wireless headphones with good battery life

- A pair of wired earphones/headphones with an attached microphone in it for meetings

- An external camera for meetings, or if you have a spare phone you can use Camo (or iPhone's continuity camera) to stream video from the phone as a camera. When combined with a good phone stand, this setup beats most external cameras.

- A footstool/ottoman to rest your feet

- If you drink coffee, then experiment with and find good coffee beans that you would enjoy

- A desk placement that has you facing a window, this makes sure you can just look up to see outside and also keeps unwanted reflections on your monitor low

And of course a good desk and a chair. Search on FB marketplace for really good deals.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#14

Post by phrop »

stephenitis wrote: post #7
Someone1234 wrote: post #4

"Real" Chair (Steelcase / Herman Miller) and four-legged standing desk (better stability). Plus a handheld "mouse" (ELECOM Relacon) so when I'm reading I can stand differently or do light movement/exercise. Blowing $2.5K on a desk + chair is a lot, but also not a lot depending on your perspective.

I'm sorry I've been searching steelcase and Herman Miller for a chair for awhile. what does "Real" mean here?

A Herman Miller Aeron, Mirra, Cosm, or similar can usually be found at a liquidation company for a lot less than retail. Keep in mind that they are repairable and parts are readily available, there are not many other brands that have that kind of support.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#15

Post by habosa »

A Herman Miller chair (the Mirra). Cost me $400 from an office supply liquidator, or you could spend about $1000 brand new.

It’s the only way I can be truly comfortable at a desk for 7-10 hours a day.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#17

Post by the_gipsy »

20kleagues wrote: post #13

- A pair of wireless headphones with good battery life - A pair of wired earphones/headphones with an attached microphone in it for meetings - An external camera for meetings, or if you have a spare phone you can use Camo (or iPhone's continuity camera) to stream video from the phone as a camera. When combined with a good phone stand, this setup beats most external cameras. - A footstool/ottoman to rest your feet - I…

- Microphone

Should be above all. A camera is a nice to have, but a decent mic is a necessity.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#18

Post by presentation »

Someone1234 wrote: post #4

"Real" Chair (Steelcase / Herman Miller) and four-legged standing desk (better stability). Plus a handheld "mouse" (ELECOM Relacon) so when I'm reading I can stand differently or do light movement/exercise. Blowing $2.5K on a desk + chair is a lot, but also not a lot depending on your perspective.

Depends on the person RE the chair, some friends seem to get various pains with Herman Miller chairs, I see practically no difference having used one vs using cheapo ones. But if it works for you then more power to you!

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#19

Post by yeck »

Upgrading to a WI-FI mesh that worked well for my home has had the largest impact for me. I've always liked to be flexible with where I'm working in the house but many spots had very degraded WI-FI signals. Working in the backyard on a nice day, going upstairs and doing some laundry while in a more passive meeting or temporarily changing my "office" are all fine from a WI-FI perspective now.

I've also picked up a standing desk recently. While it is too soon to say, I think I'm already seeing a positive impact on my back. Getting that ergonomic desk setup is probably the more universally helpful thing.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#20

Post by stblack »

I am convinced that a good/great quality directional microphone with a pop-filter is a godsend for WFH. Here's why:

* Directionality matters because extraneous sounds in a home can be very distracting for listeners. For example, say the dishwasher is running. Or you answered a call before turning down the radio. Or a neighbor is mowing. Or, in a highrise, your balcony door is open.

* In conversation your semi-verbal cues like a tsk, a grunt, or an audible sigh can carry surprising weight. It's nice to know these can get through and convey how you feel without having to actually say it.

I consider my good microphone, mounted on an adjustable boom stand, complete with a pop-filter, along with some commonsense audio conveyance awareness, is my secret superpower.

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