Teeny teeny computers like the old MacBook Air. Mind you, I’m a workaholic and enjoy work. Buying computers that are usable but are so small you don’t mind carrying them around all day is a giant productivity hack. You can work on the bus, when your doctor runs late, etc.
Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
11–20 of 221 posts
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#12I don't know if "transformed my life" would be the right term but I always harp on to colleagues about my Polycom. I was skeptical when originally buying it but the purchase has ended up being one of my favourite things on my desk.
My laptop is docked and closed so using the built in mic and speaker isn't a great experience on remote calls. I don't like the experience of using headphones for a call because of the effect they have on how I perceive my own voice.
With the Polycom on my desk I just join a call, have everything set up automatically and get a great speaking/listening experience. Connectivity issues have been extremely rare and I can't remember the last time I needed to mess with settings unlike my Airpods which feel 50/50.
I personally have the Plantronics P7200 but there's many good options out there. Plus points for being able to expense it to my employers work from home allowance.
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#13headphones which were really good. blocks out all the noise in our “vibrant open” office
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#14I don't know if "transformed my life" would be the right term but I always harp on to colleagues about my Polycom. I was skeptical when originally buying it but the purchase has ended up being one of my favourite things on my desk. My laptop is docked and closed so using the built in mic and speaker isn't a great experience on remote calls. I don't like the experience of using headphones for a call because of the eff…
Which polycom device ?
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#15I don't know if "transformed my life" would be the right term but I always harp on to colleagues about my Polycom. I was skeptical when originally buying it but the purchase has ended up being one of my favourite things on my desk. My laptop is docked and closed so using the built in mic and speaker isn't a great experience on remote calls. I don't like the experience of using headphones for a call because of the eff…
Which polycom device ?
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#16I'll second spending money on a chair. Spend as much as is required to find one that works for you.
After years of compromising and not wanting to spend what looks on the surface like silly money on a chair, I splashed out on a Herman Miller Mirra 2.
It's so comfortable that I'm pretty sure I could sit on it for the rest of my life and I'd never be in any pain, and it's in its 10th year of service without anything breaking, degrading or wobbling.
Best investment I've ever made!
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#17I'll second spending money on a chair. Spend as much as is required to find one that works for you. After years of compromising and not wanting to spend what looks on the surface like silly money on a chair, I splashed out on a Herman Miller Mirra 2. It's so comfortable that I'm pretty sure I could sit on it for the rest of my life and I'd never be in any pain, and it's in its 10th year of service without anything br…
We have the Mirra 2s at the office and I'll second this. Great chairs!
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#18The Aeron actually works great for me, but I realize each person's body is different. In my case, it relieves pressure on my lower back, where I've had a lot of bone density loss due to a medical condition.
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#19A Valvomo Netsurfer chair - made work comfortable again
Re: Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life?
#20Trackball mouse - took several days to learn, and no more carpal tunnel syndrome or fore-arm tension in general.