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Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

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Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#41

Post by samwilliams »

seferphier wrote: post #22

i would say mechanical keyboard since we spend so much time on the computers. but the great mechanical keyboards are over $100...should be able to get a second hand one for cheap.

An excellent suggestion.

I have had Zalman ZM-K500 mechanical keyboard since September and I can honestly say that I love it. It is also substantially less than $100 (£37) [0]. The quality is not quite as nice as some of the more expensive mech keyboards out (the labels on my meta keys are rubbing off extraordinarily quickly...) there but it is leagues ahead of any of the membrane based keyboards I have tried.

[0] http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-ZM-K500-USB-Mechanical-Keyboa...

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#43

Post by rebelidealist »

Eliezer wrote: post #36

A slidebelt ($28). I recently bought one and it's superior to any belt I've ever owned. It instantly tightens if I want to run, and with only slightly less effort loosens. It's exactly the right tightness, no holes. If you're losing weight and the belt is sticking out too far, just take it out of the buckle, cut, replace it within the buckle. And since the makers don't have to worry about variable belt lengths, they…

This type of belt is really popular almost the standard in Asia.

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#44

Post by [deleted] »

Eliezer wrote: post #36

A slidebelt ($28). I recently bought one and it's superior to any belt I've ever owned. It instantly tightens if I want to run, and with only slightly less effort loosens. It's exactly the right tightness, no holes. If you're losing weight and the belt is sticking out too far, just take it out of the buckle, cut, replace it within the buckle. And since the makers don't have to worry about variable belt lengths, they…

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#45

Post by kzisme »

jfoster wrote: post #38

A Fitbit Flex. I was a bit overweight when I got mine, and it got me within the normal BMI range within 3 months. It's a very simple product (essentially just a Bluetooth enabled pedometer) but the lifestyle improvements (if you are motivated by the goals) are massive.

How exactly did it make you lose weight ? What goals/things does it do to promote a healthy lifestyle?

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#47

Post by kzisme »

bmajz wrote: post #9

Considering the benefits of exercise, a pair of running shoes and some resistance bands could go a long way. Those two small purchases helped me get in shape faster than any gym membership that I had in the past. That said, everybody's exercise preferences are different so get whatever you need to become active.

Have you ever dealt with shin splints if so, how?

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#48

Post by a_bonobo »

yelnatz wrote: post #34
a_bonobo wrote: post #8

An ebook reader. Both the cheapest version of the Kobo and the Kindle cost around USD60-70. I've gone from reading ~10 books per year to reading ~80 books per year, just because I always carry that thing with me since it's so small and light. I also save a ton of money since printed books are so expensive in Australia, and out-of-copyright books are free. The formatting of technical non-fiction books for e-readers ha…

You got my attention. Which reader do you recommend?

I have a third-generation Kindle 3G (edit: [2]), and I'm happy with it - since I never used a cover I got a few broken "pixels" on the display, but these are not very annoying, they look more like ink smudges. I'll probably get the new Paperwhite next (and definitely with a cover!).

For software I use Calibre, I have never used Amazon's own thing. If I buy from Amazon I use the USB cable and Calibre to transfer it, the WLAN/whispernet is always off. That way battery lasts for about a month and I don't get any "unexpected surprises" from Amazon [1]

I have held the Kobo in store and it's pretty much identical in terms of dimensions/clarity/weight. Not sure about the rest.

[1] Like this one: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18ama...

[2] Here's one on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Kindle-3rd-Generation-WI-FI-w...

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#49

Post by borplk »

jfoster wrote: post #38

A Fitbit Flex. I was a bit overweight when I got mine, and it got me within the normal BMI range within 3 months. It's a very simple product (essentially just a Bluetooth enabled pedometer) but the lifestyle improvements (if you are motivated by the goals) are massive.

I like the idea but I'd want one that keeps the data locally. Is there such thing?

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#50

Post by borplk »

WiseWeasel wrote: post #37
sehr wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Any recommendations monitor-wise?

Just bought this HP 27" 2560x1440 IPS LED one for $450, and it's changed my life! It has much higher contrast than my last monitor, as well as every other monitor I've seen. Note they also have it used for $350. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/828572-REG/HP_Hewlett_...

With that resolution have you had any problems with text being too small and with adjusting DPI settings?
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