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Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

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Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#21

Post by Someone1234 »

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?

By "real" I mean a chair actually designed for 7-hours a day 5-days a week usage and warrantied as such. Ergonomics and build quality is key. Expect to pay around $1K.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#22

Post by benjiweber »

Some of the things that make most difference to me

* Teleprompter so you can look at camera and the person you're talking to at the same time. Significantly reduces zoom fatigue for me.

* A bright key light. As well as meaning you can be seen on camera I've found it significantly improves my mood having a bright light in front of me that's diffuse enough to not dazzle.

* Bone conduction headphones are significantly more pleasant than traditional headphones/earphones for long days of meetings

* Decent microphone. Recommend Shotgun mic or lapel mic if you have ambient sound.

* Decent chair (good second hand options from failed startups)

* A decent camera (reused a mirrorless I already had)

* Decent coffee machine

* Large monitor

* Wacom tablet for diagraming

* Aircon (in UK this is uncommon but climate warming means it's unpleasant to be without for more of the year)

* Streamdeck for automating common tasks

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#23

Post by stephenitis »

richbell wrote: post #10
stephenitis wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

Presumably not a "gaming chair" or any of the other garbage that has become popular recently.

Thanks, I do think room aesthetics for people play a large role in their decisions. I just hope they don't keep sacrificing ergonomics.

The Herman Miller Embody is a wild mix of both at a $1,500-$2,000 price tag.

The kinds of chairs selling to gen z and millenials seem to be reflective of what the youtubers and streamers use.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#24

Post by bsenftner »

stephenitis wrote: post #8

I bought standing desk legs and attached it to a wodden desktop that fit my space perfectly. They are pretty easy to buy and install yourself, I got mine from amazon.

I second the standing desk recommendation. I've been working remote since '04, and a standing desk is very good for lower back issues.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#27

Post by stephenitis »

phrop wrote: post #14
stephenitis wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Since moving to the East coast, DC area. The quality of chairs on the aftermarket compared to CA is very poor.

It seems like few people / few company cares about their chair quality.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#28

Post by wood_spirit »

Money can’t buy happiness :)

I have worked from home almost continuously since 2002 and have only the most basic home office. It’s the end of the utility room which I have divided off, just wide enough for my seat, too small for a ‘proper’ desk so I’ve mounted a sheet of plywood as a tabletop. It’s heaven.

Re: Ask HN: Best WFH Purchases?

#29

Post by reacharavindh »

I took the time to run an Ethernet cable to my office and not rely on WiFi networks. Probably the best 30 mins I have ever spent in my work from home setup.

Also, a standing desk - but I only use it to vary the height just little bits while I sit…

A high resolution display that can show you text crisp and sharp.

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