Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#1

Post by ytwombly » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 7:20 PM UTC

I'm a front-end engineer who is curious about how best to capitalize on a job perk.

Instead of providing me a computer, my employer just offers a $2000 stipend. I wonder if there are more interesting ideas than simply buying the latest Macbook Pro.

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#2

Post by denlekke » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 7:23 PM UTC

i place a lot of value on computer interfaces, so monitors or stands, headphones and microphones, camera, keyboard and mouse

depending on the limits, chair and desk are also items i've been happy to spend more on

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#3

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 7:31 PM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#4

Post by bell-cot » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 7:31 PM UTC

Great chair, to be good to your back.

Great monitor(s), to be good to your eyes.

(Unless your computer and/or input devices are pretty marginal, the next priority is your desk.)

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#5

Post by nickstinemates » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 7:43 PM UTC

Investing in all of the comforts in a place I spend >8hrs per day has

a) made working without them tough

b) all of the difference in the world.

Good chair, good keyboard, good mic/vid/audio, monitor, PC, etc. are vital. If it's a remote job I would seriously consider eschewing a laptop and building a good static spot/"office" with a PC.

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#6

Post by brailsafe » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 7:58 PM UTC

idk if $2000 would get you a worthwhile MacBook, unless it's yours to keep. If it's yours to keep than definitely spend it to subsidize your own macbook pro, if you don't have a really good chair or really good monitor. If you like coffee, you could use it on an incredibly good grinder.

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#7

Post by minimaul » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 8:15 PM UTC

$2000 only buys the absolute base model 14”, so it doesn’t give you much to play with.

If you are expecting to buy a laptop & accessories out of that, you’re going to struggle :/

That said, I always recommend a good external monitor, a comfortable keyboard and mouse/trackball/touchpad, and a good chair.

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#8

Post by spikefromspace » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 8:16 PM UTC

Chair, proper mount/shelf for monitor height, keyboard, mouse, plants, fidgety things, lighting, speakers . Just a little list of things that helped for me. Microphone setup is nice too but i didnt get many complaints and ran out of my budget.

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#9

Post by yurishimo » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 8:30 PM UTC

I mean, you probably need a computer. You could use your personal machine for a little bit, but if something happens to it (stolen, damage, etc) good luck convincing your boss to replace it if they are stingy with money.

I would probably spend 1500 on a computer the first year, and then maybe a used Herman Miller chair if you can find one. That would be an amazing bang for your buck. Next year, you'll have a lot more wiggle room to play with. Finally, check with your boss about purchasing gift cards with your excess stipend to use next year. If they will let you carry it over then that won't be necessary.

Re: Ask HN: How would you spend a $2000 technology stipend?

#10

Post by pizza » Wed, Dec 28, 2022, 8:30 PM UTC

1) Huge + high refresh-rate monitor with low input latency and deep vibrant colors. Probably something 16:9 or even 16:10 aspect ratio. Maybe even two monitors, and you keep one of them in vertical orientation.

I have a DWQHD (i.e. 32:9, the equivalent of 2 1440p monitors side-by-side) but I think it's better suited for gaming than programming, tbh.

2) Good adjustable chair, preferably with high backrest that supports your neck and shoulders.

3) Ergonomic desk setup. Just yesterday I was at a bad desk for an hour and for the first time in ages could feel neck pain! Wow, I thought to myself, I had forgotten all about that.. Sometimes you can find great deals on used standing desks on e.g. NextDoor

4) Good headphones (really partial to my Audio Technica MX50's)

5) iPad with GoodNotes installed + Apple Pencil

6) Small kvm switch, if you have multiple computers

7) usb-c hub

8) huge mousepad + good mouse at a comfortable sensitivity

9) a nice mechanical keyboard that feels good to type on. I personally am convinced that the tactile response helps me to type more fluidly and with less thought.

10) a license to an IDE with great refactoring tools. In other words JetBrains stuff, unless there's another great way to roll it w/ neovim