Things I recommend you buy/use, first draft
Last week I was inspired by Robert Wiblin's post (https://medium.com/@robertwiblin/things-i-recommend-you-buy-and-use-rob-edition-1d7b2ce27d68) and decided to publish my own list. Here it is:
(I rate the "impact" each has on my life on a 1-5 scale, 5 = highest)
Electronics:
(I rate the "impact" each has on my life on a 1-5 scale, 5 = highest)
Electronics:
- iPhone (5): Although my digital life is consolidated around google services (see below), I've always found Android unintuitive and frustrating. While iOS isn't perfect, it's more secure and mostly a pleasure to use, especially when you add other devices and accessories. Overall integration is wonderful. (Con: not inexpensive)- Airpods (5): Just work. I normally use one earbud at a time and switch ears when battery runs low. Fast charging means always have power. Allows me to podcasts/music while phone is near but not physically with me (eg charging). Especially wonderful around water (eg pool/spa). (Con: easy to lose ... I'm on my 4th set)
- Apple Watch (3.5): I purchased a Series 2 years with thinking I'd probably return it, but was immediately surprised at its usefulness. The ability to "use" much of the iPhone's capabilities without taking the phone out is awesome. Primary uses: time/date/weather/calendar/reminders/timers and alarms; notifications/messages; podcast/audio control; passive health/activity monitoring; driving directions; other: misc like golf rangefinding. (Con: battery doesn't last past one very long day)
- Chromebox/chromebook (4): Inexpensive, super fast loading, and very easy to use. (Con: some software limitations but most services are moving to SAAS anyway)
- Google Home (3.5): Similar to my Apple Watch, I use it a lot more than expected. Voice commands much easier than phone to control alarms, audio, streaming TV, lights (see below), etc. I own 5, mostly minis.
- Chromecast (2): Good on its own, great when integrated with google home. I own 3 and always have one in my luggage to use at hotels.
Services:
- Vanguard (5): Lowest fees; only major financial services provider. Owned by customers not shareholders so their interest is your financial future, not maximizing profits (which usually comes at customers' expense)
- Podcasts (5): Early user (almost 20yrs). My #1 source of learning. I listen to many hours of content daily at 2x speed.
- Twitter (4.5): I heavily curate who I follow and it provides daily exposure to interesting ideas/discussions and ability to learn from and connect with the most smartest and most thoughtful people in the world. (Con: can be a time/emotion suck when you get drawn into a debate)
- Google Keep (4): Best way to take short term notes and sync across devices
- Pocket (3): Fast and easy way to save articles for batch reading later. Can "listen" to them.
- Google docs (2): Synced document access on all devices, easy to use, powerful collaboration tools and other features. Free.
Household/General
- Comfortable bed/pillow (5): Sleep is super important and we all do it a lot, do it as comfortably as possible
- Sharp knives (4): Much, much safer and easier to use than dull knives. Basic pull through two edge sharpener works for me.
- Disposable toilet wipes (4): much more comfortable and effective than toilet paper
- Sterilite plastic food containers (3.5): Standardized dimensions (each color has same LxW but multiple depth options) allows more efficient refrigerator/cupboard storage. Only manufacturer I've found where dimensions of different sizes/colors making "stacking" efficient. I recommend orange and green as 2 green = 1 orange.
- Vacuum insulated mugs (3): Enjoy hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Saving ice/reheating is environmentally and economically beneficial.
- Smart lights w led bulbs (3): Dimmable >> non-dimmable. I have large living/great room with 3 lamps located at far walls and enjoy bright room for normal activities and lower light for tv/movies and pre-bedtime. Voice control (through google home) saves multiple "trips" a day.
- Ryobi 12v lithium tools (2): Inexpensive, decent quality, well designed, and lightweight. Home Depot has great annual summer sale where you get a free tool under $100 when you buy a set of batteries, effectively 50% off. (Con: not as robust as professional grade tools, but who cares when they cost 1/3 the price)
- Car organizer (2): I like being "prepared" for various eventualities when "out". This is a way to do so in organized way.
- Keurig (2): Pod coffee is plenty "good enough" for me, and just easy and efficient, especially for single serving.
- Physical egg "timer" (1): I make soft boiled eggs almost weekly which can be hard to time correctly. Put this in with the eggs and it changes color as the eggs cook, allowing near perfect timing.
Shopping
Walmart Grocery Pickup (10): Most efficient way to buy groceries. Choose what you want and schedule a time next day and they bring it to your car! (Link gets you $10 off first order!)
Trader Joes (9): Easy to get in and out of their small stores. Great value and quality.
Costco (8): Always great value, gas typically 10-20 cents below lowest non-Costco station (Con: weekend/evening lines)
I know many of these will be banal to most people, but often what's banal to one person is a relevation to another.
Let me know what you think!
PS - I expect to update this in the future as I "notice" or discover more things. I just purchased a sleep mask on the recommendation of Rob and will report back.
- Chromebox/chromebook (4): Inexpensive, super fast loading, and very easy to use. (Con: some software limitations but most services are moving to SAAS anyway)
- Google Home (3.5): Similar to my Apple Watch, I use it a lot more than expected. Voice commands much easier than phone to control alarms, audio, streaming TV, lights (see below), etc. I own 5, mostly minis.
- Chromecast (2): Good on its own, great when integrated with google home. I own 3 and always have one in my luggage to use at hotels.
Services:
- Vanguard (5): Lowest fees; only major financial services provider. Owned by customers not shareholders so their interest is your financial future, not maximizing profits (which usually comes at customers' expense)
- Podcasts (5): Early user (almost 20yrs). My #1 source of learning. I listen to many hours of content daily at 2x speed.
- Twitter (4.5): I heavily curate who I follow and it provides daily exposure to interesting ideas/discussions and ability to learn from and connect with the most smartest and most thoughtful people in the world. (Con: can be a time/emotion suck when you get drawn into a debate)
- Google Keep (4): Best way to take short term notes and sync across devices
- Pocket (3): Fast and easy way to save articles for batch reading later. Can "listen" to them.
- Google docs (2): Synced document access on all devices, easy to use, powerful collaboration tools and other features. Free.
- Comfortable bed/pillow (5): Sleep is super important and we all do it a lot, do it as comfortably as possible
- Sharp knives (4): Much, much safer and easier to use than dull knives. Basic pull through two edge sharpener works for me.
- Disposable toilet wipes (4): much more comfortable and effective than toilet paper
- Sterilite plastic food containers (3.5): Standardized dimensions (each color has same LxW but multiple depth options) allows more efficient refrigerator/cupboard storage. Only manufacturer I've found where dimensions of different sizes/colors making "stacking" efficient. I recommend orange and green as 2 green = 1 orange.
- Vacuum insulated mugs (3): Enjoy hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Saving ice/reheating is environmentally and economically beneficial.
- Smart lights w led bulbs (3): Dimmable >> non-dimmable. I have large living/great room with 3 lamps located at far walls and enjoy bright room for normal activities and lower light for tv/movies and pre-bedtime. Voice control (through google home) saves multiple "trips" a day.
- Ryobi 12v lithium tools (2): Inexpensive, decent quality, well designed, and lightweight. Home Depot has great annual summer sale where you get a free tool under $100 when you buy a set of batteries, effectively 50% off. (Con: not as robust as professional grade tools, but who cares when they cost 1/3 the price)
- Car organizer (2): I like being "prepared" for various eventualities when "out". This is a way to do so in organized way.
- Keurig (2): Pod coffee is plenty "good enough" for me, and just easy and efficient, especially for single serving.
- Physical egg "timer" (1): I make soft boiled eggs almost weekly which can be hard to time correctly. Put this in with the eggs and it changes color as the eggs cook, allowing near perfect timing.
Shopping
Walmart Grocery Pickup (10): Most efficient way to buy groceries. Choose what you want and schedule a time next day and they bring it to your car! (Link gets you $10 off first order!)
Trader Joes (9): Easy to get in and out of their small stores. Great value and quality.
Costco (8): Always great value, gas typically 10-20 cents below lowest non-Costco station (Con: weekend/evening lines)
I know many of these will be banal to most people, but often what's banal to one person is a relevation to another.
Let me know what you think!
PS - I expect to update this in the future as I "notice" or discover more things. I just purchased a sleep mask on the recommendation of Rob and will report back.
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