Ask HN: What work/office purchase transformed your life? For me, it was purchasing a stressless recliner as my primary "office chair". I had tried a standing desk, kneeling chair, herman miller aeron, and many others. But I always ended up with various parts of my body hurting or tightening up, for example, my hips felt tight on the aeron due to my shorter stature. Switching to a stressless recliner, my body is way more relaxed now and easily productive for hours. |
These have made Teams calls so much easier to deal with.
- OK, except the MacBook Pro. That transformed my life. Portable, powerful, long battery life, super-usable.
- OK, and Raycast (https://www.raycast.com/), too. Raycast has transformed my life. I resisted Raycast for a long time, because I already owned Alfred and I thought that Raycast was hipster junk for people unaware of Alfred. I was so wrong.
All my common statements and actions are now down to quick launch and hotkeys with a lot of GPT integration thrown in (eg. "Check spelling and grammar", "Improve writing", "Summarize text", etc).
I've been trying to stick with cross-platform apps as much as possible so that I can eventually move back to Linux, but Raycast is that exception. I pay for the Pro license. And yes, I've played with Albert and (I think) KRunner on Linux.
I could do most of this with Alfred, Albert, or KRunner, but Raycast is so much more polished and has so much less friction when extending it.
- Standing desk: https://www.amazon.com/Flexispot-Standing-Adjustable-Electri...
- Electric Kettle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEQDEZA/
- Light therapy lamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H39NDL/
- AA battery flashlight: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G75P1SC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b... I use this thing all the time.
I was nervous going from a USB-charging, albeit larger flashlight to something that takes AA batteries, but this is way easier. When the thing is dead, it's not useless for 2 hours until it's charged up enough. I go to the office battery drawer, retrieve another AA, pop it in and I'm good immediately. In actuality, I keep a spare AA battery in my daily backpack and rotate it out.
- TNF Surge 2023 backpack: https://www.amazon.com/NORTH-FACE-Commuter-Laptop-Backpack/ I moved to this from a Goruck GR1 (which I still use outside of work). The Surge backpacks change all the time. I have a couple from past years -- they aren't that great.
It has a lot of pockets to stash things, the bottle holders aren't stupid. It's ergonomic. The chest strap has a whistle which I use all the time to get people's attention. It holds a 16" MBP and an iPad easily. It's light. The fabric on this particular color is quite rain resistant. Don't watch the YouTube reviews for the 2023, most of them are reviewing a substantially inferior 2023 prototype model before they improved a bunch of things.
- Foam rollers. Doesn't matter which, just buy one with decent ratings.
- Balance board. Nice little core workout and kinda fun when you're noodling on a problem. I bought the crappy plastic one that was on Shark Tank. Don't buy that one. Instead, buy one of these from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=balance+board
I use them for everything from code, config, and script generation to completing trouble tickets (open ticket, get problem and have AI summarize it and make it readable because people can’t English anymore, make a determination/guess on the fix (eg. firewall or other system update), generate the fix commands snippet and ask me if I want to apply them or cancel. Most of these steps is a Python/Ruby/Shell script that takes input from the script in the previous step. I try to keep the scripts small and atomic.
I have a semi-secret obsession with automating nearly all the routine parts of my job and eliminating cognitive load so I can focus on more productive and creative tasks.
I had the same issue of tight hips/pain when sitting up straight and I found doing hamstring stretches and some core work a couple times per week fixed the issue for me
Something I learned was that a lot of time tight hips or lower back pain is actually due to tight hamstrings
- Kinesis Advantage 2 keyboard (with QMK Stapleberg mod via Teensy microcontroller). This way I get the advantage of the extremely ergonomic keyboard + plus the benefit of it being highly configurable/programmable via C (QMK)
- adjustable desk
- ergonomic chair (got it second hand from a furniture store that buys from businesses that are closing down offices; essentially an 1.5k chair for $200 in good condition)
Software-wise
- learning vim/nvim (long term commitment but after a few years it starts bearing fruit and I’m more productive on it than any other tools I’ve used
- raycast (powerful, highly configurable Mac OS launcher)
- using a clipboard (I use the Raycast built in one; have a dedicated key for it)
- vimium (vim motions in browser)
- benefits of vim and vimium is that I don’t use mouse much and so my shoulder doesn’t hurt (from moving back and from from keyboard and mouse) and I don’t use the mouse scroller (biggest killer for hand pain for me)
Which emulator do you use or did you write your own ?
https://evoluent.com/products/vm4rw/
My wrist would ached so much when working at a computer until I started using it. Then got a PERIBOARD-409 keyboard (https://www.amazon.com/Perixx-PERIBOARD-409U-Mini-Keyboard-1...) that would allow me to keep the mouse closer to the keyboard.
I am physically disabled from severing my spine. This changed my experience of being at the desk.
Last time I looked (a few years ago) the Air was far and away the best performer.
It's the first chair to make me sit comfortably & correctly [1].
Also transformational were:
* Corne split keyboard
* Benq e-reading lamp
* Galaxy Tab S8+
* Sit/stand desk
* Cheap foldable laptop stand from AliExpress (laptops by default seem terrible for posture).
[1] https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/08/13/6360250...
wondering how others are using them these days.
I also bought a split ergonomic keyboard (Dygma Raise), and now I hate typing on every other keyboard.
- Humanscale Freedom chair with headrest, gel seat and gel arm rests
- Accell Thunderbolt 4 Docking station, 96W USB-C w/ 2x Dell 2715q
- Logitech MX Master mouse & MX Keys keyboard
- Fry's mousepad
- Xiaomi Mi Monitor Light Bar w/ remote
- STM Myth 18L Laptop Backpack
- Jabra Speak 510
In my case this was done by moving to a larger house with a seperate office, but this could easily be a shed, a wework, or a rented commercial suite, but the separation really helped.
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!
I keep them on a wooden stand on my desk, plugged into an Apogee Duet 3 interface.
I think a split keyboard will be my next investment, based on the comments in this thread.
Seriously nothing compares to the typing experience of split keyboard. Open shoulders are great, relaxed arms and wrists is a blessing, then there are layers. Those are sooooo awesome when used in correct way!
It has really been amazing experience. I can't imagine going to normal keyboards.
Having an external monitor behind my laptop screen allows me to change the focal distance of my eyes back and forth, so that's probably good for the eyes.
I'd tried some inexpensive ones, and I'd read about how nothing can cancel all noise. Nonetheless, the Bose are far better than the earlier inexpensive ones that had soured me on the idea. I've never tried the Sony's, but I've read (ha!) that they're fairly comparable.
And the Bose I can wear all day without discomfort. Also not true of other pairs I'd tried.
I'm out of that environment, now, but the amount of stress I might have saved myself...?
My QC 35 II's may have been defective; despite very attentive care with them, the ear pads started failing within a year. :-( Nonetheless, if they were my only option and I were again in such an environment, I'd begrudgingly (because they should last longer) pay that every year.
P.S. I can't listen to music while working. I just need peace and quiet. Maybe a gentle sound of waves in the background, or the like, but nothing my brain/attention will "lock onto" and try -- whether I want it to or not -- to interpret.
P.P.S. Skip the Bose 700's. Known for being notably less comfortable. A clear mistake in redesign that had since been reversed in newer models (but the 700's are still for sale).
I've used so many SQL GUIs and DataGrip is better than all of them in every way. From the top notch intellisense to the great GUI with safe and commitable changes, there's just so much that blows everyone else out of the water. I spent two years at one job settling for SequelPro, an old freeware MacOS SQL client. What the hell was wrong with me? For $8 a month, I could have felt much more comfortable and been more effective in my development.
I refunded my purchase.
I am curious how you went about learning all the features. There just seems to be so many and it can be a bit overwhelming.
Really 95% of the time I'm just using the code editor, intellisense, and search everywhere (shift shift shift). I'm glad the other features are there but it's totally fine to slowly discover them.
I think by default it also launches with a tip of the day feature, which you can manually browse through to see many of the tricks.
For the price of a coffee (and maybe a bagel) once a month, you get access to something that can save you hours a week. And if you ever stop subscribing, you can keep using the last licensed version you have, just without further upgrades. I don't think there is a better value anywhere in the software world. It costs even less (and gives way more) than MS Office.
If you need more than one IDE, it's more expensive, but still not bad at all. They also give free licenses to FOSS maintainers, along with significant discounts for startups, education, nonprofits, etc.
Each IDE is configured to:
- Not reformat code on its own
- Ignore whitespace
- Run `prettier` as a pre-commit hook
Those settings are saved to `.editorconfig` where possible, or to each IDE's repo-specific folder (e.g. `.idea`).
Then in theory each developer can use whatever IDE they want, whatever whitespace settings they want (tabs vs spaces), and the end code committed to the repo is still the same. It took a commit or three to set up and work out all the kinks, but afterward it ran flawlessly.
I enjoy it, but don't feel that many advantages over VSCode for my flow. (unfortuntely)
I spend a lot more on on-the-go gear than office stuff.
* Tile Trackers
* Vacuum insulated water bottles, food jars, and a coffee mug
* A decent phone
* A MOLLE backpack(SOG Ninja) and accessories.
* A headlamp (Sofirn HS10, it's tiny and USB-C rechargeable)
* Zero drop barefoot shoes
* An ultra slim neck wallet
* An A5 6-ring planner for the rare occasions I'm using real paper
* Duplicate home and backpack copies of things like USB chargers
My latest purchase is some 1.8mm reflective cord.
Tied around a carabiner at both ends, so I can quickly clip my keys to my belt with one of those tactical belt hangar things, and ensure they don't fall out of my pocket.
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/ebfcff/moscow-russia-29th-nov-2014...
RealForce R3S TKL, 30g. I returned a Kinesis 360 and got this instead. None of the reviews helped, and tbf, it's not easy to explain the difference or value of optical programmable switches until you use them. Note: I broke my hand a lifetime ago, and it just wasn't mechanically able to fit the 360's ergonomics. You have to be well to stay well, I guess.
Air purifiers. Breathe well.
High CRI lighting. Your lights can be for more than helping you not bump into things. I feel like I'm seeing our home for the first time, and I need less light to prevent strain or fatigue while reading, etc.
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.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087FRRDN9/?ie=UTF8&th=1
I have one and it's rock solid.
- A very large desk with a ton of space to tinker with things. I got an corner desk, with one wing holding an electronics workbench, and the other kept clean for working on my 3d printer or camera or taxes, etc. PC is in the center
- Monitor arms, they are just night and day better than stands
- More monitors, I went up to 3, but I've been thinking of adding more or swapping one with a lg dual up
- Stream Deck, really nice to add macros to your workflow. It's also got nice integrations with Teams and Discord for helping with calls
- Wireless headset, I use a steel series one. Very nice to be able to get up and get water or a snack during a meeting and not miss anything
- EInk notebook, I hate typing notes, and this replaced my pile of scratch pads
- Nvidia Broadcast, noise cancellation you can apply to both yourself and the shit audio your boss's laptop mic makes
Not a purchase, but I've taken the time to make some simple scripts to improve my workflow lately and it's been great. I have one that I use multiple times a day that just turns on my webcam and light, then opens OBS in virtual cam mode. When I close OBS it turns off the cam and light. It may just change 4 clicks to 1 click but it's quite nice in practice.
It is windows only, but it is fast, allows quickly setting manual anchor points (I miss this horribly when doing git diffs via vimdiff), and has converters for common file formats like doc and pdf (extracts the text and then does the diff).
I use it for both work and home. In addition to code diff, it's great for comparing things like PDFs of insurance renewals, to see what has changed.
It's the best $30 I've ever spent on software.
But I should probably take a look again and see how it compares now, because I can only imagine what vulnerabilities might lurk in CompareIt!'s stale PDF/Word/etc. viewers.
Almost any code movement/indentation changes seem to yield messy diffs in vimdiff, while CompareIt! (and others like Beyond Compare) could deal with huge movement and let you see what actually changed.
I used to bike to work but as soon as I sat down at my desk I felt like I was cutting my body at the waist. My lower body/legs were some kind of passive appendage stuck to my chair.
The first week of working while standing I kept looking for a chair to sit on, it was really distracting and I felt tired.
I bought a saddle stool with enough height so that I can transfer back and forth between standing and sitting. The stool has no back support and my legs are still fairly straight (like sitting on a bar stool) so my body is still much more active than just sitting in a chair.
Definitely life-changing. I have suffered from lower back pain all my life. If I have to go back to sitting in a chair for more than a few days I feel my back starting to lock up. In the standing/saddle configuration this doesn't happen.
Here is a random example: https://shop.lfhair.com.au/product/saddle-stool-ch-841/
I debated getting something like the Freestyle 2, but I had a suspicion the the curvature following the shape of your hand was going to be a key feature, and I think I was right. No regrets.
I don't really have ergo problems like other people though, and a regular 10 key Filco Majestouch 2 is my daily driver now. But I did like the Freestyle when I used it. It's worthwhile to get the angular stand kit that is an addon when you buy it (I believe it cost an extra $30 USD or so when I got it, but that was years ago)
-48” 4k OLED screen. A single large screen, combined with a tiling window manager, is just so much better than multiple smaller monitors. I typically have my IDE taking up 2/3 of the screen and my browser covering the other 1/3 - but I can easily adjust this depending on my needs. Plus it’s got HDR and a decent refresh rate (120hz) so it’s great for playing games too. It’s technically a tv, not a monitor, but it has a “PC mode” that fixes text rendering and enables vsync.
https://help.boox.com/hc/en-us/articles/10701398359572-Integ...
I loathe the idea of paying a subscription for a device I am already paying money for but I find pen and paper way more liberating than a computer. I am very tempted by e-ink notebooks as they feel somewhere in between the two
I tried lots of USB-C docks/dongles and finally gave in and got a decent lower-end Thunderbolt dock from Anker. No more juggling multiple cables to get 4K60. Single cable solution to dock my MacBook Pro and run pretty much anything.
It isn't currently in my office, but a cheap recumbent stationary bike has been a good help to knock out some cardio when I have a break.
Well top is really the M1 Pro MacBook Pro. Fast, silent and 95% of the time I don't even think about battery life. A big improvement over my 2019 i9 MBP.
Related, also maybe my 12.9" iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard cover. It's a 2018 with a dying battery but it makes a great book reader, video viewer, spare monitor, etc. With the keyboard case it's decent for writing or remote terminal work. It's become my "couch laptop" and what I throw in the car in case I get stuck waiting for something or someone.
I've got a cheap standing desk but meh - mostly sit at it but being able to change height even for sitting is nice. Cheap-ish Tempur-Pedic office chair works pretty well for me. Creative Pebble Pro speakers were a big improvement over my previous ones with analog input and a subwoofer I kept kicking. Anker C200 webcam and Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB microphone were cheap upgrades for calls. A clamp-on cupholder that keeps my drink stable and away from possible spills onto my MacBook is a win. A few external SSDs for Time Machine etc.
- A decent backpack with space for a) a whole set of USB cords b) a small hand tools kit and c) a small cutlery set. Having dedicated cords and tools for just my backpack is nice, and a nice cutlery set is good for meetings and out in the field when I don't want to waste single-use plastic.
Pressing the scroll wheel button is a little stiffer than my previous mouses, but you adapt quick enough. I find the middle finger lifts off and behind the index finger to give a little extra help.
It's a wonderfully designed piece of kit and I highly recommend it to anyone who works on a computer or is a PC gamer (edit: now that I think about it, it should also work on most modern consoles, but I can't vouch for that).
Really!
I never used them and after receiving them as a "gift" I started loving using em.
They really help me manage both: job and private stuff!
Perfect to pollute your home in a permanent and irreversible way.
Are they safe?
Another would be a standing desk with an Ergodriven Topo Mat. I stand 99% of the time. I don't even own an office chair anymore. My back feels much better (I really feel better overall). My feet hurt pretty bad in the morning, right after I wake up, though. But a worthy tradeoff.
Another would a Audient EVO 4 audio interface. It lets me mix ambient sound from my mic with my music (sometimes I like to hear my wife and kids or my mechanical keyboard, other times I do not).
Lastly would be an AirDoctor.
Dragon medical dictation and now dragon one dictation. I don't agree with their frankly predatory end of life discontinuation to not activate any more licenses for the former, but man is it convenient. Just gives my hands and mind a break.
If you have suggestions for another ergonomic keyboard I'm all ears! My work one stopped working with my corporate laptop this week and I can't figure it out. Most of what I've seen doesn't have F-keys which are essential for me.
I also like a good mic and good webcam (currently using a dslr).
Also having a large thermos of water at arms length.
second best purchase was a quality all-mesh office chair (locally purchased Ioo in my case, similar to aeron). My primary motivation was coping with heatwaves in the southern/top floor apartment (it worked great). Generally high quality and comfort warranted a second purchase for my wife after ~6 years. I was sceptical about ageing of the mesh material over the years, but after ~8 years of use you can hardly tell it apart from a freshly unboxed chair.
2. I registered for a free Canvas account on Instructute.com and now build courses to teach everything I learn.
3. Deciding that upgrading my PC's system unit would wait as I bought new peripherals, like 43" 4k TV as monitors, a better keyboard, a DSLR, etc.
4. Used Xeon-powered workstations, then learning to upgrade them.
5. Learning that the best things in life are free, like large-format color copiers on CraigsList that have a small and fixable issue, but are too heavy yo move without renting a commercial truck with a lift gate.
6. A VPN so I could pirate books and audio books.
apparently https://www.instructure.com/
Another great buy was the Cal-Digit TS4. It's hooked up to two monitors, a WD SSD for Time Machine backups, and Ethernet.
Also if you drop them the earbuds always go flying.
Indoors, I use AirPod Max. They have the same benefits. They are really overpriced, but I can use them all day without any negative effects. The quality is superb.
One caveat: don't workout in them. They have issues with moisture.
The sound is great and the Bluetooth pairing is excellent though.
Bought the gen 2 USB-C ones as soon as they got discounted and love them. The noise cancellation is noticeably improved. I'm mostly fine with the stock tips but do have some of the Comply foam tips which give a little tighter seal.
It's handy even when not on your head since you can angle it almost anywhere.
I've been really thinking about getting a pair of Keen Sparta 2 work shoes though because I keep randomly doing stuff where safety toes would probably be a good thing.
I also spend probably under $50 a year, total, on all clothes and shoes together, so I'm not exactly an expert.
Was the prostate issue weak flow or something else if you don't mind me asking? I tried a HM Embody and returned it because it felt like it was pushing my shoulders too far forward / causing rounding. My 'pelvic issue' did seem slightly improved when I was using the HM Embody but I never seen anyone else mention the two together. Maybe I should try it again!
Which air purifiers do you recommend?
I’ve got two 3M filtrete filters, some activated charcoal sitting in front of them, and a small duct fan to pull air through it all. (Build information is in this comment and the one reply: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37223106). For what a filter rated for 600sqft would have cost me, I instead got one that can do 3,000sqft. Or more usefully less space with more air changes per hour (like ten per hour instead of two).
I’ve got a $600-ish German air quality monitor that says it does what it should, which makes sense because as long as you’re pulling air through the filters… they’re gonna filter.
If you’re looking smaller scale, you can buy sheets of activated charcoal and sheets of MERV13 filter material. A little 120mm fan and a tiny filter box could run pretty quietly in an office and do the trick.
However I think the most important advice I’d give (and also the cheapest!) is to, unless you’re in a _heavily_ polluted area, open your windows. No air filter you’re going to get will remove CO2 and once you start measuring it you’d be amazed/horrified how quickly it builds up indoors to “brain fog” levels.
If you have to have UV, make sure the ozone produced has somewhere to go.
Thirteen years on my Embody so far, it’s doing fine.
Edit: Also, any 200+ ppi display. My old eyes need the extra pixels to read comfortably.
I’m kind of addicted to that.
> Note that they were really tight when I got them and I saw a post on reddit about bending the top bar to make them looser. Before doing it I couldn't wear them more than an hour at a time. Now I can wear them all day.
I found the comment:
https://www.reddit.com/r/airpods/comments/mpjwp8/finally_sol...
Regarding the AirPod Pro's... I can't wear them for even 30 minutes without pain, but I will look into the suggested tips. With the original tips, how long can you wear them?
The NC isn't hugely better, but the transparent mode is kickass. I use it all the time.
I think they are overpriced, but after more than a year with them I'm happy I have them.
Note that they were really tight when I got them and I saw a post on reddit about bending the top bar to make them looser. Before doing it I couldn't wear them more than an hour at a time. Now I can wear them all day.
I have a bias against Sony, for many reasons (over the years), though I have no doubt their headphones are really good, too.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/3m-pfa-forever-chemicals-lawsu...
> 3M to pay at least $10.3B to settle 'forever chemical' drinking water lawsuits in U.S.
https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ph_unit_0279...
A good quality CO2 monitor (e.g Aranet) is a worthwhile investment.
It’s interesting because I’ve seen this CO2 anxiety on HN and Twitter before but I’ve never found any solid rationale for people to worry about CO2 concentrations at those magnitudes. Part of me wonders where this idea came from. Hopefully it isn’t just a ploy to sell CO2 monitors.
This is what ChatGPT has to say on the subject:-
The difference in acceptable CO2 levels between submarines and office buildings is due to different environmental and operational constraints.
Enclosed Environment: Submarines operate in a highly enclosed environment where air cannot be easily exchanged with the outside. This leads to a natural accumulation of CO2, making higher levels unavoidable.
Air Filtration and Recycling: Submarines are equipped with advanced air filtration and CO2 scrubbing systems to manage air quality. These systems can handle higher CO2 levels effectively, unlike typical office HVAC systems.
Occupational Health Standards: Office buildings adhere to civilian occupational health standards that prioritize comfort and long-term health, aiming to minimize any impact on cognitive functions and overall well-being of the occupants.
Operational Necessity: Submarines often have to remain submerged for extended periods without venting or taking in fresh air. The operational demands and limitations necessitate tolerating higher CO2 levels.
Adaptation and Training: Submarine crews are trained and gradually adapted to higher CO2 levels, something that is not feasible or necessary for office environments.
The higher tolerance for CO2 in submarines is a trade-off between operational needs and environmental constraints, whereas office buildings prioritize occupant comfort and health under normal environmental conditions.
You can psych yourself into feeling anything if you buy a machine that displays numbers and prime yourself to get anxious if the number goes up. Why would you buy this machine in the first place, if not because someone convinced you that you should be anxious about whatever numbers it might display? It’s a circular argument grounded in marketing.
> Submarines are equipped with advanced air filtration and CO2 scrubbing systems to manage air quality. These systems can handle higher CO2 levels effectively, unlike typical office HVAC systems.
The question is the CO2 level in the air that the humans are breathing. Obviously the systems on a submarine or spacecraft are going to be more powerful than the systems in a normal building because they can’t just exchange air with the outside. That’s like saying you need a better heating system in Alaska than you do in Hawaii. That doesn’t mean you have to set your thermostat to 50 degrees if you live in Alaska. You can still set it to 70 degrees. Likewise, if it was important or necessary for a spacecraft or submarine to provide 600ppm CO2 concentration to the crew that is responsible for safely maintaining that vessel, they would be designed to that specification. They aren’t because it isn’t necessary.
I’ve seen evidence that 3000ppm is more comfortable and desirable than 5000ppm, but nothing to suggest that 1200ppm is of any concern.
And frankly, it’s insulting to my “general intelligence” that you would have ChatGPT (which is not an AGI) argue with me in the first place. One would expect GPT’s reasoning here to have flaws which a moment of critical thinking can uncover. Now that I have done so, do you have any thoughts of your own to provide?
