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authorVincent Ambo <mail@tazj.in>2020-06-26T19·25+0100
committertazjin <mail@tazj.in>2020-06-26T19·33+0000
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chore(tazjin): Move //web/blog & //web/homepage to my userdir r/1087
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Reviewed-on: https://cl.tvl.fyi/c/depot/+/603
Reviewed-by: tazjin <mail@tazj.in>
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+In the spirit of various other "Which X do you use?"-pages I thought it would be
+fun to have a little post here that describes which tools I've found to work
+well for myself.
+
+When I say "tools" here, it's not about software - it's about real, physical
+tools!
+
+If something goes on this list that's because I think it's seriously a
+best-in-class type of product.
+
+<!-- markdown-toc start - Don't edit this section. Run M-x markdown-toc-refresh-toc -->
+- [Media & Tech](#media--tech)
+    - [Keyboard](#keyboard)
+    - [Speakers](#speakers)
+    - [Headphones](#headphones)
+        - [Earphones](#earphones)
+    - [Phone](#phone)
+- [Other stuff](#other-stuff)
+    - [Toothbrush](#toothbrush)
+    - [Shavers](#shavers)
+    - [Shoulder bag](#shoulder-bag)
+    - [Wallet](#wallet)
+<!-- markdown-toc end -->
+
+---------
+
+# Media & Tech
+
+## Keyboard
+
+The best keyboard that money will buy you at the moment is the [Kinesis
+Advantage][advantage]. There's a variety of contoured & similarly shaped
+keyboards on the market, but the Kinesis is the only one I've tried that has
+properly implemented the keywell concept.
+
+I struggle with RSI issues and the Kinesis actually makes it possible for me to
+type for longer periods of time, which always leads to extra discomfort on
+laptop keyboards and such.
+
+Honestly, the Kinesis is probably the best piece of equipment on this entire
+list. I own several of them and there will probably be more in the future. They
+last forever and your wrists will thank you in the future, even if you do not
+suffer from RSI yet.
+
+[advantage]: https://kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage2/
+
+## Speakers
+
+The speakers that I've hooked up to my audio setup (including both record player
+& Chromecast / TV) are the [Teufel Motiv 2][motiv-2]. I've had these for over a
+decade and they're incredibly good, but unfortunately Teufel no longer makes
+them.
+
+It's possible to grab a pair on eBay occasionally, so keep an eye out if you're
+interested!
+
+[motiv-2]: https://www.teufelaudio.com/uk/pc/motiv-2-p167.html
+
+## Headphones
+
+I use the [Bose QC35][qc35] (note: link goes to a newer generation than the one
+I own) for their outstanding noise cancelling functionality and decent sound.
+
+When I first bought them I didn't expect them to end up on this list as the
+firmware had issues that made them only barely usable, but Bose has managed to
+iron these problems out over time.
+
+I avoid using Bluetooth when outside and fortunately the QC35 come with an
+optional cable that you can plug into any good old 3.5mm jack.
+
+[qc35]: https://www.bose.co.uk/en_gb/products/headphones/over_ear_headphones/quietcomfort-35-wireless-ii.html
+
+### Earphones
+
+Actually, to follow up on the above - most of the time I'm not using (over-ear)
+headphones, but (in-ear) earphones - specifically the (**wired!!!**) [Apple
+EarPods][earpods].
+
+Apple will probably stop selling these soon because they've gotten into the
+habit of cancelling all of their good products, so I have a stash of these
+around. You will usually find no fewer than 3-4 of them lying around in my
+flat.
+
+[earpods]: https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MNHF2ZM/A/earpods-with-35mm-headphone-plug
+
+## Phone
+
+The best phone I have used in recent years is the [iPhone SE][se]. It was the
+*last* phone that had a reasonable size (up to 4") *and* a 3.5mm headphone jack.
+
+Unfortunately, it runs iOS. Despite owning a whole bunch of SEs, I have finally
+moved on to an Android phone that is only moderately larger (still by an
+annoying amount), but does at least have a headphone jack: The [Samsung Galaxy
+S10e][s10e].
+
+It has pretty good hardware and I can almost reach 70% of the screen, which is
+better than other phones out there right now. Unfortunately it runs Samsung's
+impossible-to-remove bloatware on top of Android, but that is still less
+annoying to use than iOS.
+
+QUESTION: This is the only item on this list for which I am actively seeking a
+replacement, so if you have any tips about new phones that might fit these
+criteria that I've missed please let me know!
+
+[se]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone_SE
+[s10e]: https://www.phonearena.com/phones/Samsung-Galaxy-S10e_id11114
+
+# Other stuff
+
+## Toothbrush
+
+The [Philips Sonicare][sonicare] (note: link goes to a newer generation than
+mine) is excellent and well worth its money.
+
+I've had it for a few years and whereas I occasionally had minor teeth issues
+before, they seem to be mostly gone now. According to my dentist the state of my
+teeth is now usually pretty good and I draw a direct correlation back to this
+thing.
+
+The newer generations come with flashy features like apps and probably more
+LEDs, but I suspect that those can just be ignored.
+
+[sonicare]: https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-pe/electric-toothbrushes
+
+## Shavers
+
+The [Philipps SensoTouch 3D][sensotouch] is excellent. Super-comfortable close
+face shave in no time and leaves absolutely no mess around, as far as I can
+tell! I've had this for ~5 years and it's not showing any signs of aging yet.
+
+Another bonus is that its battery time is effectively infinite. I've never had
+to worry when bringing it on a longer trip!
+
+[sensotouch]: https://www.philips.co.uk/c-p/1250X_40/norelco-sensotouch-3d-wet-and-dry-electric-razor-with-precision-trimmer
+
+## Shoulder bag
+
+When I moved to London I wanted to stop using backpacks most of the time, as
+those are just annoying to deal with when commuting on the tube.
+
+To work around this I wanted a good shoulder bag with a vertical format (to save
+space), but it turned out that there's very few of those around that reach any
+kind of quality standard.
+
+The one I settled on is the [Waterfield Muzetto][muzetto] leather bag. It's one
+of those things that comes with a bit of a price tag attached, but it's well
+worth it!
+
+[muzetto]: https://www.sfbags.com/collections/shoulder-messenger-bags/products/muzetto-leather-bag
+
+## Wallet
+
+My wallet is the [Bellroy Slim Sleeve][slim-sleeve]. I don't carry cash unless
+I'm attending an event in Germany and this wallet fits that lifestyle perfectly.
+
+It's near indestructible, looks great, is very slim and fits a ton of cards,
+business cards, receipts and whatever else you want to be lugging around with
+you!
+
+[slim-sleeve]: https://bellroy.com/products/slim-sleeve-wallet/default/charcoal