# simple living reference

evolution:

* keyboards: wide -> ergonomic -> slim scissor; mechanical: sculpted trapezoidal caps, long travel, loud; high potential efficiency yet unrealized (2024)
* wardrobe storage: wooden wardrobe -> clothes stand with pockets -> telescopic shelf with boxes; telescopic shelves exploit vertical space
* bicycles: mountain -> mid-end road -> single-speed
* razors: cartridge -> safety -> electric
* point heating: fan heater -> infrared heater -> invisible infrared bulbs on photo holders
* printers: inkjet -> monochrome laser
* dac: lavry da11 -> rme adi dac 2; adi higher resolution; lavry pleasant tone
* microphone amps: røde -> steinberg; steinberg adds power switch, simpler software
* webcams: logitech c920 -> dell pro wb5023
* cameras: nikon d300 -> panasonic g7 -> panasonic s4r; chosen by what looked closest to perceived reality
* tea sieves: wire mesh -> paper filters -> flat steel sheet -> titanium sheet; bent sheet cleans easier; paper restricts oils/circulation
* tea vessels: steel cup -> porcelain pot, glass cup -> titanium pot and cup; titanium neutral, robust; ceramics fragile; steel alters flavor
* monitors: small single -> dual horizontal -> single -> dual vertical high-resolution; dual vertical yields four square windows

objects & tools:

* white cardboard boxes: cheap, non-toxic, foldable, easy access, movable; plain look, degrades in humidity; rarely used bottom, frequent top; roll clothes
* lightweight telescopic shelves
* silent ammonia absorption fridge (hotel minibar class)
* mini oven: analog controls, sufficient wattage, foil-lined base
* mobile induction hotplate: rapid heating, flat cleanable surface; coarse temp steps, pulsed output, loud fans, beep interfaces
* glass/opal glass dishware
* distilled water for screens
* reusable glass water bottle
* powdered food (plenny, soylent, queal): complete nutrition, space efficient, long shelf life, minimal appliances
* battery vacuum; inspect floor with strong light
* air purifier; fine dust carcinogenic
* wide flat mop; spray bottle for solution
* hemp and linen: strong, low toxins
* synthetics: durable, quick drying, low dust; petroleum origin
* neoprene: thin insulation; low breathability
* repurposed photo led panels; adjustable color temperature
* tiles with minimal grout
* matte privacy window film
* single-speed bicycle with standard parts
* electric cars: fewer parts, rapid acceleration, quiet
* velcro tape bundles
* black tape over leds
* monitor desk mount: vesa arm, 6 cm² footprint
* silent mouse
* tower computers: serviceable, passive cooling, ssd
* external backup drives: ≥2, varied media
* slim scissor keyboard: compact, central alignment
* neutral headphones (etymotic, sennheiser, akg)
* noise isolating in-ear plugs
* external dac + headphone amp; invest \$500–2000 as needed
* ergonomic office chair (≥\$300, ≥10 y life)
* earplugs
* zip-lock rain protection for electronics
* pop-up tent

principles:

* dispose items via household trash
* repurpose supermarket packaging
* avoid plastics; see "plastic & health" 2019 report
* household chemicals: vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, non-animal soap
* air-dry laundry
* regular exercise; see epictetus quote
* speak english for simplicity
* prefer commercial-grade durability
* refuse recurring costs and debt; consolidate payments
* non-qwerty layouts (colemak)
* minimal languages: c, scheme
* keep shipping cartons and tape dispenser
* floor-sleeping options

evaluated alternatives:

* air mattress: puncture risk, monthly refill; light, cleanable
* sleeping bags: inconvenient entry, cleaning
* peltier/resistive fridges: triple energy, noisy fan
* clothes stand: dusty, cumbersome
* microwave-oven combo: expensive, heavy, mediocre
* wallpaper: fragile, mold-prone, laborious
* large tile gaps: hard to clean, absorb liquids
* loudspeakers: room dependence, neighbor disturbance