2025-08-09

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