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