2025-05-16

simple living reference

evolution: past -> present

input devices

  • keyboards: "wide" -> "ergonomic" -> "slim scissor"

    • mechanical keyboards: 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

transport

  • bicycles: "mountain" -> "mid-end road" -> "single-speed"

grooming

  • razors: "cartridge" -> "safety" -> "electric"

heating

  • point heating: "fan heater" -> "infrared heater" -> "invisible infrared bulbs on photo holders"

printing

  • printers: "inkjet" -> "monochrome laser"

audio interface

  • dac: "lavry da11" -> "rme adi dac 2"

    • adi dac 2 higher resolution; lavry da11 pleasant tone
  • microphone amps: "røde" -> "steinberg"

    • steinberg adds power switch and simpler software

imaging

  • webcams: "logitech c920" -> "dell pro wb5023"
  • cameras: "nikon d300" -> "panasonic g7" -> "panasonic s4r"

    • nikon and panasonic output closest to perceived reality

tea preparation

  • sieves: "wire mesh" -> "paper filters" -> "flat steel sheet" -> "titanium sheet"

    • bent flat sheet cleans easier; paper filters restrict oils and circulation
  • vessels: "steel cup" -> "porcelain pot, glass cup" -> "titanium pot and cup"

    • titanium neutral and robust; ceramics fragile; steel alters flavor

displays

  • monitors: "small single" -> "dual horizontal" -> "single" -> "dual vertical high-resolution"

    • dual vertical yields four square windows

objects and tools

storage & furniture

  • white cardboard boxes

    • pros: cheap, non-toxic, foldable, easy access, movable
    • cons: visually plain, degradable in humidity
    • hierarchy: rarely used items bottom, frequent top; roll clothes
  • lightweight telescopic shelves

kitchen & food

  • silent ammonia absorption fridge: hotel minibar class, silent
  • mini oven: analog controls, sufficient wattage, foil-lined base
  • mobile induction hotplate

    • pros: rapid heating, flat cleanable surface
    • cons: coarse temperature steps, pulsed output, loud fans, beep interfaces
  • glass or opal glass dishware: inert, durable coatings absent
  • distilled water for screens
  • reusable glass water bottle
  • powdered food (plenny, soylent, queal)

    • complete nutrition, space efficient, long shelf life, minimal appliances

cleaning & air quality

  • battery vacuum; inspect floor with strong light
  • air purifier; fine dust carcinogenic
  • wide flat mop; spray bottle for solution

materials & textiles

  • hemp and linen: strong fibers, low toxins
  • synthetics: durable, quick drying, low dust; petroleum origin
  • neoprene: thin insulation; low breathability

lighting & environment

  • repurposed photo led panels. can adjust the color temperature throughout the day
  • tiles with minimal grout
  • matte privacy window film

transport & vehicles

  • single-speed bicycle with standard parts
  • electric cars: fewer parts, rapid acceleration, quiet

cable & desk

  • velcro tape bundles
  • black tape over leds
  • monitor desk mount: vesa arm, 6 cm² footprint

computing hardware

  • silent mouse
  • tower computers: serviceable, passive cooling, ssd
  • external backup drives: at least two, varied media
  • slim scissor keyboard: compact, central alignment

audio reproduction

  • neutral headphones (etymotic, sennheiser, akg)
  • noise isolating in-ear plugs
  • external dac and headphone amp

    • invest $500-2000 based on need

comfort & misc

  • 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 essential; see epictetus quote
  • speak english for simplicity
  • prefer commercial-grade durability
  • refuse recurring costs and debt; consolidate payments
  • non-qwerty layouts (recommend colemak)
  • minimal languages: c, scheme* keep shipping cartons and tape dispenser
  • floor-sleeping options

evaluated alternatives

  • air mattress: puncture risk, monthly refill; light and cleanable
  • sleeping bags: inconvenient entry, cleaning
  • peltier or resistive fridges: triple energy, noisy fan
  • clothes stand: dusty and 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