# 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