tell me the last thing you bought for under $50 that radically improved your life.

@cultdev @kevin They just made the API cost money, which is why Narwhal has a monthly subscription now.

@cultdev @kevin my plan is cool animations of shortest path search algorithms, based on real maps. I'm actually almost ready to post the first video, I'll reply here when I do!

@kevin low tech low maintenance companion

@kevin tacos

@argonaut @kevin @stefan I’ve been using double walled tumblers for years since my parents got me a set as a gift. They are great and don’t “sweat”

@kevin I installed #ZorinOS (a Linux distribution) on an old desktop and now I can work with it and play with it, without looking up every 5 min "how to deactivate Copilot"

(It was actually free, not bought but I might buy the pro version at some point, once it has improved a bit on some aspects)

@kevin

When playing the long game? Probably, when I exchanged my toothbrush the last time.

@kevin @MCDuncanLab
$30 IKEA Alpstuga - Best value CO2 air quality sensor.

CO2 may affect cognitive performance. Lets you know if you should open windows, turn on fan, or walk outside (especially with bad air circulation at work). Stepping stone to deciding to buy air filter.

If you like it as a clock, it’s a no brainer.
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alpstuga-air-quality-sensor-smart-70609396/

@Vicky OXO kitchen gadgets are truly the best

@kevin

$20 Portable Air Compressor

So much more convenient than looking for quarters and going to a gas station every time the temperature changes and the tire warning lights in the cars freak out.

https://theforkiverse.com/@kevin/115864158764134720

@kevin a basic set of tools, tape measure, utility knife, zip ties, etc that I keep in the trunk of my car to make minor repairs and fix things that break wherever I happen to be.

@kevin Japanese nail clippers - less than $20 and absolutely life changing https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-nail-clippers/

@kevin Been wearing the same OG crocs since before 2011. They are my ‘house slipper’ of choice. Upgraded the other day to a new pair and man… so much better QOL in terms of comfort and I have a substantially lower chance of slipping on my ass when I go get the mail now. Total price shipped… $42.78

@kevin Piranesi by Susanna Clarke.

@kevin

Amber sunglasses.

@kevin that's hard.

• Does it have to be for me?

If so, I'd say a nice shirt (€24,99) that landed me a job.

@kevin two bottles of #VetGel #lube (€10/l * 2)…

This shit just makes everything slippery-smooth, like wet glass…

https://rubber.social/@F3715H/115434120473955994

@kevin shower timer in the shape of a duck that quacks when it goes off.

Under $20

Has dramatically shortened how long my tween spends in the shower and eliminated the need for my wife or I to be time keeper/nag to get the shower to finish.

Amazing how big an impact <$20 can have (paying for itself in the water savings as well as the stress/time savings)

@kevin
A plush toy.

@kevin CDN$10. Love these.