Blake Snow

writer-for-hire, content guy, bestselling author

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6 recent things I really like

pixabay

pixabay

I believe buying experiences is more fulfilling than buying things. Research proves this.

But sometimes things go a long way to enhance life, especially little things or anything that encourages experiences.

Here are five such things that have done that for me recently, in no particular order: 

1. Razor E300 electric scooter

Courtesy photo

This thing is boss. It travels 15 miles per hour for a half hour (and a little slower than that for another 10). I take my toddlers on rides around the neighbor, take my dog on runs with it, and scooter from house to house as my social life demands. I like it so much, I’m planning to buy a second one.

2. Dell 32″ Ultra HD monitor

 

UP3214Q High PPI Monitor

Gamers and uber nerds rightfully knock the Dell UP3214Q for some finicky sleep patterns and upscaling issues. But for everyday computing, this baby has an outstanding picture. I use it for Internetting, word processing, web browsing, photo editing, and cutting video. It has four times the screen real estate of HD and has solidified my love for single screens. If you work a lot on desktops, as I still do, I highly recommend it.

3. Adventure wind breakers

windbreakers

Unless it’s extremely cold, I avoid hoodies. They’re too heavy. But I like to keep the chill off my skin on windy, wet, or 40-60 degree days. Enter the windbreaker. The cheap ones make you sweat. But these babies from Arcteryx, Outdoor Research, and Patagonia are the best of both worlds. Light, breathable, and protective. If I could only choose one, I’d go with the Arcteryx Squamish for its breathability and fit, although the OR one is the best bang for your buck (albeit it hangs a tad short for a 6’2″ guy like me). When I want to stay completely dry in the drenching rain, however, I grab the Patagonia.

4. Logitech Solar Keyboard

Screen Shot 2015-06-01 at 4.53.33 PM

I finally made the switch from a mechanical to chicklet keyboard last year. As a writer, I’m glad I did. Logitech’s shorter keys are a smidgen faster, they feel better, and the low profile is easier on the carpal tunnel than old-style keyboards. What’s more, I never have to worry about replacing wireless batteries since the sun does the recharging for me.

5. Home Depot Hammock

hammock

This one isn’t all that recent. My wife bought it three years ago. But it feels new every summer we bring it out. This year is no different. Gently swaying in the morning or evening sun never gets old.

6. Chromebook Pixel

Chromebook_Pixel_White.0.0

I got my first Chromebook five years ago. Although slow, I fell in love with its no-maintenence computing style. Since then, I’ve enjoyed two other chromebooks. The latest from Google is the best money can buy: wicked fast, gorgeous, and with as much (if not more) cachet than a Macbook Air. I’ve gotten several compliments on it, in fact, more than I would the commonplace Air. At $1250, the value is questionable, especially if the web alone doesn’t do everything you need it to. But if you compute often on flesh and femurs, I think Google’s flagship laptop is the best secondary machine anyone can by.

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