I’ve never been much for writing about tech and gear that I use, but that shouldn’t be an indication of how much I like the EDC genre. Give me an aesthetically pleasing EDC (every day carry) video or blog post and I’m lost in it. Recently I’ve been enjoying both GQs “10 things I can’t live without” series, as well as Huckberry’s “Gear Lab” videos.
I haven’t a presentation nearly so fancy to share as these videos do, but I wanted take some moments to write about some of the things that have improved the quality of life for me this year.
1. FaceTime
I travel a tonne, and find myself away from my family more than I’d like. Throughout history, there are many professions where this would have been true, and sometimes my wife lovingly refers to me as her sailor who, when home longs for the sea; and when at sea, longs to be home.
I can’t quite imagine what life would be like for those who came before me who didn’t have access to such technologies as FaceTime. Almost every night when I’m gone, I can quickly call to say goodnight to my children. We also use Apple’s iMessage dozens, if not hundreds of times, during the days and weeks, whether I’m travelling or not.
Side-note: I’ve been looking at decentralising myself away from Apple’s ecosystem a little, and thinking more about using European software when possible (probably worth another post, let’s see), so perhaps I would write this different next year. Either way, Apple has created a brilliant way for people to stay connected, and I’m incredibly thankful for this technology that makes it so easy to keep in touch.
2. ReMarkable 2
I love writing things, despite having less-than-beautiful penmanship. I faithfully carry around at least 2 notebooks with me at all times, and have a small collection of pens that each serve different purposes for me. That said, I’ve spent a lot more time writing this year, and while I at one point had dreams of using an iPad for everything, I just find that writing on the iPad doesn’t do it for me. But, I love having the convenience of automatic digitisation of my work. The ReMarkable 2 does this brilliantly, in my opinion. I don’t do all my writing in it, but I do a LOT of my writing in it. I use it mostly for journaling (and split that between a rather nice physical journal with a Lamy Safari pen), taking notes at meetings, and reading longer documents and papers. The device stays charged for weeks, and the writing experience is as close to writing on paper that you can get.
Recently, I learned by a few companies have started making pens for e-ink devices. I’m waiting for my Lamy pen to arrive with great anticipation.
3. Sonos Roam
I love listening to music! As mentioned above, I travel a lot, and wanted to have a way to listen to good music wherever I go. Having music playing in my hotel room brings a little bit of control and home into whatever space I find myself. The Roam is light and has really nice sound! Most recently, during a trip to London, the Roam provided some beautiful background music while working on a fairly involved project that required a bunch of concentration. Wagner provided that context, and the Roam made it sound better than it would have coming from my computer, and broader than through my AirPods. Never under estimate the power of good sound!
4. iPad Mini (w/ A15 Bionic chip)
As mentioned above, I really wanted the iPad Pro to be my main device. I tried to make it so for the past 5 years, with each year’s software and hardware improvements bringing me closer to that reality than the last, or at least I hoped this was happening. But, the reality is that I just wanted something novel, and I loved the portability. Before I was obsessed with the iPad being my only device, I was early on the MacBook Air train. I was fortunate enough to get one of the first versions (which, by today’s standards, are so thick and heavy). For the longest while, the 11” MacBook Air was the most impressive piece of tech I had every experienced, and I loved that little machine for as long as I could. I’ve since gone through several really fantastic MacBook Pros, but I never really loved using them. This past year, I ended up getting an M1 MacBook Air, and between the battery life, the performance, and the lightness, I have all but given up my desire to have one device that can do it all.
At the risk of this being about the MacBook Air, let’s return to the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini does everything that I need it to. I can write and draw on it (which is useful when jotting down ideas or drawing up quick diagrams), read on it (which I do more than on my Kindle, despite the reading experience being far superior on the Kindle than on the Mini), consume media (currently watching through Stargate Atlantic, again), and even get some work on it. When I’m not at my desk, it acts as a great second screen using either Apple’s continuity feature, or using it as a second monitor using Sidecar. It’s also a great device to FaceTime with my family on! When on the airplane, it’s the perfect companion, and when going out for a walk to cafe, it’s a great companion if I need to get some creative work done in a cafe.
5. Hamilton Khaki Field Watch (Mechanical, 42mm)
I can’t recall what got me into watches as an adult, but I’ve always loved watches. As a kid, I had an obsession with Swatch watches, and before that I always had a Timex digital watch to time important things like, how long one can hold their breath underwater. As an adult, I was drawn to them as I grew increasingly frustrated by my Apple Watch (I was an early adopter). Digital is so neat, but lacks a level of craftsmanship that mechanical watches exhibit. Earlier this year I bought a relatively inexpensive watch that I had long loved the look of, and I’ve loved wearing it every day!
——
Things are just things, you know? But, when you find the right things, and they bring value to your life, I think that’s a good thing. I’m fortunate enough to have at least enough disposable income to be able to buy some things that bring a smile to my face, and I’m grateful for the makers and business people in this world who are committed to making good things! I hope they continue.
—Nathan
I haven’t a presentation nearly so fancy to share as these videos do, but I wanted take some moments to write about some of the things that have improved the quality of life for me this year.
1. FaceTime
I travel a tonne, and find myself away from my family more than I’d like. Throughout history, there are many professions where this would have been true, and sometimes my wife lovingly refers to me as her sailor who, when home longs for the sea; and when at sea, longs to be home.
I can’t quite imagine what life would be like for those who came before me who didn’t have access to such technologies as FaceTime. Almost every night when I’m gone, I can quickly call to say goodnight to my children. We also use Apple’s iMessage dozens, if not hundreds of times, during the days and weeks, whether I’m travelling or not.
Side-note: I’ve been looking at decentralising myself away from Apple’s ecosystem a little, and thinking more about using European software when possible (probably worth another post, let’s see), so perhaps I would write this different next year. Either way, Apple has created a brilliant way for people to stay connected, and I’m incredibly thankful for this technology that makes it so easy to keep in touch.
2. ReMarkable 2
I love writing things, despite having less-than-beautiful penmanship. I faithfully carry around at least 2 notebooks with me at all times, and have a small collection of pens that each serve different purposes for me. That said, I’ve spent a lot more time writing this year, and while I at one point had dreams of using an iPad for everything, I just find that writing on the iPad doesn’t do it for me. But, I love having the convenience of automatic digitisation of my work. The ReMarkable 2 does this brilliantly, in my opinion. I don’t do all my writing in it, but I do a LOT of my writing in it. I use it mostly for journaling (and split that between a rather nice physical journal with a Lamy Safari pen), taking notes at meetings, and reading longer documents and papers. The device stays charged for weeks, and the writing experience is as close to writing on paper that you can get.
Recently, I learned by a few companies have started making pens for e-ink devices. I’m waiting for my Lamy pen to arrive with great anticipation.
3. Sonos Roam
I love listening to music! As mentioned above, I travel a lot, and wanted to have a way to listen to good music wherever I go. Having music playing in my hotel room brings a little bit of control and home into whatever space I find myself. The Roam is light and has really nice sound! Most recently, during a trip to London, the Roam provided some beautiful background music while working on a fairly involved project that required a bunch of concentration. Wagner provided that context, and the Roam made it sound better than it would have coming from my computer, and broader than through my AirPods. Never under estimate the power of good sound!
4. iPad Mini (w/ A15 Bionic chip)
As mentioned above, I really wanted the iPad Pro to be my main device. I tried to make it so for the past 5 years, with each year’s software and hardware improvements bringing me closer to that reality than the last, or at least I hoped this was happening. But, the reality is that I just wanted something novel, and I loved the portability. Before I was obsessed with the iPad being my only device, I was early on the MacBook Air train. I was fortunate enough to get one of the first versions (which, by today’s standards, are so thick and heavy). For the longest while, the 11” MacBook Air was the most impressive piece of tech I had every experienced, and I loved that little machine for as long as I could. I’ve since gone through several really fantastic MacBook Pros, but I never really loved using them. This past year, I ended up getting an M1 MacBook Air, and between the battery life, the performance, and the lightness, I have all but given up my desire to have one device that can do it all.
At the risk of this being about the MacBook Air, let’s return to the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini does everything that I need it to. I can write and draw on it (which is useful when jotting down ideas or drawing up quick diagrams), read on it (which I do more than on my Kindle, despite the reading experience being far superior on the Kindle than on the Mini), consume media (currently watching through Stargate Atlantic, again), and even get some work on it. When I’m not at my desk, it acts as a great second screen using either Apple’s continuity feature, or using it as a second monitor using Sidecar. It’s also a great device to FaceTime with my family on! When on the airplane, it’s the perfect companion, and when going out for a walk to cafe, it’s a great companion if I need to get some creative work done in a cafe.
5. Hamilton Khaki Field Watch (Mechanical, 42mm)
I can’t recall what got me into watches as an adult, but I’ve always loved watches. As a kid, I had an obsession with Swatch watches, and before that I always had a Timex digital watch to time important things like, how long one can hold their breath underwater. As an adult, I was drawn to them as I grew increasingly frustrated by my Apple Watch (I was an early adopter). Digital is so neat, but lacks a level of craftsmanship that mechanical watches exhibit. Earlier this year I bought a relatively inexpensive watch that I had long loved the look of, and I’ve loved wearing it every day!
——
Things are just things, you know? But, when you find the right things, and they bring value to your life, I think that’s a good thing. I’m fortunate enough to have at least enough disposable income to be able to buy some things that bring a smile to my face, and I’m grateful for the makers and business people in this world who are committed to making good things! I hope they continue.
—Nathan