RanchOnPancakesJul 12, 2023

What is something really stupid you purchased that turned out far better than expected?

https://lemmy.world/post/1400491

What is something really stupid you purchased that turned out far better than expected? - Lemmy.world

I bought a piece of 1.5 inch stiff foam to try to fix a sag in a bet. It didn’t work but having that thick piece of solid foam around has been a life saver. Need something flat to put a laptop on? Throw it on the foam. Going to be doing something that requires you to be on your knees for a while? Get the foam! It went from stupid purchase to something I’d gladly replace if it broke.

Show threaddanhasnolifeJul 12, 2023
My wife got me a fitbit. I resisted a little bit because I didn’t want to have yet another device to monitor, charge, and maintain etc. I’ve been really surprised and impressed and how effective it has been in subtly encouraging me to make some small improvements in my habits. Not a bad deal for $100.
Show threadCaptain PoofterJul 12, 2023

This one really shocked me, too! I got a Fitbit to monitor my heart rate because of a genetic condition, but fast forward a couple years and I’m running a mile and exercising multiple times a week.

Didn’t see that coming, but a nice result!

Tbh, I hate the Fitbit though. I hate that it’s owned by Google and charge me to see my own data. I’d love to switch, but I can’t find alternatives that check all the boxes from a Charge 5…

Show threadpebble3292

Albeit a bit more pricey I love the Garmin Forerunner Smartwatches. There is a very wide variety at many different price points, no subscription and access to all data, integrates well with other services. Not sure about the OLED versions but I love the non OLED ones. Touch display, color (although not as vibrant), smartphone connectivity (e.g. notifications) and even payment (credit card on the watch, no phone needed)… with all that the battery still lasts about 2 weeks.

Sorry for shilling. There was a time when I hated Garmin. But their watches have come a long way.

Jul 12, 2023 at 9:44pmWeb
Show threadArrantKnaveJul 12, 2023
I wrote a huge reply about Garmin watches and felt like a shill, too, but it got lost. I will just add on to your reply to say Garmin watches rock. They cost more upfront but it feels like I’m wearing a scientific instrument vs a watch, for all the info it gives. Battery life is amazing, as you said.
Show threadCoffeeJunkieJul 14, 2023

Pro tip from a fellow rambler: before submitting a lengthy, in-depth, top-tier comment. Highlight some text. Hit ‘Select All’. Copy. That way your shit isn’t lost & your time isn’t wasted. 🙂

The internet wants your honest, detailed opinions. That’s how we all learn! 😌

Show threadArrantKnaveJul 14, 2023
Agreed, I should have known better, sound advice!
Show threadkrispfinishJul 12, 2023
I used to think Garmin watches were way overpriced but then I got involved in wearable fitness monitor validation studies as part of my graduate degree lab and they were by and far the most reliable and accurate for everything we tested. I went from a Fitbit Versa to a Garmin Instinct and loved it so much that after it broke, I got their Fenix 7X. It’s literally everything you could ever want In a fitness tracking watch with smart features. A full charge lasts me nearly 20 days due to the solar charging.
Show threadmurphislawJul 13, 2023
youtube.com/@TheQuantifiedScientist has a lot of detailed videos on smartwatches’ accuracy
The Quantified Scientist

Looking for a scientific view on wearables? Look no further! My name is Rob, and I am a scientist who is into all sort of wearables, but wants to make sure they are accurate. On this channel, I test different devices, and see how I can use them to improve my life. Support the channel and become a member🙏: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNWxrTlmh4IRSevon1X93g/join I am life-logging and quantifying everything about my body, mind and surroundings. My measurements take more than 11 hours a week and include a weekly brain MRI, sleep EEG and gut microbiome composition. I am quite possibly doing the ultimate "quantified self". As a scientist, I specialise in biological informatics, which means I write computer programs to analyse data. I now use these skills to learn more about myself and I try to improve my life. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantified_scientist/ Twitter: @QuantifiedRob Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ter-horst-90756a4a/ Website: www.robterhorst.com

YouTube
Show threadkenblu24Jul 13, 2023

I went from a Pebble Time to a Garmin Forerunner. Amazing battery life (2 weeks vs 5 days). But the software on the now defunct Pebble was massively superior. Sleep tracking on the Garmin sucks despite it having many more sensors. The Pebble pretty much always recognized short naps, and was pretty accurate with sleep/wake times.

The Garmin’s UI is also dogcrap. For example, if you get a text, it first pops up with the name of who’s texting you. You have to wait two seconds before the actual text shows up. If someone texts you again, the name pops up. You kinda have to wait for the other person to stop sending texts to be able to read anything.

I wish we could have Pebble’s software in the body of a Forerunner. Sadly Fitbit bought Pebble and subsequently threw it in the trash.

Show threadCaptain PoofterJul 13, 2023

Appreciate the mention, haven’t heard of this brand and definitely going to consider them as soon as this Fitbit goes kaput in probably 6 months or so.

I’m loving that garmin battery life! Charging things is as much of a curse as sleep ☠️