Comments on: Five Gadgets That Were Well Worth The Investment http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:22:21 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Richard Wicks http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-705153 Richard Wicks Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:30:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-705153 "Since when did 0.125 x 5 = 2.5?" Since cars with 4 tires adopted pneumatic tires. “Since when did 0.125 x 5 = 2.5?”

Since cars with 4 tires adopted pneumatic tires.

]]> By: ik http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-291993 ik Sat, 31 May 2008 23:26:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-291993 its .125 * 20. Unless your vehicle only has one tire. its .125 * 20. Unless your vehicle only has one tire.

]]> By: Joe http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-278748 Joe Sat, 17 May 2008 23:48:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-278748 "every single PSI that any tire is below that recommended maximum costs you 0.125% of your fuel efficiency. So, if every tire is, say, 5 PSI below the maximum, you’re losing about 2.5% of your fuel efficiency" Since when did 0.125 x 5 = 2.5? “every single PSI that any tire is below that recommended maximum costs you 0.125% of your fuel efficiency. So, if every tire is, say, 5 PSI below the maximum, you’re losing about 2.5% of your fuel efficiency”

Since when did 0.125 x 5 = 2.5?

]]> By: Rich Griffith http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-62161 Rich Griffith Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:38:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-62161 I have 4 out of 5 of those things. Maybe it's time to get the swiss army knife. I've got a leatherman that's just too big for every day use. If I know I'm going to be doing things that might require a tool I make sure to have it in my pocket. I have 4 out of 5 of those things.
Maybe it’s time to get the swiss army knife.
I’ve got a leatherman that’s just too big for every day use. If I know I’m going to be doing things that might require a tool I make sure to have it in my pocket.

]]> By: Tyler http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-61005 Tyler Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:29:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-61005 I've got to agree with all of the other commenters. It's dangerous to inflate your tires to anything but what is stated in your owners manual or inside the driver's side door. I'm surprised (shocked actually) that a mechanic would recommend otherwise. I’ve got to agree with all of the other commenters. It’s dangerous to inflate your tires to anything but what is stated in your owners manual or inside the driver’s side door. I’m surprised (shocked actually) that a mechanic would recommend otherwise.

]]> By: Brad http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-60025 Brad Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:54:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-60025 a $75 engine code scanner, from any big-box store/auto parts store. So long as you have a car mid-90's or newer..I don't think they work on older vehicles though. a $75 engine code scanner, from any big-box store/auto parts store. So long as you have a car mid-90’s or newer..I don’t think they work on older vehicles though.

]]> By: Jen P http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59661 Jen P Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:55:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59661 I bought a KitchenAid Pro 6 a year ago. I had been dreaming of one for years, and after I won small amount of money at a conference, I decided it was time to go for it. I can't think of a better household purchase! It works beautifully and quickly. It is powerful enough to make bread dough often (4 loafs a week in our household)without burn out- the main reason I bought the professional with the more powerful motor. I have been given attachments as gifts and enjoy the pasta maker, which allows me to make fresh pasta inexpensively and quickly, although the clean up is a bit of a pain. My kids love the ice cream maker. The grater/slicer is a waste of time, though, and I returned it. If you love to cook a lot, it is a worthwhile investment. If you just need a utility mixer for occasional use, go for the artisan and save yourself some cash. I bought a KitchenAid Pro 6 a year ago. I had been dreaming of one for years, and after I won small amount of money at a conference, I decided it was time to go for it. I can’t think of a better household purchase! It works beautifully and quickly. It is powerful enough to make bread dough often (4 loafs a week in our household)without burn out- the main reason I bought the professional with the more powerful motor. I have been given attachments as gifts and enjoy the pasta maker, which allows me to make fresh pasta inexpensively and quickly, although the clean up is a bit of a pain. My kids love the ice cream maker. The grater/slicer is a waste of time, though, and I returned it. If you love to cook a lot, it is a worthwhile investment. If you just need a utility mixer for occasional use, go for the artisan and save yourself some cash.

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59558 Lazy Man Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:35:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59558 I won't buy a Swiss Army knife (or any generic version) unless it includes a pen. That's the one thing that I use the most. On shaving, I still contend that Gillette Power Fusion blades on Ebay are as cheap. I bought in bulk for about $1.66 per blade and get around a month, often more, for each blade. Quality is great and I haven't cut myself in years. Awesome call on the shaving cream though. I won’t buy a Swiss Army knife (or any generic version) unless it includes a pen. That’s the one thing that I use the most.

On shaving, I still contend that Gillette Power Fusion blades on Ebay are as cheap. I bought in bulk for about $1.66 per blade and get around a month, often more, for each blade. Quality is great and I haven’t cut myself in years.

Awesome call on the shaving cream though.

]]> By: daydreamr http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59527 daydreamr Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:07:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59527 I really miss the flopy drive. I have tons of floppy disks with papers on them from school that I can't access now that these drives went away. I am looking into getting an external floppy drive though. Because saving files to cd are such a PIA the jump frive is so convienient. CD's are also wasteful; everytime I modify a document I must save it to a new disk (I should try the R/W CD's). Anyone notice how R/W and music CD's arent so durable anymore? They get one little scratch and won't work. I have some older CD's that play, even though they are scratched to heck. Even tho I'm cheap, there are some things that I feel are worth the extra $. Razors are on the list. It's great that they work for some people, and I wish I was one of them. However, the cheap-o razors are really harsh on my skin. I guess I have thin/sensitive skin. I should try the old school ones. Besides the initial investment it sounds like they would save a lot and less to throw away. I really miss the flopy drive. I have tons of floppy disks with papers on them from school that I can’t access now that these drives went away. I am looking into getting an external floppy drive though. Because saving files to cd are such a PIA the jump frive is so convienient. CD’s are also wasteful; everytime I modify a document I must save it to a new disk (I should try the R/W CD’s). Anyone notice how R/W and music CD’s arent so durable anymore? They get one little scratch and won’t work. I have some older CD’s that play, even though they are scratched to heck.

Even tho I’m cheap, there are some things that I feel are worth the extra $. Razors are on the list. It’s great that they work for some people, and I wish I was one of them. However, the cheap-o razors are really harsh on my skin. I guess I have thin/sensitive skin. I should try the old school ones. Besides the initial investment it sounds like they would save a lot and less to throw away.

]]> By: N'Awlins Kat http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59496 N'Awlins Kat Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:56:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59496 I couldn't live without my Swiss Army knife, either, and the Leatherman tool runs a close second. Trent, another reason for making sure the tires are inflated properly--if they're too low, the steel belts inside will shift. (This is my husband's specialty...he's forever forgetting to check his tires, and we've had a couple of VERY expensive lessons to learn). When the belts shift, the tires can literally peel apart. And you can really rip yourself up on the exposed steel trying to change the tire--again, voice of experience, this always happens in either a terrible neighborhood, a driving thunderstorm, or at night. Or all three. Got everyone beat on the stand mixer; I'm still using my mom's old Hamilton Beach stand mixer that she got as a wedding present over 44 years ago. Between us, though, we've killed at least half a dozen hand mixers in the same time frame. The old HB is starting to smell a little funny when I run it at high speeds, and I'm going to have to replace it soon; I'll really miss it. I couldn’t live without my Swiss Army knife, either, and the Leatherman tool runs a close second.

Trent, another reason for making sure the tires are inflated properly–if they’re too low, the steel belts inside will shift. (This is my husband’s specialty…he’s forever forgetting to check his tires, and we’ve had a couple of VERY expensive lessons to learn). When the belts shift, the tires can literally peel apart. And you can really rip yourself up on the exposed steel trying to change the tire–again, voice of experience, this always happens in either a terrible neighborhood, a driving thunderstorm, or at night. Or all three.

Got everyone beat on the stand mixer; I’m still using my mom’s old Hamilton Beach stand mixer that she got as a wedding present over 44 years ago. Between us, though, we’ve killed at least half a dozen hand mixers in the same time frame. The old HB is starting to smell a little funny when I run it at high speeds, and I’m going to have to replace it soon; I’ll really miss it.

]]> By: Modern Worker http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59488 Modern Worker Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:27:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59488 Funny you should mention the swiss army knife, I'm picking up that or a leatherman soon. Funny you should mention the swiss army knife, I’m picking up that or a leatherman soon.

]]> By: jay wilson http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59442 jay wilson Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:51:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59442 A Swiss Army knife! I just mentioned to my girlfriend about how much I wanted one because its great to have so many tools in one place. And I agree completely on the flash drive, although I think I'd take it one step further and say that everyone should own an external hard drive for backing up their entire pc/mac. Should there be a major failure, you'll still have your valued files. A Swiss Army knife!

I just mentioned to my girlfriend about how much I wanted one because its great to have so many tools in one place.

And I agree completely on the flash drive, although I think I’d take it one step further and say that everyone should own an external hard drive for backing up their entire pc/mac. Should there be a major failure, you’ll still have your valued files.

]]> By: Hunchy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59310 Hunchy Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:16:13 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59310 Trent, please use the manufacturer's recommended pressure! Mike has it 100% right. They are designed to give the correct contact area with the road at normal loads. Too high, there's less contact area and a risk of hydroplaning. Plus you wear them out in the middle. Too low, the sidewall flexes and heat builds up, which can lead to failure (catastrophic, like in high speed blowout). Plus they wear out on the sides. There are times when you want to move away from these. I have a Landrover & do a lot of sand driving on Fraser Island, so lower pressures are needed. Also driving over rough dirt roads, you need to drop the pressures by 4psi or thereabouts to minimise tread damage from sharp rocks. And when the car is loaded up, I wind up the pressures (as in the manual). Trent I got 110,000km out of my last set of tyres on a 2 1/2 tonne vehicle. If I had them at maximum tyre pressure I would've got 1/3 of that, if I survived the first deep highway puddle without going sideways. Not good economy, at $300 per corner to replace! Trent, please use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure! Mike has it 100% right. They are designed to give the correct contact area with the road at normal loads. Too high, there’s less contact area and a risk of hydroplaning. Plus you wear them out in the middle. Too low, the sidewall flexes and heat builds up, which can lead to failure (catastrophic, like in high speed blowout). Plus they wear out on the sides.

There are times when you want to move away from these. I have a Landrover & do a lot of sand driving on Fraser Island, so lower pressures are needed. Also driving over rough dirt roads, you need to drop the pressures by 4psi or thereabouts to minimise tread damage from sharp rocks. And when the car is loaded up, I wind up the pressures (as in the manual).

Trent I got 110,000km out of my last set of tyres on a 2 1/2 tonne vehicle. If I had them at maximum tyre pressure I would’ve got 1/3 of that, if I survived the first deep highway puddle without going sideways. Not good economy, at $300 per corner to replace!

]]> By: Mary http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59277 Mary Mon, 20 Aug 2007 01:19:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59277 Reusable razors with replacement blades never made much sense to me economically. Maybe it's different for men's facial hair, but I buy razors at the dollar store at 10 cents apiece, and they work fine for my legs and underarms. Most refill blades I've seen cost more than this by themselves, not including the razor handle, and by your article about the Safety Razor you use, the refills themselves cost 5x more than that. Disposables can be used just as many times as razor refills, and considering I get several (underarm/leg) shaves out of each razor, despite the fact that it may seem counterintuitive or wasteful, the disposables consistently cost less. Reusable razors with replacement blades never made much sense to me economically. Maybe it’s different for men’s facial hair, but I buy razors at the dollar store at 10 cents apiece, and they work fine for my legs and underarms. Most refill blades I’ve seen cost more than this by themselves, not including the razor handle, and by your article about the Safety Razor you use, the refills themselves cost 5x more than that. Disposables can be used just as many times as razor refills, and considering I get several (underarm/leg) shaves out of each razor, despite the fact that it may seem counterintuitive or wasteful, the disposables consistently cost less.

]]> By: david http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59226 david Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:21:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59226 You're welcome. You’re welcome.

]]> By: Mar http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59211 Mar Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:25:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59211 I LOVE my stand-up mixer. I use it frequently for baking and it's awesome for beating egg whites stiff for a meringue. Mine was $18 used at a yard sale about 8-10 years ago. It's been worth every penny - the woman was selling it only because her Mom gave her a newer one. Anyone who likes to bake fairly frequently should seriously consider a stand-up mixer. Enjoy! I LOVE my stand-up mixer. I use it frequently for baking and it’s awesome for beating egg whites stiff for a meringue. Mine was $18 used at a yard sale about 8-10 years ago. It’s been worth every penny – the woman was selling it only because her Mom gave her a newer one. Anyone who likes to bake fairly frequently should seriously consider a stand-up mixer. Enjoy!

]]> By: Trent http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59205 Trent Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:06:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59205 I'm just reporting what the mechanic said to me, not making a logical statement. I’m just reporting what the mechanic said to me, not making a logical statement.

]]> By: Tim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59203 Tim Sun, 19 Aug 2007 20:53:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59203 Trent, your logic is a little off. tire pressure on side wall is actually a generic value. specifications on vehicles for tire pressure takes the vehicle's particular load into consideration. i'm not sure what you mean by being able to put more air in a high-end goodyear versus a generic. air pressure has nothing to do with this. i also use a safety razor. i have a merkur future set. i actually like several different creams. i have been switching between khiel's, j.peterman, and officina profumo farmaceutica brands. i also use the standard merkur plat blades. martha, i couldn't agree more if you do lots of baking. my parents have had the same kitchenaid mixer forever, over 20 years. they took it to a car paint shop to get it repainted once when they moved houses to match the new kitchen. i've had mine for 15 years. bob, if you can inflate a car tire with a bike pump, you da man...which mens you probably can lift the entire car by yourself too. Trent, your logic is a little off. tire pressure on side wall is actually a generic value. specifications on vehicles for tire pressure takes the vehicle’s particular load into consideration. i’m not sure what you mean by being able to put more air in a high-end goodyear versus a generic. air pressure has nothing to do with this.

i also use a safety razor. i have a merkur future set. i actually like several different creams. i have been switching between khiel’s, j.peterman, and officina profumo farmaceutica brands. i also use the standard merkur plat blades.

martha, i couldn’t agree more if you do lots of baking. my parents have had the same kitchenaid mixer forever, over 20 years. they took it to a car paint shop to get it repainted once when they moved houses to match the new kitchen. i’ve had mine for 15 years.

bob, if you can inflate a car tire with a bike pump, you da man…which mens you probably can lift the entire car by yourself too.

]]> By: Trent http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59196 Trent Sun, 19 Aug 2007 20:21:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59196 Mike, that's interesting. I used to go by what the manual said, but an auto mechanic not too long ago told me to use the information on the tire itself when it's warm (after driving several miles) because the info in the manual is intended to be a guideline to use no matter the quality of the tire. This makes intuitive sense to me because you ought to be able to safely put more air into a high-end Goodyear than a cheap generic tire due to difference in manufacturing quality if all else is the same. Mike, that’s interesting. I used to go by what the manual said, but an auto mechanic not too long ago told me to use the information on the tire itself when it’s warm (after driving several miles) because the info in the manual is intended to be a guideline to use no matter the quality of the tire. This makes intuitive sense to me because you ought to be able to safely put more air into a high-end Goodyear than a cheap generic tire due to difference in manufacturing quality if all else is the same.

]]> By: Randy Peterman http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/comment-page-1/#comment-59192 Randy Peterman Sun, 19 Aug 2007 20:08:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/19/five-gadgets-that-were-well-worth-the-investment/#comment-59192 I also use a safety razor. Not only do I love my shaving experience with it but the blades are $1.00 each at the <em>expensive</em> shaving supply store. There's no way I can beat the experience or the price with any other shaving implement, including an electric razor. This definitely comes seconded! I also use a safety razor. Not only do I love my shaving experience with it but the blades are $1.00 each at the expensive shaving supply store. There’s no way I can beat the experience or the price with any other shaving implement, including an electric razor. This definitely comes seconded!

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