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2025-10-16 17:42:23 -04:00
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+title: 'My Favorite Analog Tech'
+pubDate: '10/16/2025'
+tags: ['Tech']
+---
+
+I’m a bit of a tech nerd, so it’s no surprise that I love my gadgets. While it is fun to talk about my computer setup, or how I use my smartphone, it’s not something I particularly enjoy writing about, unless I feel like I have something interesting to share, or I’m doing my yearly “Default Apps” update.
+
+But, inspired in part by my [intentional analog time](blog/2025/intentional-analog-time/), I thought it might be fun to take a look at my analog tech setup – that is, gadgets I love and use almost every day that aren’t a computer or computer-adjacent.
+
+## Electric Kettle
+
+When I moved into my current place, I found myself stuck with a gas stove. I’m not a fan of them for many reasons, one of which is how much longer it takes to boil a kettle of water. I drink a lot of tea, and enjoy pour-over coffee, so I decided to replace my stovetop kettle with an electric one, and I don’t think I can ever go back. They’re so fast, and you don’t have to have your eardrums blasted by the whistle of a stovetop kettle.
+
+I probably could have gone with a nicer one, but [this one](https://shopelitegourmet.com/collections/electric-kettles/products/1l-glass-kettle?variant=37480151482526) from Elite Gourmet has done the job for a couple years now.
+
+## Record Player
+
+Listening to music is a big part of my life. While I do love having almost any album I want at my fingertips, there’s something more personal about putting on a record. Perhaps it's the tactility of placing the vinyl disc on the platter and lowering the needle, or maybe it’s the “warmness” of the analog sound, but it provides a very different experience than digital streaming.
+
+My turntable of choice is the [RT80](https://www.fluance.com/rt80-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle) from Fluance.
+
+## Smoothie Blender
+
+I’ve historically eaten less fruit due to some digestive issues, which I won’t go into here. But I always enjoy a good smoothie.
+
+So, I decided to get a smoothie blender to improve my fruit intake, and have some fun concocting smoothie recipes. My favorite recipe so far is a peanut butter and banana smoothie, made with unsweetened vanilla oat milk, and a hint of cacao.
+
+I had some trouble tracking it down, but I use [this one](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=frigidaire+smoothie+blender+retro&i=garden&page=2&xpid=pPphYp9Iq1rgo&crid=3HQNHUXD2UICY&qid=1760648409&sprefix=frigidaire+smoothie+blender+retro%2Cgarden%2C69&ref=sr_pg_1) from Frigidaire.
+
+## Handheld Vacuum
+
+I hate vacuuming. I don’t know what it is about it, but it’s one of my least favorite chores. However, I find sweeping kind of relaxing[^1]. In addition, I find most household vacuums unwieldy, and you have to deal with plugging and unplugging cords because god forbid they make a cord long enough to cover a 1-bedroom apartment…sorry where was I?
+
+Anyway, I’ve found cleaning to be much more agreeable when I’m sweeping the floor, and then, when I’m done, vacuuming up the dirt piles, and reaching the various un-sweepable crevices with a much more manageable handheld, battery-powered vacuum.
+
+Again, I had trouble finding my exact model, but [this guy](https://www.blackanddecker.com/products/chv1410l?variant=43205384831197) from Black & Decker is a slightly fancier (and uglier) version of the model I have
+
+[^1]: I suppose this is some psychological conditioning from my food service days, when sweeping the floor meant my shift was almost over. 🤷‍♂️