Simple Living

The Best Smart Home Upgrade: Kasa Smart Plugs The Kasa smart plug has been the most cost-effective upgrade in my home. I’ve connected almost every lamp to one, letting me control them all from my iPhone with a tap or simple schedules. They’re inexpensive, easy to set up, and don’t require a hub. That made it simple to expand room by room without spending much. The biggest bonus comes when traveling—my lights can make the house look lived-in, and if my cameras detect movement, I can instantly turn lamps on for extra security. Small device, big impact.

2025 Job Market: From Tough to Terrifying I was reading a Business Insider article about the decline in tech jobs and realized something unsettling: even though it was difficult to land a job in 2021, that was during a tech hiring boom. Opportunities were opening everywhere, startups were raising record funding, and companies were desperate for talent. So if I was struggling in the midst of boom times… what does that say about now? Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape feels absolutely terrifying. Layoffs are constant, hiring freezes drag on, and entry-level opportunities have practically evaporated. The optimism that once surrounded tech careers has been replaced with uncertainty and fear. In 2021, the job search felt like running uphill. In 2025, it feels like climbing a cliff with the ground crumbling beneath you.

Why the iPhone Air Might Be My Next Upgrade I’ve been getting by with an aging Samsung A32 as my work phone, but the time has finally come to retire it. My main device right now is the iPhone 16, and my plan is simple: upgrade to Apple’s upcoming iPhone Air as my personal phone, then shift the 16 over to work duty. What excites me most about the rumored iPhone Air is how Apple might position it—lighter and thinner than the regular iPhone 17, but still carrying key features like the 120 Hz ProMotion display. A smoother, more fluid screen makes everything—scrolling, gaming, or just daily use—feel noticeably better. If Apple also manages to keep the design sleek while boosting display size slightly, that would be the perfect balance. The iPhone Air could represent Apple’s sweet spot: more advanced than the base model, but not as expensive or heavy as the Pro. For someone like me who wants performance, comfort, and practicality all in one, it might just be the most compelling iPhone u...

My First Impressions of the AirPods (4th Gen) I recently received a gift that I truly appreciate — a pair of AirPods (4th generation). Normally, these retail for around $99 for the base non-Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), so getting them for free was a pleasant surprise. Compared to my AirPods (2nd gen), these are a noticeable upgrade. They share the sleek form factor of the AirPods Pro (1st gen) but without the soft silicone ear tips. This makes them comfortable for quick listening sessions while still offering a secure fit. The seamless integration with my iPhone is classic Apple — instant pairing, smooth switching between devices, and that familiar “just works” feeling. I’ve found myself reaching for these far more often than my Powerbeats or JBLs.

Rediscovering the Joy of a Tablet: My Experience with the iPad 8th Generation Lately, I’ve found myself appreciating the value of having a tablet again. After spending so much time switching between screens on my iPhone 16, I realized how much I missed having a larger display. Luckily, I was gifted an 8th generation Apple iPad, and it’s turned out to be exactly what I needed. A Perfect Balance of Portability and Usability The iPad 8th Gen hits that sweet spot—big enough to comfortably browse apps, stream content, and read, yet compact enough to carry around with ease. I no longer have to squint at my phone when reading articles or navigating apps. The 10.2-inch Retina display is a major upgrade for my eyes and my workflow. Streaming Made Better One of my favorite uses for the iPad so far is streaming. Watching Netflix, YouTube, and other content on the larger screen is such a better experience than using my phone. The display quality is crisp, and the sound is surprisingly solid for ...

Breathing New Life into My HP ab292nr Laptop I recently managed to upgrade my trusty HP ab292nr laptop—featuring a 6th-gen Intel i7-6700HQ processor—to Windows 11. Considering I primarily use it for minor tasks, this upgrade easily extends its life by another 5–7 years. It’s pretty satisfying to see a nearly decade-old machine still going strong! Maxing Out Upgrades: RAM and SSD To boost performance, I upgraded the laptop to 16GB of RAM and swapped in a 1TB SSD. Honestly, it might be a bit overkill given what I use it for, but DDR3 RAM is so cheap nowadays (around $12) that it felt like a “why not?” decision. The upgrades definitely made the system feel snappier, even if I don’t push it to its limits. Purpose and Practicality My goal has always been to maintain at least one computer for each major operating system, and this laptop fits nicely as my go-to Windows machine for everyday tasks like web browsing, Word, and Excel. Even with Windows 11 onboard, I’m still a bit hesitant to rely...

Adjusting to the iPhone 16: Essential Settings You Need to Know Switching from the iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 16 has brought some challenges, particularly when it comes to enabling certain features. Here’s a breakdown of the key adjustments you’ll want to make for a smoother experience, especially around vibrate mode and photo quality. Vibrate on Silent Shut off Live Photo Improve Photo Quality 1. Vibrate on Silent To enable vibrate mode when your ringer is set to silent, follow these steps: Go to : Settings Select : Sounds & Haptics Under Haptics , toggle Play in Silent Mode to ON. It’s a bit convoluted, and you might expect "Always Play" to mean the same thing, but it doesn’t. 2. Disable Live Photo While Live Photo is a fun feature, it can consume excessive storage. To turn it off, do the following: Go to : Settings Select : Camera Choose : Preserve Settings Toggle Live Photo to ON. This ensures that Live Photo remains disabled when you turn it off in Camera mode, de...

Preparing for the iPhone 16: A Comparison with the 14 Pro With my new iPhone 16 arriving, I wanted to prepare a comparison to see how it stacks up against my 14 Pro. I’m anticipating a slightly lighter, faster phone, although I may be sacrificing a bit on the screen quality based on initial online reviews. That said, since I was already satisfied with the LCD display on my iPhone 11, I expect to be more than happy with the OLED on the 16. When comparing the specs, there isn’t much difference between the 14 Pro and the standard 16. My main reasons for choosing the 16 are the USB Type-C port and its lighter weight. Initial Review: iPhone 16—Good, Not Amazing Now that I’ve had my iPhone 16 for several days, I’m pleased with the form factor, lighter weight, and slightly improved specs. I do miss the superior 120 Hz refresh rate of the 14 Pro’s screen, but overall, the base model 16 feels like a better fit for me. While iPhones generally don’t have the best cameras compared to Samsung’s fla...

Samsung S20 Fan Edition: Still Impressive After 4 Years Even after more than four years since its release, the Samsung S20 Fan Edition (FE) remains an impressive Android phone that holds its own against modern devices, particularly budget models like the A32 and A15. This speaks volumes about how overpowered the specs were at the time of its launch. Affordable Price You can find used S20 FE models on Amazon for around $130 to $150, often in excellent condition. This makes it perfect as a backup phone or for streaming videos. With its stunning display, snappy processor, and substantial battery life, the S20 FE delivers an exceptional user experience. It encapsulates why many users love their devices: you don’t necessarily need the latest features; the right combination can create an amazing smartphone. S20 FE vs. A32: A Beautiful Screen Comparing the S20 FE to my A32, which I use for streaming, the AMOLED screen of the S20 FE truly stands out. Its vibrant colors and deep blacks make it ...

I'm standardizing my portable power bank solutions and have settled on three models from Anker: PowerCore 10400 (A1214) - 10k - USB PowerBank 334 (A1642) - 10k - Type C, MagSafe PowerBank 622 (A1611) - 5k - Type C, MagSafe Weight vs Capacity: 5k is Optimum After some deliberation, I've chosen the 5k capacity as it strikes a good balance between weight and power. The 5k model is ideal for a quick charge, while the 10k can provide two full recharges, making it perfect for longer trips. Although a 20k option might be nice, it's unnecessary for my current travel plans since I typically have access to a hotel or power outlet. Given that I don't require 'off-grid' living, the 5k option suits me perfectly. Wireless vs Wired While wireless charging via MagSafe is generally more expensive and offers slower speeds, the convenience it provides is quite appealing. However, having the option to charge faster with a wired connection is also a nice feature. Update - Sept 20...

My Journey with Android Devices: A Comparative Insight Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to own and try several Android devices, and while I’m primarily an Apple user, I’m continually impressed by how far Android has come. In many areas, such as screen quality, cameras, battery life, and user interface, Android devices often surpass iPhones. Performance Gap and Longevity However, performance remains a critical area where Android still lags behind. It requires ever-increasing specifications on chipsets and memory to keep pace with the iPhone. Typically, after three years, an Android device is considered slow, while an iPhone can easily last another three years, maintaining usability for up to six years before it becomes comparatively sluggish. When Android manages to bridge that performance gap, it could signal the decline of the iPhone, transforming it into a niche brand. Despite my preference for Apple, I remain agnostic on the subject. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely to happe...

Review of the Samsung A15 5G: A Budget-Friendly Option I recently picked up a Samsung A15 5G , and I must say, it's a decent budget phone. It offers comparable features to my older A32 5G , but with notable improvements, including a better 90Hz OLED screen , a robust 5,000 mAh battery , and 128GB of memory . One of the best aspects is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack , which is becoming rare in modern smartphones. Initial Impressions The screen quality is impressive; the resolution beats the A32 hands down and is even marginally better than my iPhone 14 Pro . However, I've noticed some performance issues after the phone goes into sleep mode . While the user interface (UI) and apps are generally functional, problems arise when apps are allowed to sleep. That said, I primarily got it to watch streaming shows, and in that capacity, it excels. Overall, it feels like a budget phone but is nicely designed to mimic some aspects of higher-end models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max —...

New Addition: Apple iMac M3 Took the plunge and bought an Apple iMac M3 . I opted for the larger 16GB / 512GB HDD configuration. So far, it’s been pretty good, and once I learn more of the OS and keyboard shortcuts, the easier it’s going. This orange version cost me about $2.1k (California tax rates). Why an iMac? I’ve been using Windows and Linux for many years, and for a few years in college, I owned an older MacBook. For most of this time, I’ve managed with cheap laptops. Although I debated getting a MacBook, the price was too much, and I figured, why not go with a desktop computer again?

My iPhone Journey: From the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 16 I’ve been an iPhone user since 2012, starting with the iPhone 5, and I’m now enjoying my current model, the iPhone 16, marking my 12th year with Apple’s flagship smartphones. My iPhone Timeline: 2012: iPhone 5 2016: iPhone 6s 2020: iPhone 11 2022: iPhone 14 Pro 2024: iPhone 16 2025: iPhone Air 2027:  iPhone 19? Initially, I was upgrading every four years, but the release of the iPhone 14 Pro prompted me to upgrade just two years after purchasing the iPhone 11. My previous habit of buying older models two years post-release made me consider investing in the latest technology for a longer-term experience—aiming for 4-5 years with each new phone. My strategy is to save money in the long run by upgrading less frequently. I plan to hold off on my next upgrade until 2026-2027, although I might consider buying new models every two years if attractive deals arise. I’m particularly inclined to wait for the 20th anniversary of the iP...

Comparing AirPods 2nd Gen and PowerBeats 2: A Personal Experience After hitting my weight goal of 170 pounds, I decided to treat myself to a pair of AirPods 2nd Gen , which I snagged on sale for just $60. Additionally, a friend gifted me a pair of PowerBeats 2 , allowing me to compare the two after several weeks of use. Design and Purpose These two headphones are quite different in form factor, making direct comparisons challenging, as they serve unique purposes. AirPods: Perfect for casual and indoor use, these are compact and easily portable thanks to their sleek carrying case. PowerBeats: Designed for rugged use, they are ideal for outdoor activities and exercise, featuring a wired cable that hangs around your neck. Performance Comparison Battery Life: PowerBeats Win I typically use the PowerBeats for 30-60 minutes at a time, and they easily last several days without needing a charge. In contrast, the AirPods require charging after about 2 hours of continuous use. Ergonomics: Ai...

Planning My Future Computer Collection As I look ahead, I'm considering the types of computers I'll need, aiming to keep my collection compact and efficient. My current needs are straightforward: A Windows 11-compatible device A Linux device with a touchscreen Current State of My Collection and Plans for the Next Two Years Currently, my HP i7 6th Gen is not eligible for Windows 11, which means support for it will end by October 14, 2025. Since Windows 11 only supports processors from the 8th generation onward, I’ll need to make adjustments. My plan is as follows: Dell i5-8400H : Configure as my Windows 11 PC. HP i7 6th Gen : Continue running Windows 10 until 2025, then switch to Linux. HP i3-4010u : Use as a Linux touchscreen device until 2025, then retire it to cold storage. I’m considering whether to fully retire the HP i3-4010u, but I prefer keeping my collection streamlined, so this approach would bring me down to two main machines. Benefits of This Strategy With this setup...

Dell Precision 7530 Workstation: A Brief Overview Purchase Details Price: ~$250 on eBay Model: Dell Precision 7530 Processor: 8th Gen Intel i5-8400H GPU: Mid-tier P2000 (higher-end options available, such as P3200 6GB) Key Features Customizability: This model is designed for easy configuration and component replacement, making it ideal for business settings where IT support is involved. Value: Comparable configurations typically range from $350 to $500, making my purchase a solid deal for the specifications. Decision to Sell Reason for Selling: The Precision 7530 proved to be more powerful than I need. My older HP laptops (4th and 6th Gen) are sufficient for my current usage. Future Considerations: While the 4th Gen HP is reliable, the 6th Gen will need replacement by 2025 due to Windows 10 reaching its end of life. I'll hold off on purchasing a new laptop for a few more years, as newer models are becoming more affordable. In summary, while the Dell Precision 7530 is an impr...

Review of Vivitar WE-ES62-WT Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For just $5 at Target, you can grab a pair of Vivitar wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Known for their basic design, these earbuds are a budget option that resembles Apple AirPods in appearance. Pairing Process Don’t expect a seamless pairing experience like with AirPods; it’s crucial to follow the provided instructions to avoid frustration. Many negative reviews stem from users not reading the guidelines, which is common with cheaper tech. Design & Form Factor The design is surprisingly decent for the price. They look good and feel okay, which is impressive for $5—making you wonder about Apple’s markup on their products. Sound Quality Sound quality is poor, described as tinny and harsh with little bass. While they may not satisfy audiophiles, they outperform some $20-$25 wired options. Adjusting the EQ can help, but the sound can still be tiresome over time. Build Quality The build quality feels flimsy, especially the case hinge, ...

JBL 510BT Bluetooth Headphones Review I recently scored a deal on the JBL 510BT Bluetooth Headphones for half off, paying only $30 . So far, they’ve proven to be a solid, budget-friendly option for wireless headphones. Initial Impressions While AirPods are great, the added bulk of a charging case can be inconvenient, especially when I'm on the move and worry about losing earbuds. For just $30 , I’m not overly concerned about knocking around the JBLs. I’ll need to use them for a few days to give them a proper review, but here's what I've gathered so far. One Week Review Final Verdict: Buy these headphones for $30. While I wouldn't recommend them at full retail price, they deliver decent value for their lower price point. Sound Quality Decent and Pleasant : The sound quality is pleasant, reminding me of my wired Sony ZX310 headphones. Bass and Clarity : These won’t win any awards, but they’re great for their segment. They can sound muddled at times, especially with hea...

My old wireless keyboard died, and I was using a wired USB one as a temporary solution. I found an Apple-style set on Amazon for $25 . Initial Impressions Overall, it’s okay. I’ll see how it fares long term. Update - 11/17/23 - 11 Months Later This keyboard and mouse combo is still going strong! I use it daily and am still on the original battery, which is impressive. For the price, it beats the previous junk I bought from Best Buy. The mouse features a slimline design, but you quickly get used to it. Looking forward to seeing how it holds up in the coming months!