I recently bought a vernier caliper and prefer it over digital and dial. I feel more connected with the measurements i make, hard to describe but I suspect the idea is similiar to some of the points the author makes about using a manual slide rule.
Few weeks ago I was watching a random video on YouTube published by matthias wendel and noticed the same vernier caliper sitting on the table in the background.
I also have a Faber-Castell 2/83n, I believe this model is Cliff Stoll's favorite one, however I find it a bit too busy for my aging eyes. It is really pretty to look at though.
Too bad there isn't a big enough market for someone to make high quality replicas of classic slide rules, with modern machining techniques. I'd really like to see some laser etched metal rules.
https://www.sliderule.tokyo/products/list.php?category_id=30
And if you don't want to order directly from Japan, you can search for search on Amazon, here is one for 20 bucks: https://www.amazon.com/Concise-Ruler-Circular-Slide-100973/d...