2x 2U HP DL385 (Gen 2 I think) 2x HP thin client PCs 2x Cisco managed switches 1x Cisco router (can't remember the model) A handful of network cables.
This kick-started my career in operations, thanks to a dodgy VMware Server, Windows SBS 2003, XP Pro/W2K/Office 2k3, etc..
After spending months learning from books and the internet, I landed a job as a field engineer for a small MSP in London with no formal technical background/degree.... nearly 20 years ago now!
Most of the first x86_64 PC's that I loaded Linux onto. They were a hobby and that hobby turned into a career that I was able to retire from. It's still a hobby and the machines are still affordable.
I would never think of them as a 'purchase' but they saved me.
It is almost 5 years since I became a widower and these two beasties have saved me many times.
Changed my life? Maybe.
Kept me living? Definitely.
I'm rolling with Humanscale 6G keyboard tray and magnetic USB-C right-angle connectors.
I was nervous about a hard stream of water going up there, not knowing how cold or hot it would be, but it was a life changer.
First thing in at a new house for me is $50 bidet.
Also, I read a lot of tech books which often includes a lot of surprising new things that improves my work suddenly or unlocks issues at work by providing entirely simply solutions(of course adapted to my problem).
Also some indoor plants, they probably do a bit of air cleaning but their aesthetics cheer me up when I am back home.
Good pair of comfortable shoes I bought last year reduced my chronic back pain(hard soles apparently strains the heels and eventually back muscles?!).
Do you place it behind your head or legs ?
2. A massage chair and audiobooks. I have trouble getting relaxed to sleep. 30 minutes in a message chair listening to a nice audio book is great. Recommend Osaki and its rebadges like the insignia 3D. $1000 or so.
3. A dog. Mixed feelings on this. I love my dog that I got from a shelter and he encourages good habits, like touching grass and socializing with people outside, but it’s a lot of work. Buyer beware. $300 to adopt and about $300-$1000 on yearly needs.
4. Nice walking shoes, about $100.
5. Robot vacuum. Recommend the roborock s7+. About $800.
Open platform general purpose computing is underrated these days, imho.
2) Lately: solar panel on my boat. Electricity generation independent from power grid or fuel input, on the move, potentially anywhere in the world, one-time cost = set for years to come, is super to have. Even if sometimes it pumps out only a few W (but eg. enough to charge phone).
Verical mouse has eliminated wrist pain for me.
Decent coffee grinder at 130$ for drip.
Stand mixer if you bake, food processor if you cook. Also hand blender with whisk.
GeForce now sub has been great completely eliminated the need for a desktop. Just don’t forget to install auto hotkey to get past the 10min timeout.
AirPods have been pretty convenient. They aren’t my best phones but they are the most convenient.
Good boots are in the 600-1200 range but can be awesome.
Japanese digging knife for the garden.
My first classical guitar, which I bought 20 years ago, cost 50 PLN (~$12) and it kickstarted my love for playing a music. Not only that. I spent thousands of hours practising and now music accompanies me all the time. There's always a song stuck in my head these days, or I'm whistling or humming or singing or tapping my fingers or stamping my feet. It's exhausting sometimes.
2. Tabla (south asian drums)
3. Backup, that I use both for daily travel and for one-bag trips.
4. Feet warmer at my desk. Our floor is extra cold and my feet get cold anyway.
> There is no evidence that consuming pu'er tea promotes loss of body weight in humans.
A quality mechanical keyboard has also been great. I use a TKL GMMK with Kailh BOX White switches, it's been awesome. ~$100.
They were around $700 for the two of them. I got them when I was 11 or so.
I probably wouldn't be where I am today, emotionally, without them.
Fitness DVDs and Player
Running Shoes
Hardcopy Encyclopedia
Milk Crate Shelving
Lot of AlphaSmart Danas from EBay for distraction-free writing
Outside of that there's a lot of little things I bought in quick succession to make my bed comfortable, and it all really paid off.
it made me extremely productive (especially learning stuffs)