Replacing the Model 3 with a Model X

I’m the kind of guy who buys a car and keeps it forever. When we got our Model 3 over five years ago, I thought I’d be handing the virtual keys to our daughter in a decade. Well, it’s totalled. That started our search for another electric vehicle. We left the ICE world behind and didn’t consider hybrids—we’re firmly in the EV camp. After a week of driving ICE cars in Europe, we were reminded why we won’t go back. ...

September 27, 2024 · 4 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

Streamlining Tech for Travel - My Shift to Minimalism

After travelling most of my life, I have been on a crusade to reduce my tech baggage. There was a time when I would have multiple laptops, games, and a litany of cables. International converters further complicated this during times of 110/220, requiring separate blocks. Like clothing, I overpacked what was actually used and needed. This trip, I decided to attempt just a tablet with a keyboard. I found that with Android and work MDM profiles, it was easy enough — additionally, turning off my work profile limited work notifications on PTO. ...

September 8, 2024 · 1 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

Travelling with less stuff

September 7, 2024 · 0 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

Redefining My Reading - Embracing the Modern Age of Media Consumption

At times, I've felt a twinge of disappointment that I don't read as much or as often as I'd like. The giants of philosophy, history, and technology had devoured volumes by this stage in their lives, a feat that seems beyond my reach. But then, I realised that my approach to media consumption is unique and satisfying in its own way. For the past seven days, I have made it a point to note when I am listening to a podcast or audiobook, watching a YouTube documentary, or mindlessly scrolling through some technical post. The truth is that I consume information nonstop, but in different forms. Leopold von Ranke had no opportunity to have a group of intellectuals follow him around, piping various topics into his ears from around the globe in all his free time. His sphere of information was a fraction of what I could blare into my ears or burn my eyeballs with. ...

August 24, 2024 · 2 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)

How to Hack Your Treadmill and Run Like a Geek (Or at Least Avoid a Boring Workout)

After a decade of loyal service, my Sole Treadmill finally threw in the towel. Not one to contribute to e-waste, I tried replacing capacitors and control boards until I exhausted every part I could find online. Realising that my time was worth more than my patience, I decided it was time for a new one. My wishlist was pretty straightforward: Incline/Decline capabilities Speeds over 10 mph No required subscription Delivery and setup service (since moving the old one to the basement was a Herculean task) Enter Best Buy and NordicTrack. ...

July 31, 2024 · 4 min · Nick Schmidt (oneguynick)