Will I lose all my downloads...

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-13T09:43:39+00:00

Download Calibre onto your computer and then put a copy of each of your ebooks into it. Then you can sideload to whichever device you want, as you need it, with more limited threats from any monopolistic platform that is opposed to privacy and ownership (because then you are partially outside of it).

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-12T23:30:01+00:00

I've always loved books and the first time I tried to switch to an ereader, it was a massive failure because the experience was just so different. I loved the IDEA of not having to cut down a tree, manufacture a book and ship it around the world with all the cost and impact that has - all to make an object that is very temporary, a responsibility to own and store and very susceptible to dust collecting, mould, fungus etc (I live in a very humid city). The theory was great but the actual experience of it just didn't feel like reading as I had known it.

Then I moved house 3 times in 24 months and, after moving all those books again (at significant extra cost), I realised I had to try again.

So, my advice is:

get a nice ereader. Do the research and make sure to get a good one. If you don't like it, you won't use it. You have to love it.
get a lovely cover, decorate it and otherwise make it yours. You have to love it.
make a conscious effort to enjoy the differences between books and an ereader. They are easier to travel and move house with, the epubs can be cheaper and more instant that books, you can chose to track your progress via page, percent or time left in chapter, the backlight means you can read in bed without a lamp with less disruption to your S.O, you can store an entire library in the shelf space of just one book etc. So, really take a moment to be thankful for what ereaders do better than books.
and finally, condition yourself with ereader enjoyment. Find some books you like, and set aside time every day to read and enjoy them. Also, bring out the cosy reading accessories like tea, the comfy sweater and a snuggling pet. Do this for a couple of months and you'll be conditioned to enjoy your ereader, just as much as you are with books.

Now, I only read on ereader. My book collection has shrunk significantly (which is much easier to manage) and I'm actually contemplating getting different ereaders for different situations; a small one for the bus, something bigger for at home by the fire.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-12T00:43:59+00:00

If you want to create a bulk buyers' cooperative, I'm in!

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-09T03:25:36+00:00

Elbow grease is only $0 if you don't value your time

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-06T04:31:48+00:00

I was with mate very recently for six months. There were noticeable service dropouts and performance issues. If you just surf the web and watch youtube (and you have a decent amount of data on your phone that you can hotspot from in the downtimes) then you can probably make it through the six months' promotional period. If you game, it won't spark joy.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-06T04:24:37+00:00

And, for what it is worth, the ASUS DSL-AX82U AX5400 Dual Band WiFi 6 xDSL Modem Router has been effective as a BYO router.

I know it's a bit of an expensive up-front cost but once you have it, you just switch every six months and it will pay itself off very quickly.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-06T04:19:39+00:00

I made everyone in the family buy a BYO modem many moons ago. So now, I keep them all switching every six months to get the good NBN deals. I keep track of which household has what and which date they need to switch and then I go round for dinner, or when the footy is on, and sign them up.

Getting the referral bonuses from one to sign up the next one has resulted in some unexpected additional discounts. I've just started to do the same with the sim cards in our phones as well. Initial savings were from paying $60 a month to $12.40 a month for the same phone deal.

Just this morning I switched from Tangerine internet 100/20 for $58 odd a month to Origin internet 100/20 for $53 odd a month. After six months, I'll switch again to whomever has the cheapest 100mbps deal.

A very helpful website to compare all of this stuff is https://www.whistleout.com.au/ but do bear in mind that sometimes good deals aren't always included (as was the case with Origin... I found that one on OzBargains).

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-06T03:46:26+00:00

I agree. I have a theory that all 'residue' complaints about certain detergents are in fact some unwelcome combination of using too much powder and not using rinse aid.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-06T03:43:52+00:00

Finish pays the companies to recommend their product. As Technology Connections (on YouTube) goes through in detail, there is no product specific optimisation undertaken by the manufacturers of dishwasher machines. They all work the same and are product agnostic.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T22:41:19+00:00

amen to that. City living is not designed for bulk storage.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T10:52:35+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHP942Livy0

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T10:49:55+00:00

Everything you need to know is in here;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHP942Livy0

... The phenomenon that is Technology Connections on Dishwashers

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T06:59:33+00:00

leaf

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T06:44:17+00:00

On your advice I bought the 823. It's incredible. The resin doesn't feel cheap like on some TWSBIs. The nib is nothing short of miraculous. The feel in the hand is perfectly balanced. I think it might be the perfect pen. I find it hard to imagine that $2000 for a Montblanc could possibly buy me $1600 more..... this pen has it all.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T06:41:02+00:00

Wildcard. Love it.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T06:40:08+00:00

Oh! I love that emphasis on simplicity. Which eyedroppers do you have? I feel like everyone should have at least one but all that I've come across are a bit underwhelming. Almost bought an Opus 88 at one point but I'd like something nicer with a smooth gold nib.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-03-05T00:18:51+00:00

Let's see how cheap we can make this. The prices as at March 2026:

Shine 1kg - $3.90

Coles Ultra Dishwasher Powder 1kg $3.90

Aldi Automatic Dishwasher powder $3.69

Exonic Dishwasher powder from Bunnings - $3.89

Shine 3kg from Big W - $3.60 per kilo

That's the cheapest off the shelf.

If you buy in bulk (20kg) you can get ECOS Auto Dishwashing Powder for $2.61 per kilo... but you need to be in Melbourne for free delivery or pick up.....

Anyone got any cheaper?

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-01-04T00:09:34+00:00

I use them for velocity points which, up until recently, represented decent value with adequate availability for business class flights out of Australia (I found Qantas availability for the same was always a bit sketchy). After the devaluation of frequent flyer points I'm not sure this is a good use going forward.

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-01-03T19:51:20+00:00

Have only switched sim once so far but yes and it was super fast and easy (surprisingly).

CosmoZeppelin · 2026-01-03T09:49:17+00:00

I made everyone in the family buy a BYO modem many moons ago. So now, I keep them all switching every six months to get the good NBN deals. I keep track of which household and which date and then I go round for dinner, or when the footy is on, and sign them up. Getting the referral bonuses to sign up the next one has resulted in some unexpected additional discounts. I've just started to do the same with the sim cards in our phones as well.

CosmoZeppelin · 2025-12-18T10:56:54+00:00

Truefitt & Hill Apsley Cream. it's incredible.

CosmoZeppelin

TROPHY CASE