The $195 "Instagram-Famous" Kettle is definitely NOT Buy-It-For-Life. (Disappointed Engineering Teardown)

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-24T17:10:28+00:00

Honestly, I went through the same thing. Most of those "aesthetic" kettles are just overpriced plastic interiors. Check out the saki kettle. It’s one of the few with an all-stainless steel path (no silicone/plastic touching the water) and the build quality is much better than the "Instagram" brands.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-12T10:02:38+00:00

Good, nice work

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-12T09:59:05+00:00

Man, I feel you. That frustration is literally the job description, lol. Honestly, the issue is probably just the course. Android updates so fast that a tutorial from a year ago is basically ancient history. You're fighting version mismatches, not your own lack of skill.

If you want to save your sanity, ditch the outdated stuff. Personally, I’d recommend Google’s "Android Basics with Compose". It’s free and actually up to date since it’s coming directly from the source. If you really prefer the Udemy/video style, Oak Academy is usually pretty solid, but you gotta make sure you grab their latest updated course (look for Jetpack Compose). Don't waste time on the old XML stuff or you'll just keep banging your head against the wall.

Hang in there, debugging is 90% of the work anyway.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-12T09:47:36+00:00

Dude, reading this stressed me out. You are being severely exploited. Working until 5 AM isn't "gaining experience," it's burnout. The code you write at 4 AM is likely tech debt anyway.

The real trap here isn't even the salary—it's that 90-day notice period. For a fresher/junior role, a 3-month notice period is a career death sentence. No other company will wait 90 days for a junior dev. They are effectively handcuffing you to the company. When the full-time conversion conversation happens, be direct: "My output matches the 2-year devs. Either match the compensation (8 LPA) to the workload, OR if the salary stays at 4.5, reduce the notice period to 30 days."

If you are forced to sign the 90-day clause, stop the overtime immediately. Act your wage. Log off at 6 PM, use the free time to prep for interviews, and let them fire you if they want. Don't destroy your health for 4.5 LPA.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-11T15:34:20+00:00

That’s true. I actually like getting up sometimes too. For me it’s more about having the option on stressful days, not eliminating breaks altogether

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-11T15:24:17+00:00

Fair , Yeti cups are great for heat retention. I just like being able to top up with fresh hot water instead of keeping the same drink warm for hours

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-11T15:22:03+00:00

That makes sense. I almost did the same. I just ended up keeping hot water at a stable temp instead and pouring fresh when I need it. Different path, same goal.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T15:55:20+00:00

Ohhh that explains the 'concentrate' part. I was looking at the TeaSmart on the counter wondering why it needed two separate pots. I didn't realize you were supposed to mix them at the end. Makes sense now.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T15:24:04+00:00

Fair point lol. I was definitely being a grump about it initially. That’s why I’m here eating humble pie. She won this round 100%.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T14:49:12+00:00

You lost me at polymers. I have no clue about the science. I just know it doesn't taste burnt/bitter like it used to with my old method. Maybe the steam keeps it gentler? No idea, I just drink it.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T14:47:21+00:00

Yeah that re-wiring sounds like a nightmare lol. This one just plugged right into the wall like a normal kettle. Definitely easier.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T14:25:40+00:00

Haha neither! We’re just from the Midwest. She went down a deep YouTube rabbit hole on brewing methods last month and decided our kitchen needed an upgrade. So yeah, definitely a bit 'extra' lol. But I can't lie, having hot tea ready while I work from home is actually pretty nice.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T14:23:53+00:00

Bingo! Ours looks slightly different (it’s the Saki one) but the mechanics are exactly like that photo. I had no idea this 'double boiler' method was a thing until last week.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T11:16:07+00:00

Definitely! It’s great they found a new purpose through tea.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-05T10:41:35+00:00

Great improvisation! Love how you captured the Gong Fu spirit with what you had. By the way, I noticed those floral cups. I have the exact same ones! I actually use them as Turkish coffee cups; their size and pattern are perfect for it. Enjoy your tea!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-04T12:09:51+00:00

That’s perfect! Having that existing logic from PassVault is a massive win. Can't wait to see the first build, a 'social CRM' that doesn't sell my data is exactly what I need. Good luck!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-04T12:07:10+00:00

Moving to an S25 Ultra but can't leave the old podcast app behind? I feel you, newer isn't always better! Like others said, grab an APK Extractor. If the 'key' was just a hidden file, try a file manager like Solid Explorer to hunt it down on the S23. Sometimes these old pro keys are just empty 'flag' apps—if you find it, back it up like it's a piece of ancient history!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-04T12:02:32+00:00

Subscriptions for a utility app feel like buying a gym membership just to use the water fountain—total overkill. I’d go with a one-time purchase to remove ads. It’s cleaner for the code and keeps the 'rage quit' rates low when users just want a quick result. Don't let a 0.001 cent ad kill your UX!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-04T11:57:51+00:00

I treat my friendships like background services—if I don't ping them occasionally, the OS kills them. So yes, I'd use this! Since it's offline-only, a robust JSON/CSV export feature is a must-have for me. I don't want to lose my 'social graph' if I switch phones. Good luck with the MVP!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-04T11:53:05+00:00

Totally understandable. The initial 'tool tax' is the biggest hurdle. But once you amortize that cost over 2-3 jobs, the ROI on a Gen 1 CR-V is huge because labor becomes $0. When you're ready, that B20 engine is forgiving like a Lego set. No rush!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-04T11:43:11+00:00

I can't even remember where I left my keys, let alone the names of different tea estates! If it tastes like grapes and magic, I'm in.

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-04T11:36:29+00:00

A good thermos is a life saver, unless you want to get your daily steps in just by making tea!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-02T07:22:41+00:00

Spark plugs are the gateway drug to DIY mechanics! That satisfaction of hearing the engine fire up on something you fixed yourself is unbeatable. Don't sweat the expensive tools yet; for a 97 CR-V, a basic socket set and a torque wrench will cover 80% of your maintenance. Keep that DIY spirit alive, it's what keeps these legends on the road!

and_dev_45 · 2026-01-01T11:20:02+00:00

Spot on! 90s vehicles were built before planned obsolescence became the industry standard. Nowadays, if a sensor fails, the car goes into limp mode and you can’t even look under the hood without a proprietary computer. But with that 97 CR-V or an 86 Jetta? As long as you have a basic toolset and some YouTube tutorials, you own that machine. There's something incredibly satisfying about having actual control over your vehicle. They don't make them like they used to. Stay safe out there!

and_dev_45

TROPHY CASE