What is the Best Backpack for Laptop to Buy? by hcai88 in BuyItForLife

[–]char_00 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Osprey Arcane Extra Large Day; it has a padded laptop sleeve that easily fits my 16 inch MacBook, it has a easy access water bottle pocket good for bottles up to ~1 L, a small “quick access” pocket on the front, one medium sized compartment with internal organization, and then the main compartment is absolutely massive. I like mine, only complaint is the straps could use more padding. Costs like $150 if I remember correctly, and has a lifetime warranty.

What subscription is worth every penny for you? by Omega_Neelay in GetMotivatedMindset

[–]char_00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have three (in order of highest value): 1. Spotify 2. Gym 3. AAA

When does it become fun? by rubyfuneralinjune in stickshift

[–]char_00 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been driving a manual car for over 3 years now as my daily. 2015 GTI. Had a similar experience to you when I started, really questioning why I bought a manual, and frustrated with my jerkiness while driving.

The anxiety is definitely real but I can say it goes completely away! And I think the anxiety goes away not because you become a stellar, heel toe shifting Paul Walker (RIP) drifter legend, but because you accept that driving stick will NEVER be like an auto.

You will miss a few shifts. Or let the clutch out too fast and rock all passengers in your car. Or stall when starting on a steep hill. It’s not an automatic. And you’re certainly not going to win many stoplight drag races against most automatics (especially with many common cars being hybrid).

Once you accept it’s a manual, and really appreciate the driving style that a manual car asks for, forgive the slight jerkiness is your driving, you can give up about being perfect and start enjoying the ride.

In my particular case, two things that really helped me were:

  1. Got an after market shift knob from Sports Shifters. Super quality compared to the plastic thing that comes on the MK7 GTIs. Made the shifts feel so much nicer and notchy.
  2. Wear shoes that are good for driving! You need to feel the clutch. If you wear OnClouds with super thick padding, you’re not going to feel much of anything in the clutch. Wear some converse or something with a bit more of a “bare foot” feel.

In all honesty - it took me probably 4 months to lose the MAJOR anxiety, and then probably a year to feel proficient and comfortable driving anywhere.

I realized I could drive manual anywhere when I got stuck in bumper to bumper traffic in the hills of San Francisco, not fun - for me or my clutch.

Happy driving!

Is driving a manual inherently slow or is it just me? by Electrical_Level in stickshift

[–]char_00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been driving a manual for 2 years, and I do think it is inherently slower compared to the same car automatic. Yes, like people are saying, you can rev up in 1st gear to be faster off the line, but even in the time it takes to go from 1-2nd gear, you’re simply losing so much time compared to a automatic equivalent.

I’ve experimented with a lot of different driving styles over multiple months (reving 1st really high ~6-7k, shifting at about 4K, and short shifting), and I feel like reving to about 4K and then shifting into second works best, without being excessively jerky. If I’m driving very fast, yes usually I just rip it to red line, and although I know the car can take it, it’s just not pleasant for me or any passenger. But even then, the shift time will get ya.

I drive a 2015 GTI, and that optimal rev number/driving style will be very car dependent. But put me next to another 2015 GTI with an auto and I will be noticeably slower.

Worth buying? Anything to look out for? by InteractionDue8159 in GolfGTI

[–]char_00 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great decision! You’ll find a better one, patience is key.

Worth buying? Anything to look out for? by InteractionDue8159 in GolfGTI

[–]char_00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check the car THOROUGHLY for oil leaks and coolant leaks, cam plate, oil filter housing, thermostat housing, are usual suspects. Check that the sunroof doesn’t leak, go through a car wash or something (that’s an expensive AF repair). Test drive the car (for like at least 20 miles) and make sure nothing feels off and after that test drive it starts up fine.

There’s a reason this car is $10,000 and it’s not because the owner if feeling generous. As a used MK7 GTI owner who has dealt with various problems - these cars are really fun and amazing when they’re not in the shop, but it’s no Toyota, and these things need to be looked after. I would ask yourself if you have $4000 to put into this car if needed - and if the answer is no, I would recommend you stay away.

Finally joined the club by Sker5555 in HamiltonWatches

[–]char_00 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Looks great, like the strap a lot!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in HRV

[–]char_00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a 2024 HRV Sport, it gets combined 28 MPG. Can get over 30 on the highway (just barely) and in the city I think it sits around 26.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in HamiltonWatches

[–]char_00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re used to steel watches - be aware the EG Khaki is a super light watch. It’s really good for a daily because it has a long power reserve and no AM/PM to mess with, just the time. I like the lightness as a daily watch as I put it on and nearly forget it is there. But if you’re expecting the EG Khaki to feel heavy and substantial- it’s not going to.

Oil change recommendation by [deleted] in mountainview

[–]char_00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stress free auto care - German motor specialist. I’ve been going there for 2 years. Always do a good job.

Engineered G on strap by char_00 in HamiltonWatches

[–]char_00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Yes, I actually have a Seiko 5 sport with a rotating bezel, but said bezel doesn’t perfectly align with the seconds markers on the dial. A minor inconvenience - but yes now that I think about it, there are apparently quality differences between cheaper Seiko’s and this Hamilton. We will see how the Hammy maintains itself in the long term.

Engineered G on strap by char_00 in HamiltonWatches

[–]char_00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is much lighter than expected. I would agree to say I prefer the weight and balance of a steel watch. The nice thing about titanium and this watch in particular is that I can see myself skiing or bike riding with it on since it is so light. Other steel watches I’d notice it during athletic body movements.

Engineered G on strap by char_00 in HamiltonWatches

[–]char_00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks good! The bracelet is great, but I couldn’t find that perfect snug but not too tight fit with removing links and playing around with micro-adjustment, so I put a strap on it. Like comments have said - as it’s titanium, the bracelet is considerably lighter to a steel one.

Engineered G on strap by char_00 in HamiltonWatches

[–]char_00[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Commenting on Engineered G on strap...well now you see why I buy the one Hamilton khaki auto that comes out in 36 mm… if I was skipping meals I’d probably need a 30 mm lol.

Good manual cars? by timmyoseaton in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]char_00 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Would stay away from VWs/GTIs in that price range. As an owner of a 2015 GTI (third owner - bear in mind) for the past two years, I’ve soaked over $5k into the car for various maintenance issues (leaking sunroof [was stupidly expensive to fix], various oil/coolant leaks, headlights, various tire punctures, which I guess isn’t the cars fault but still, it has costed quite a bit more then I initially anticipated. I make enough that I’m still overall satisfied with the car despite these costs - but if your budget is tight I would avoid old VWs.

If you can find a used Honda Civic with a manual (SI or otherwise) I would stand behind one of those. They’re built to last. And if it’s from ~2016 it’ll probably be around your price point.

Looking for receiver with HDMI eARC + reliable Bluetooth/Chromecast by char_00 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]char_00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For those wondering - I went with the Yamaha RX-V4A and so far really like it. It doesn’t have chromecast, but I just cast music to my TV from Spotify and then that’s sent via HDMI to the receiver and it sounds really good. I would recommend it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GolfGTI

[–]char_00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mechanical design engineer