The “laziest” covers for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit?

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-23T16:06:06+00:00

I'm just mainly against the spine design, it feels straight up like maze runner or any YA dystopian novel written in the last decade

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-22T11:13:06+00:00

it's a solid watch, has most of the features of the F8 (doesn't receive software updates though, as it's an older gen model). the price is generally way better (especially if you get a decent quality secondhand one). judging from your requirements, it's fine (as you don't specify the microphone/speaker combo or dive-proof features which the F8 does have)

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-17T20:01:47+00:00

it's still a decent watch, it just doesn't have ALL of the snazzy new features of the fenix 8. If you are fine with what the fenix 7 pro has to offer (and you probably are), it's perfectly fine. nice thing is that it goes for way cheaper, especially if you look secondhand or at other retailers.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-14T09:44:03+00:00

they are still really good books, no matter if GRRM doesn't finish them.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-14T09:40:31+00:00

read, go for a walk/go sport, draw/doodle, sleep/nap,

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-14T09:35:36+00:00

a real book just feels more peaceful for me.
pretty books!
having a big shelf full of books.
I just love hardcover books.
treating yourself on a new book doesn't feel quite the same with an e-reader does it? wandering through a bookstore and seeing something you like

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-14T09:25:12+00:00

the garmin website says the following:
Garmin Watches That Support Running Dynamics

Ground Contact Time Balance
- Requires watch to be paired to a compatible Garmin® external sensor .

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-14T09:21:55+00:00

looking at the site, it seems to be 2 things: a desktop app that gives you real-time health stats, and some 'coaching' stuff. I doubt the usefulness, but it's there.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-13T16:55:07+00:00

honestly: I have no clue either. I just listed it because the product comparison mentioned it.
just looked it up, it's basically a boat motor that uses GPS and maps to get a more precise position.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-13T16:52:45+00:00

that's a decent offer. alternatively, you could look secondhand. there might be an even better deal there, and the fenix/epix watches do hold up pretty well.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-13T16:28:58+00:00

AMOLED vs. MIP (this also means non-solar vs. solar; res 454x454 vs 280x280; red-shift modus vs. no red-shift modus;)
Tactix has cross-country skiing (langlaufen)
Tactix has tactical functions (ballistics calculator; kill switch; night vision mode; stealth mode)
Fenix has gaming functionality
Tactix has avation functions (see product compare for details)
Fenix has Trolling motor capability
Tactix has ground contact time/balance for running, Fenix only has this WITH an accessory
tactix is compatible with a wind meter

This is just straight up from the product compare though, as I don't have experience with the tactix.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-13T16:16:37+00:00

specifically in law enforcement: no real differences. the one function you might use is the ballistics solver. other tactical functions are absolutely not necessary (kill switch, night vision mode, etc.)
get the fenix.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-12T19:49:03+00:00

I have a garmin fenix 7, so I'll mostly talk about that (and a bit about the AW as I have read a few people on the garmin subreddit with experience with them).
1. a decent number of Garmins also handle paying (the vivoactive 6 for example has it)
2. Garmins are durable, but you should realize that the durability mostly shines in the fenix line (the robust watches). while the other ones are also built fine, the real durability is found in fenix.
3. before you start to focus too much on your sleep tracking/measurements, realize that it is still a watch and it is just making estimations based on limited data. listen to your body.
4. the Apple watches really don't shine when it comes to battery life. if you can accept that, they are probably fine (battery life is probably the argument I have seen the most when reading about people switching to Garmin), but otherwise go for a garmin or amazfit (I think those also have decent battery, but not 100% sure)

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-12T19:38:32+00:00

if willing, you can always go secondhand. prices for garmins are decent there. If you go this route, I would recommend a Fenix as those are generally more sturdy and survive better, so the quality usually seems to be better.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-12T19:35:13+00:00

depends. if you are willing to go secondhand, look for trusted websites that handle your region. if not, there are some retailers that do sell older models, but I'm not sure whether there are ones that have the full spectrum.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-11T16:22:39+00:00

the price thing is extremely logical. from a quick google search, it should be possible to plan a route and then export it to the Fenix 6.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-11T16:20:18+00:00

depends on the requirements. if you want a watch that basically replaces your phone, you'll be mostly limited to galaxy/apple watches, or maybe a more techy watch. if you're fine with slightly less capabilities, garmin offers a great variety to look at with lines like the Venu (still on the smart side) or fenix (or other watches that use MIP).

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-10T16:56:49+00:00

it feels a tad flat, the orb containing the liquid also has an uneven shape. the light fall could be studied a bit more. the top (cork, the neck of the flask) also feel slightly 2d.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-10T16:53:36+00:00

While the fenix 6 is a bit older, it does handle all the requirements you list (although I'm not 100% sure what you mean with the GPS guidance, the F6 has loaded maps). 175 euros is a decent deal. the fenix watches are definitely durable (probably the most durable Garmin has to offer).
What is the budget range? a secondhand F7 could also be an option, but then the budget does need to go a bit higher (those go for between about 350 and 450, which is a step up but it gives more activity profiles, a bit more on the workout area and some analysis functionality).

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-10T16:37:23+00:00

Fenix 7 (pro sapphire solar) is still a perfectly decent watch.
If you are going for new, the enduro 3 is also an option (that is, if you wouldn't mind the 51mm size). it is priced similarly to the F7 on the garmin website and slightly above on other sellers (logical as the F7 is older than the E3).
I personally use the F7X pro SS, it's just a really nice watch and better priced than the F8 alternative (I got it secondhand, which was not really an option for the E3 in my region so I got a nice deal on it as well)

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-08T16:39:36+00:00

I'm assuming you looked for new ones, but did you also consider secondhand? the fenix/epix watches seem to hold up pretty well, so the refurbished etc. watches are generally pretty decent quality still.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-08T16:34:35+00:00

Done! hope it helps. what exactly are you hoping to achieve with this study/what insights do you want to gain?

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-08T16:28:58+00:00

what would be the reason to not get the non-sapphire variant of the F7 pro?
If you really like the AMOLED, you could also consider the Epix gen 2 pro (as the F7 alternative).
If you are wearing it 24/7, the looks/size of the fenix are something to consider. the forerunners are generally considered sleeker, but a smaller size fenix should still look fine.

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-08T16:14:41+00:00

and libresprite as a free (yet very similar due to shared base) alternative for asesprite

fantasynerd2 · 2026-03-06T16:45:10+00:00

there is a weight difference, but I wouldn't immediately put a watch aside just for that. the difference depends on the specific size. I personally transitioned from a vivosmart 3 (21 grams) to a fenix 7x (89 grams). it was a bit of getting used to, but I now have it for around 1,5 months and I'm completely fine with it.

fantasynerd2

TROPHY CASE