Comment by n8cpdx 3 months ago
> I could have my own TRMNL for under $80, or, if you factor in my time, around $5,000, which is a bargain
I love the self awareness.
I'm trying to be better about factoring in my time, largely unsuccessfully.
E.g. I just spent $200 of my time trying to trade in an iphone at the apple store (the Apple Store sucks now and has terrible processes). Value of trade in: $200
stavros is one of my favourite posters on HN, and the writing on his site is full of beautiful turns of phrase like that.
> The Timeframe is a beautiful, battery-powered, high-resolution e-ink device that sits on my desk and reminds me of the inexorable grind that saps my creativity and drains me of the will to live.
From https://www.stavros.io/posts/making-the-timeframe/
edit: Ever since I read the Timeframe article I've been itching to do the same thing myself, but I suck at these things so worry that I'm just going to end up with more piles of electronic parts in my cupboard of broken dreams.
Have mine in the hopes of making your itch unbearable: https://imgur.com/a/diy-automatic-e-ink-newspaper-using-rust...
You can do it! :-) Also happy to help if you have questions.
Thanks!
I'm currently making something inspired by your Timeframe, but using an OLED panel, as a 2nd screen for my desk - but almost the same form-factor and a similar design.
I'm trying out a faux 3D-printed wood process with wood powder-infused PLA, sanding and staining, and a faux wood grain I baked into the geometry using a displacement map, though. Hoping to make it all posh.
You can always trade in by mail. I just did it for my M1 Air. I still need to drop it off at UPS, but no driving to the mall, parking, and waiting in line.
This is also why I buy almost everything from Amazon. Their returns process is worlds ahead of every one else. It also doesn't hurt that drop-offs are at grocery stores.
My problem is I initially had a trade in by mail in process. But since I have to walk by the apple store daily on my way to work, it was one of those rare moments where mail was actually less convenient. And I was concerned about the mail in return contractor deciding the phone is worthless (it happens).
Apple made me call to cancel the trade in, then said they could do it in store. They could not, not then, not an hour later, not days later.
Internet and apple store employees said it should be fine. I guess they don't make geniuses like they used to.
How did you come to the $200 figure?
Your time does have value, but it’s in terms of opportunity cost, not hourly wage. Presumably you wouldn’t have made $200 had you not gone to the Apple Store (unless you went when you were supposed to be working and have a job where that time becomes unpaid).
I'm paid by the hour and the Apple Store is a block away from my place of work, so in this particular case it is pretty clear cut. I realize it is different for people paid a fixed annual salary.
Although in hindsight it probably felt like I spent more time there than I actually did. I think the $200 is fair given that I would normally be quite willing to pay to avoid that kind of unfortunate circumstance.
And of course that leaves out the complication of pre- vs post-tax wages, retirement savings, etc.
The trick is that, if you're enjoying the process, the cost is negative! Trading in an iPhone doesn't sound very enjoyable, but to each their own.