(Click here to read my recommendations of books, restaurants, and other resources.)
Electronics
Bose Companion 3 Speakers – We listen to music. Lots of it. Every day. We made this investment several years ago and haven’t regretted it. Super clean and clear music through much of the house.
iPhone 4 – My only Apple product is a doozy. I don’t want to talk like it’s a tether or a lifeline, but it is very, very, very handy. My friend who carries a Blackberry for work and an iPhone for personal use strongly prefers his iPhone.
Schools in Nashville, TN
Jonathan Edwards Classical Academy – I send my kids here. In fact, I rearranged my life to get this to happen. I like it. In fact, I work there, too. In fact, oh…nevermind, you know the story.
Software/Services
Amazon – Never pay retail. It’s hard finding books cheaper than the prices you find on Amazon. In fact, Amazon knows how to make money even when they sell items at their cost. Amazon’s logo is practically burned into my screen.
AVG – Don’t pay for antivirus/antispyware.
Craigslist – For buying and selling locally and quickly
Dictionary.com – Because I must.
Firefox – There are much better reasons, but basically I think Internet Explorer stinks.
Gmail – I used AOL for 10 years because it was super-inclusive and I loved it, but I was a little too high-strung about it. When high-speed internet came along, it immediately became pointless to continue with it. I used to pay $26/month for it. Gmail is simple, clean, efficient, and reliable. Free helped me convert over, too.
Google Reader – Why go visit dozens of blogs, waiting for them to update? Reader has an orderly list of updates from all those blogs waiting to be read in full on their page. Easy-peasy.
iTunes – We have tons of music loaded on here, maybe 20 days worth. It’s a hub on my computer and is always open.
Mozy – I never think about losing my files. Once a day, while I’m sleeping, my computer backs up all my changed/added files. We have 100+ gb of files, pics, videos and photos stored on Mozy’s servers. The best $5/month I spend. You can do the same for up to 2gb for free. It makes for one less thing to grab in case of fire.
Netflix – We are in a season where sleep is precious so we aren’t probably getting our money’s worth right now. But the concept and service are great.
Remember the Milk – A free, online service that maintains all my lists. I like it, but I would listen to suggestions for other services.
Trip Advisor – I almost always go here before I go there.
Yelp – It’s a great place to get recommendations (besides TBAP, of course).
Subscriptions I Read
Besides the blogs and books I read:
Credenda/Agenda – This just (Fall ’09) went to online distribution with a yearly paper rag of the best of.
Inc. – Just because I like to
Popular Mechanics – Lotsafunstuff.
Tabletalk – Generally good.
