Hey,
It’s Pete Matheson with a new issue of Experiments in Progress.
Today we’re breaking down where spending more actually pays off.
💸 5 Expensive Gadgets That Are Actually Worth It
Most “expensive” tech isn’t worth it.
But there’s a small category of products that are worth spending on.
👉 The ones you use every day
👉 The ones that remove friction
👉 The ones that make your life better for years
🪑 A Proper Chair: Herman Miller Embody
This is the least “exciting” purchase on the list.
If you work at a desk, this is something you use 8+ hours a day.
A good chair doesn’t feel like a luxury after a week. Better posture. Less fatigue. Fewer distractions.
This is one of those things where cheaping out costs you every single day.
Source: Hive Modern
🎧 One Great Audio Setup: Headphones or Speakers
Most people live with “fine” audio and forget how good it can actually be.
A proper pair of headphones or speakers changes:
how you focus
how you experience music
how immersive everything feels
It’s one of the fastest ways to upgrade your environment and you’ll notice it every single day.
Source: How-to Geek
🖥️ Ultra-Wide Monitor: Dell / Samsung 49”–57”
Once you go ultra-wide, it’s hard to go back.
You’re effectively replacing:
👉 multiple monitors
👉 constant window switching
👉 mental overhead
Everything lives in one clean view.
For work, this is one of the highest ROI upgrades you can make.
⌚ Smartwatch: Apple Watch / Garmin
This one sounds small but it solves a very real problem: missing things that matter.
If you run a business (or just don’t want to be glued to your phone), this is huge.
A simple wrist notification can be the difference between:
missing something
or acting on it instantly
🤖 Automation Gadgets: Robot Lawn Mowers, etc
This is the category people underestimate.
Anything that removes a recurring task is worth looking at.
Example: robot lawn mower → never think about cutting the lawn again.
No scheduling, no effort, no mental load. It just… happens.
Source: CNET
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Smart buyer’s guides: what to buy
Apple’s iPad lineup is more confusing than ever: iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro. All with overlapping features and pricing.
So which one actually makes sense for you? This video breaks down the differences and helps you avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.
Apple now sells more iPhones than ever: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max.
So which one should you actually buy?
This video breaks down the differences and helps you pick the right iPhone for your needs.
Monitors are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your setup.
But most people either overspend… or pick the wrong type entirely.
This video walks through the best options and helps you choose the right monitor for how you work.