There’s nothing quite like the feeling of opening a present, especially if it’s one you bought yourself. You know what you like, and you know how much you’re going to enjoy it.
However, when your hobby or profession relies on expensive hardware, these presents can be few and far between. Maybe your company never finds time for you in its budget. Maybe you’re a hobbyist gamer who wants to take things to the next level — but you still have to meet rent and bills.
The key is saving gradually and knowing what your goal is. Choose what you want to invest in before you start saving. Set monthly savings goals, or keep on reminding whoever’s in charge of the budget how much your new toy could help their business perform better.
Without further ado, let’s say good morning to all our fellow kit nerds out, and make a few suggestions for what we might like to give ourselves.
1. For the Industrial Engineer, a PLC
Production lines and industrial settings can improve so much with the addition of a good programmable logic controller (PLC). We know this. The engineer knows this. But the accountant? Their eyes glaze over every time we start trying to explain how much easier it would make everybody’s lives.
Don’t give up. If your workplace doesn’t use a PLC and should (or is using an ancient model), stand at the office door repeating ‘buy PLC’ until they cave. You’ll love the feeling when you get to open your gift, and they’ll be thanking you for years to come.
Pretty. Shiny.
2. For the Gamer, a Better Mouse
The most important part of improving your gaming hardware is building a good PC. However, there are a fair few steps in this process, and we think it’s important not to overemphasize any single part of the PC build. Instead, let’s take a look at something that feels like a real treat: a quality gaming mouse.
If your secret to success is your dexterity, you might want to go for a mouse with loads of extra buttons and features. If you’re just looking to increase your control over the cursor and click more accurately for a more effective APM, you don’t need all the add-ons. Just select a mouse with superb DPI, and you’ll be amazed at the difference.
Of course, nobody becomes a pro gamer on the strength of their kit alone. You need to keep putting in the hours. However, a better gaming mouse can help boost your ELO into the big leagues while you iron out the kinks in your gameplay. Plus, it feels super cool.
3. For the DJ, New Speakers
When is it not going to be fun to get new speakers? You could be investing in smaller speakers for your home set-up or a professional rig for live performances.
Personally, we could stand for hours and look at the boxes when they arrive in our hall. It’s gorgeous. It’s just cardboard packaging. But we know what’s inside, and it’s beautiful.
Splashing out on some great new speakers can give you a more professional look and sound if you’re trying to increase your bookings. It’s also just an insane amount of fun to set up your new system in your home and be in awe of its capacity. And then spend a few hours apologizing to your neighbors.
Conclusion: You Deserve It
Whatever your field, whatever your passion, we’re all united by our love of cool kit. Make a savings plan. Spend hours online drooling over the object of your affections. Eventually, you’ll enjoy your own personal Christmas Day.
