Goon9 tech products that improved my life
In this article, we’ll explore 9 niche tech products that have significantly improved my life. These items are perfect for optimizing daily routines, enhancing productivity, and improving overall well-being. None of these are sponsored products—I’m sharing them purely because they have added tremendous value to my life. Whether you’re looking to boost focus, stay physically active, enhance learning, or achieve better sleep, this list offers something for everyone.
1. Visual pomodoro timer for ADHD
Visual Pomodoro Timer mentioned at the start of the video
The first item on the list is the Time Timer, a unique analog-style timer with a distinctive red countdown dial. Originally designed for children with ADHD, studies show it also increases willpower among adults. Its standout feature is the visual countdown using the red dial, which allows you to track time passing in a visually intuitive way.
I use this timer daily for both work and breaks, setting Pomodoros for focused study or work sessions. Since it’s less distracting than a digital timer, it helps me stay on track. The functionality is simple and satisfying—you can easily set it with one hand and place it on your desk, getting an immediate sense of how much time remains without interrupting your focus.
2. Wireless keyboard with trackpoint
Wireless ThinkPad Keyboard starting at 39 seconds
The next product is the wireless ThinkPad keyboard. ThinkPad keyboards are famous for their red trackpoints, which function as a mouse without requiring you to move your hands off the keyboard. This feature is incredibly handy for tasks where precision mouse movements aren’t needed, such as coding or scrolling through documents.
I first used a ThinkPad laptop back in high school, and the trackpoint became one of my favorite features. When I switched to a Mac, I missed the trackpoint dearly. It does take some getting used to, but once you do, you might not need to use a separate mouse for most tasks. This keyboard also shines during virtual meetings: you can control your mouse secretly, without anyone noticing.
3. Dymo label maker (Japanese edition)
Dymo Label Maker introduced at 75 seconds
Next up is the Dymo label maker, a Japanese-inspired analog labeling device. There are no batteries involved—it’s entirely mechanical. While it may not appear “techy,” its utility qualifies it as an underrated tool for productivity and organization.
The concept of labeling aligns with the Japanese 5S system for organizational efficiency. This method involves creating standardized spaces for items to prevent disorganization. I label virtually everything: drawers, camera settings, and even my step stool’s max weight. Beyond just being useful, I find the embossed labels visually appealing. To use it, simply turn the dials to the desired letters, press, and cut.
Labels create systems, which make it much easier to keep my home and office spaces consistently organized. If you embrace this method, you’ll notice a lasting improvement in how efficiently your spaces function.
4. Digital clock with custom apps (lametric)
Lametric Clock explained at 123 seconds
The Lametric Clock is more than just a digital clock—it’s a customizable gadget with apps. You can display everything from calendar events to a live subscriber count, stock tickers, and custom messages. There’s even an app store to download additional options, or, if you’re tech-savvy, you can code your own.
This clock epitomizes functional yet aesthetic tech, serving both as a practical productivity tool and a decorative piece.
5. Fitness tracker for athletes
Whoop tracker examined at 369 seconds
For tracking fitness and sleep, my go-to device is the Whoop. Unlike many fitness trackers, Whoop has no display, so it doesn’t distract you throughout the day. You can wear it on your wrist or bicep, and its battery lasts 5–7 days—charging is seamless with a slide-on battery puck.
Currently, I’m training for a marathon, and the Whoop helps me track everything from workouts to sleep and recovery without disruption. Each day, it gathers additional data via customizable prompts, offering insights into factors impacting my performance. While it comes with a subscription fee, Whoop’s long battery life and detailed analytics make it a must-have for athletes.
6. Apple Watch as a modern dumbphone
Apple Watch introduced at 424 seconds
While I use the Apple Watch alongside my Whoop for workouts, it also functions as a modern version of a “dumbphone.” If you opt for a cellular Apple Watch, you can make calls, respond to messages, and engage with certain apps—all without carrying your phone.
I’ve previously made a video on optimizing the Apple Watch for minimalism and productivity, especially with the Apple Watch Ultra, which has a two-day battery life. For budget-conscious buyers, the Apple Watch SE is a great alternative. If you aim to cut phone distractions while staying connected, this is an excellent option.
7. Essential tool for relieving muscle tension
Hypervolt 2 Massage Gun for tension relief at 543 seconds
The Hypervolt 2 massage gun is a game-changer for addressing muscle tightness and soreness, particularly if you exercise frequently or spend extended hours sitting. As a runner, I use it to stay limber and reduce soreness post-run. It’s also an excellent tool to relieve back tension when sitting for prolonged periods.
While there are many massage guns with extra features, I find the Hypervolt 2’s design sufficient for daily use. Compact and effective, it’s often available on Black Friday deals for under $100, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
8. Dedicated learning device (boox palma)
The Boox Palma is an e-reader that I’ve transformed into an all-purpose learning tool. Unlike Kindle, which has a limited ecosystem, the Boox Palma runs Android, so you can install almost any app. I use it for flashcards (Anki), note-taking (Obsidian), and reading both books and Japanese texts.
Backed by its less distracting nature and robust features, it has replaced my Kindle for 10 years of reading. The device’s portability and compatibility with Android applications make it an indispensable productivity device when paired with a cellular Apple Watch for minimalist, distraction-free workflows.
9. Expensive sleep optimization device (eight sleep)
The final and priciest item is the Eight Sleep, a mattress topper designed to optimize sleep by adjusting its temperature throughout the night. Sleep is foundational for productivity and well-being, and this mattress topper has made a noticeable difference in the quality of my rest.
The Eight Sleep tracks body temperature and dynamically adjusts to prevent overheating—a common cause of nighttime wakeups. While it comes with a significant price tag and a subscription model, its ability to improve your overall mood, decision-making, and energy makes it an investment worth considering. A unique feature is its warming capability, which can gently wake you in the morning without using an alarm.
Conclusion
These nine items—from basic tools like the Time Timer and label maker to high-tech devices like the Eight Sleep—have added real value to my life. They cater to a range of needs, from boosting focus and organization to improving fitness and sleep. Each product has unique strengths that have genuinely stood the test of everyday use. If any of these products resonate with your needs, you just might find them transformative as well.
Let me know your recommendations or favorite understated tech in the comments—let's share and learn from each other!
