Looking back, in 2024, I didn’t spend much on major computer and gadget-related items, but when I checked my purchase history on Amazon, I realized I bought a lot of small gadget-related items like cables and consumables. Additionally, I spent a lot of money on audio-related equipment.
In this article, I would like to introduce about ten items that I purchased in 2024 and found to be really good after trying them out.
※The products introduced in this article are all ones that I have personally purchased and used. We only introduce items that we can truly recommend.
※For international customers:
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Contents
reProducer Audio Epic 5
I fell in love with the design and purchased it.
The sound quality is excellent, of course, and I really love the design as well. I have come to enjoy sitting at the desk in my study and listening to music every day. The white model was difficult to obtain as it was a limited edition, but I somehow managed to purchase it.
Review (Japanese Only)
reProducer Audio Epic 5 White
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Universal Audio「VOLT 2」
I purchased the Universal Audio “VOLT 2” audio interface to connect the monitor speakers (Epic 5) and the condenser microphone (Aston ORIGIN).
Until now, I had been using the Zoom U-44 audio interface, but since it broke down and its design no longer matched my interior, I have been looking for a new audio interface.
I really like ‘VOLT 2’ because it offers both excellent performance and design.
Review (Japanese Only)
[Review] Reviewing Universal Audio’s Audio Interface “VOLT 2”! (Universal Audio) Aston ORIGIN
Aston Microphones
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Universal Audio VOLT 2
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Headphones “ATH-M50x”
While searching for a classic monitor headphone that offers pure sound, I came across the “ATH-M50x (White)”.
The “ATH-M50x” is a standard not only in Japan but also around the world, with over 2.5 million units sold. It is highly regarded by musicians and studio engineers alike.
I think this is a reliable product, so I purchased it and am using it. I like it because it is completely white, including the cord, and it matches the interior.
Review (Japanese Only)
[Review] Reviewing the Pure White Monitor Headphones “ATH-M50x (White)
ATH-M50x
White Model
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Yamaha Guitar Amp “THR10II”
This is the Yamaha guitar amp “THR10II.” This is the absolute classic of classics, and it’s a product where you can’t go wrong if you buy it as a guitar amp.
The effects functions are also well-equipped, so you can enjoy changing the sound even without an effector. It was smaller than I expected, which made it easy to carry around, which was also nice. I have been using this almost every day for guitar practice since I purchased it.
※By the way, I won’t mention it here, but I also bought a new electric guitar.
Review (Japanese Only)
[Review] Purchased Yamaha’s Guitar Amp ‘THR10II’! A sure choice!
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Acoustic Panel ‘iwasemi SQ-α’
When listening to music or having video conferences in my room, I was looking for a cool sound-absorbing material to minimize reflections as much as possible.
Among them, I was drawn to Pixie Dust Technologies’ hard sound-absorbing panel “iwasemi SQ-α,” which offers a wide range of color variations and good sound absorption, and is easy to remove due to its magnetic design, leading me to make a purchase.
Among the many cheaply made sound-absorbing panels, the “iwasemi SQ-α” is well-crafted with a sense of luxury, and I am satisfied as it matches the monochrome unified interior of the room.
Review (Japanese Only)
iwasemi SQ-α(Soft Grey)
Amazon iwasemi Official Site (All Colors)
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Current Desk Setup
*Reproduction of photos is prohibited – Unauthorized reproduction of photos is prohibited.
For more information about my current desk setup and the equipment used, please see the article below.
Review (English)
Simple and Stylish Monochrome Desk Setup: A Japanese Gadget Lover’s Workspace
Smart Appliances
Smart Lock “SESAME 5 Pro”
Even though the transition to a smart home had started before 2024, we have added a smart lock to enhance convenience further. Although many similar products are sold, I decided to buy the “Sesame 5 Pro” after considering everything comprehensively.
As a smart home, we have enabled functions like turning electricity and air conditioning on and off, and unlocking the intercom, but the convenience of not needing to carry around house keys surpasses expectations.
I have set it up so that the door opens by holding my always-worn Apple Watch near the card reader. Since I no longer need to take out a key at the entrance and the door automatically locks, my daily life has become more comfortable.
Review (Japanese Only)
[Review] I purchased the Smart Lock “SESAME 5 Pro” (Candy House)! SESAME 5 Pro
SESAME 5 Pro
SESAME TOUCH
<Reference: Previous Smart Home Related Reviews>
Auto-unlock feature Review (Japanese Only)
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Hygrometer Review (Japanese Only)
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Curtain Automation Review (Japanese Only)
TP-Link Tapo Smart LED Lamp
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Shinwa Measurement Digital Carbon Dioxide Meter
This is not directly related to smart home, but it is a device that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in a room. After seeing X’s post about the importance of indoor ventilation, I made a purchase.
In fact, when the room becomes crowded or when the stove is used in the kitchen, the increase in carbon dioxide levels is visually apparent.
By constantly monitoring the carbon dioxide detector in the room, you can immediately open the windows and ventilate naturally when the carbon dioxide level increases, which I believe is definitely good for your health. This is a product that I’m glad I bought.
Shinwa Measurements’ products comply with the “Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Guidelines,” making them reliable. I recommend researching and purchasing reliable products because the some carbon dioxide detectors sold at a low price on Amazon are too inaccurate.
Review (Japanese Only)
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Eye Mask with a 99.99% Light Blocking Rate
When I sleep, I use an eye mask and earplugs. Until now, I had been using a flimsy eye mask that I got for free on an airplane.
When it got bright, light would leak through, or it would come off when I woke up, so I was looking for a better performing eye mask. I found an eye mask on Amazon that claimed to block out 99.99% of light, and I purchased it.
It has a texture like Tempur, is comfortable to wear, and has high light-blocking properties, letting no light leak through. Moreover, it no longer slips off naturally.
The quality of my sleep has definitely improved, so this eye mask is one of the purchases I’m glad I made.
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Aina Sugo-Oshi Double
When I tried a display model at LOFT, it felt incredibly comfortable, so I bought it immediately. There are many products available for loosening up the shoulders, but this product can pinpoint and loosen even with a weak force.
If you go to LOFT or HANDS, I believe they have it on display, so I definitely want you to try out this product.
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Okinawa Trip
It also ranked in 2022’s “Best Purchases (Experiences)”, and the Okinawa trip of 2024 will definitely be included in the “Best Purchases (Experiences)” once again.
As the yen continues to weaken in 2024, I thought it best to travel domestically, as going overseas would mean the Japanese yen is weak and relatively disadvantageous. As a result, I was able to go to Okinawa almost every month.
I didn’t explore new hotels in 2024, so there are only a few hotel reviews, but I will introduce some hotels I stayed at before and enjoyed.
Hotel Reviews from My Stay in Okinawa (English)
Related to learning
I love learning languages and I put a lot of effort into studying English every day.
Subscription to The Economist
Subscribing to the digital edition of The Economist was one of the worthwhile purchases (services).
In 2024, I continued to read at least one article from The Economist every day without fail. I continued to post on X by summarizing the content I read succinctly.
I believe that my English ability has improved considerably by continuing to read The Economist every day. My reading comprehension and vocabulary have particularly improved.
I highly recommend it for those who want to improve their English skills!
Review (Japanese Only)
ChatGPT Paid Version
The subscription to the ChatGPT paid version is one of the worthwhile purchases (services).
I use it every day without fail. I’ve come to rely on ChatGPT so much that I can’t imagine life without it. The price of ChatGPT’s paid version is $20 per month (as of the time of writing), but since I’m a heavy user who quickly reaches the request limit with the free version, I have subscribed to the paid version.
Specifically, by utilizing ChatGPT in daily English learning, you can:
- Resolve all your questions,
- Accumulate it as a database,
- And regularly review that database.
That’s what you are doing.
Additionally, as a new endeavor, by linking ChatGPT with Python, it has become possible to automate various tasks. For example, it is easy to automatically list over 1,000 English words, including their meanings, example sentences, Japanese translations, etymology, frequency of use, etc.
Of course, not just in language learning but also in work-related matters, many things can be automated depending on the ingenuity.
I would like to continue using ChatGPT and Python to enhance productivity in the future.
Things I want to buy in 2025
Finally, I will introduce things I want to buy in 2025.
3D Printer (Bambu Lab)
I have always wanted to buy a 3D printer, but I can’t quite bring myself to do it. I worry about whether I can continue the production properly. I understand the basic usage as I have used it several times at work, but it is one of the things I would like to focus on properly at home.
Bambu Lab A1 mini Combo
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Leica M11
I really want a Leica camera as well, but it’s one of those items that’s quite hard to buy. The reason I can’t buy it is clear: it’s because the price is too high. When selling, the price is high and the asset value is high, so I would like to purchase it when I feel like it.
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Learning Python
I want to automate as much as possible. I want to learn systematic knowledge not only through self-study but also from books and courses.
I spend a lot of time learning English, learning Chinese (currently on hold), and practicing musical instruments, so I’m not sure how far I can go. It’s just a vague goal.
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Summary
I introduced items that I was glad to have purchased in 2024.
This year, although there were few innovative new products related to computers and gadgets that caught the eye, the items I have purchased so far have been performing well, and I feel that I already have all the necessary items.
If any of you have a product that you’re glad you bought and would recommend, please let us know!
Past “Glad I Bought It” series (Japanese Only):
【2022 Edition】 Introducing products I’m glad I bought!
【2021 Edition】 Introducing products I’m glad I bought on Amazon!
【2017 Edition】 Introducing products I’m glad I bought and services I’m glad I used!
