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Ask HN: Any resources for finding non-smart appliances?

155 points everyone | 7 comments | 07 Jul 25 10:44 UTC | HN request time: 0.209s | source | bottom

My washing machine broke down. I need a replacement. I must avoid getting a "smart" one though. Are there any lists of products that arent "smart" so I can know which models are viable options to buy? Or other resources? I'm based in Ireland.
1. more_corn ◴[07 Jul 25 11:04 UTC] No.44488945[source]▶
We need a better word than non-smart. Maybe “sans iot enshittification”?

Not useful for Ireland, but I really like my local habitat for humanity thrift store for perfectly serviceable used or recovered building materials and appliances. Maybe search for a model prior to the iot insanity wars?

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2. ixxie ◴[07 Jul 25 11:13 UTC] No.44489000[source]▶
unshittified.
3. alok-g ◴[07 Jul 25 11:13 UTC] No.44489001[source]▶
I call my watch 'really smart watch'. It has nothing but time! It is very lightweight and has 2+ years of battery life. That smarter! :-)
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4. ho_schi ◴[07 Jul 25 11:21 UTC] No.44489083[source]▶
A kind of epiphany for me were automatic wristwatches :)

Compared to smartwatches they aren't expensive, look classy and show time and/or date. The quality of Swiss, German and Japanese is reliable. No batteries, no electronics and they wind up by wearing.

Recommendation: Look for the models from the 50ies/60ies which are smaller and still in production, the less known manufacturers have reasonable prices. I love the original Mido Commander.

replies(1): >>44489254 #
5. nottorp ◴[07 Jul 25 11:21 UTC] No.44489085[source]▶
Mine is solar charging. It has never stopped since i bought it :)

It just displays time and can't spam me with notifications! Bliss!

6. nicoburns ◴[07 Jul 25 11:41 UTC] No.44489254{3}[source]▶
The cheap ~$10 casios are also excellent. They do have batteries, but they last for several months and you can but replacements at a supermarket for ~$2.
7. okanat ◴[07 Jul 25 12:10 UTC] No.44489521[source]▶
My watch is a genius. It doesn't even need charging. It charges when I move my arm.