Todd Sheldon
06/02/10 09:47
I’m of the opinion that,
if the U.S. is ever going to pull out of the current
deflationary spiral and economic crisis, we are going
to have to start manufacturing and producing goods.
Because of this, and because deep down I’m a jingoist,
I try to buy american when possible.
One area where that has proven especially difficult is with clothing. Most american clothing companies make their stuff in China, of course. (Even “enlightened” companies, like Patagonia.) Of the companies that still have production in the U.S., most are either specialty clothiers (work wear, etc.) or not really my style. Luckily, I’ve found a guy making clothing here in the U.S. and turning out some really nice stuff:
One area where that has proven especially difficult is with clothing. Most american clothing companies make their stuff in China, of course. (Even “enlightened” companies, like Patagonia.) Of the companies that still have production in the U.S., most are either specialty clothiers (work wear, etc.) or not really my style. Luckily, I’ve found a guy making clothing here in the U.S. and turning out some really nice stuff:
Not a ton of choices, but very solid
basics. I’ve now ordered three pairs of jeans, plus a
shirt from Todd. He’s a great guy, answering emails
from me personally, and putting up with my suggestions
and criticisms with admirable patience.
If you are looking for good looking U.S. made clothing,
he’s worth a look:
http://toddshelton.com/made-in-america/
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Matias TactilePro 3
04/02/10 23:52
In keeping with the
general keyboard-theme of this moribund blog, I’ve
recently purchased the matias tactile pro 3
keyboard,
to replace my hated apple wireless keyboard:
It’s a well built unit, comparable in quality to the Das Keyboard. The laser etching on the keys is a bit blurry in a few places (notably the caps lock key, which has an awesome white indicator light) but other than that, I’m very pleased. The feel of the keyboard is great, better than the Das Keyboard, in my opinion. It has two usb outlets at the top of the keyboard, which makes my iMac almost user friendly when it comes to connecting stuff.
Unfortunately, the first time I started typing on it, my wife came in from the other room and said:
“Really?”
“Um, what?”
“Really?”
“Um, oh, yes, the keyboard. See, it has mechanical keys, which have a much cleaner break than...”
“Really?”
“I’ll use the wireless keyboard when you are around, dear.”
So, perfect office keyboard for the mac keyboard snob. Office/living room combo? Not so much.
The tactile pro has
- Curved key tops (no flat chit-style keys)
- Alps mechanical switches for each key (very, very clicky, with a nice break to them)
- A standard mac layout, but with the control button where it belongs, at the end of the bottom rows.
It’s a well built unit, comparable in quality to the Das Keyboard. The laser etching on the keys is a bit blurry in a few places (notably the caps lock key, which has an awesome white indicator light) but other than that, I’m very pleased. The feel of the keyboard is great, better than the Das Keyboard, in my opinion. It has two usb outlets at the top of the keyboard, which makes my iMac almost user friendly when it comes to connecting stuff.
Unfortunately, the first time I started typing on it, my wife came in from the other room and said:
“Really?”
“Um, what?”
“Really?”
“Um, oh, yes, the keyboard. See, it has mechanical keys, which have a much cleaner break than...”
“Really?”
“I’ll use the wireless keyboard when you are around, dear.”
So, perfect office keyboard for the mac keyboard snob. Office/living room combo? Not so much.