Kartick’s Blog

Kartick's Blog explores a diverse range of subjects from personal development, technology trends, work culture in startups and corporates, to practical tips on productivity, managing finances, and technical updates. It often emphasizes self-improvement, efficient work practices, and the impact of technology on daily life and future prospects.

Personal Development Business and Sales Technology and Security Productivity Tips Work Culture Finance Management Technical Skills

The hottest Substack posts of Kartick’s Blog

And their main takeaways

Interesting Learnings from Choice Architecture

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Consulting Sales Strategy Marketing
  1. How you present choices can greatly influence decisions. Present key options clearly and guide clients towards the best choice without overwhelming them.
  2. Using defaults can simplify decisions. If you recommend a primary option and label it as the default, it can help clients make quicker choices.
  3. It's important to frame choices positively. Highlighting gains or losses can affect how clients perceive options and may lead to better sales outcomes.

Movist Is the Best Mac HDR Player

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Reviews Streaming Media
  1. Movist Pro is rated as the best HDR video player for Mac, outperforming other players like IINA and VLC in tests.
  2. The testing was done using various scenes from movies, and Movist provided the most accurate color and brightness compared to its competitors.
  3. VLC and Optimus Player performed poorly, with VLC being especially noted for its lack of quality, so it's advised to uninstall it for a better viewing experience.

Why You Should Consider an EV

0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Sustainability Transportation Innovation Automation
  1. EVs are really fun to drive because they can accelerate quickly and smoothly. This makes them feel exciting without the bumps and noise you get from regular cars.
  2. They offer more space inside since they don't have a big engine taking up room. Some even have extra storage in the front.
  3. Driving an EV is less tiring because they handle bumps and noise well. Long drives feel easier, and you just relax more while driving.

A Few Examples That Show How Counterintuitive Compounding Is

0 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Savings Retirement Credit
  1. Compound interest can work in surprising ways. For example, investing for a longer time usually earns you much more than just putting in more money for a shorter time.
  2. If you have losses in investments, the gains needed to break even are usually higher than you think. A 10% loss actually needs an 11% gain to recover fully.
  3. Starting to invest early can lead to huge benefits, even if you invest less. Time in the market can be more powerful than investing more money later.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Powerful Features in Google Docs

0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Productivity Cloud Computing User Interface Collaboration Tools
  1. Google Docs now has tabs for better document organization. You can store extra information like appendices in separate tabs to keep your main document focused.
  2. You can easily collapse or expand headings in your document. This helps keep everything neat and allows you to focus on specific sections without distractions.
  3. There are new features like inserting drawings, dropdowns for tasks, and smart chips to link to events. These tools make it easier to manage and visualize your content.

Statistical Concepts Useful in Life

0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🚌 Education Statistics Learning Data Analysis Critical Thinking Life Skills
  1. Variance helps us understand risk in different jobs. A steady job is low risk, while a startup can be very unpredictable.
  2. The median is a strong way to find a typical value because it's not easily affected by extreme numbers. So, when data is messy, the median usually gives a better answer than the mean.
  3. To get better estimates, look at a lot of data over time. More data usually means less error, helping you make smarter decisions.

The Best Cars for Each Category

0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
  1. The best city car right now is the Windsor, which is great for urban driving. It has features that make city life easier.
  2. For families needing more space, the best option is the Carens, which is a 3-row car. It's perfect for parents who need room for kids and gear.
  3. If you're looking for a strong SUV, the Thar Roxx is the top choice. It's designed for rough roads and off-roading adventures.

Game Theory Concepts Useful in Life

0 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Consulting Game Theory Negotiation Strategy
  1. Aim for win/win situations where everyone can succeed together. It’s better to work as partners instead of fighting against each other.
  2. Life is not just a one-time game; it's more like a series of games. How you treat people now will affect how they treat you later.
  3. Sometimes, it's wise to walk away from a game that’s rigged against you. Recognizing when to step back can save you time and trouble.

Don't Confuse Need and Timeline in Sales

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Sales Marketing Customer Relations Business strategy Consumer behavior
  1. In sales, it's important to recognize the difference between a customer's need for a product and their timeline for buying it. Some people might need something now but are not ready to buy right away.
  2. Salespeople often mistakenly try to convince customers who have already expressed a need that the product is good, instead of focusing on when the customer plans to make the purchase.
  3. Understanding the BANT criteria in sales, which stands for Budget, Authority, Need, and Timeline, can help clarify these distinctions and improve sales strategies.

The Nikon Aculon 7x50 Is Great

0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Reviews Photography Innovation Product Design
  1. The Nikon Aculon 7x50 binoculars are a great option for their price, offering good performance for everyday use. They provide 90% of the quality of a more expensive model, the OceanPro, but at a much lower cost.
  2. While both binoculars perform well at night, the Aculon is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around. This makes it a good choice for people prioritizing practicality.
  3. If you're new to binoculars or on a budget, the Aculon is highly recommended. It offers a significant quality upgrade compared to cheaper models, like the Trailblazer 8x25.

Financial decisions when buying a car

0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance Investments Insurance Budgeting
  1. Avoid taking loans when buying a car. It's better to buy what you can afford outright instead of paying more with interest over time.
  2. Always get third-party insurance for your car. It's legally required and usually costs less, while still offering protection without wasting money on unnecessary upgrades.
  3. Buying a used car can save you a lot of money since they depreciate quickly. You'll get more value for your budget without locking away too much money.

What to Look for in a Non-Electric Car

0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Engineering Innovations
  1. If you choose a non-electric car, go for a petrol engine. They are quieter, less vibrating, and provide a fun driving experience.
  2. Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT) are great for both quick acceleration and smooth driving. They work well for people who enjoy spirited driving and those who prefer a comfortable ride.
  3. CNG cars are better than diesel ones because they are less noisy and respond better, but keep in mind that CNG filling stations are not as common. Avoid manual and AMT transmissions as they tend to perform poorly.

Tata Curvv EV: Too Many Flaws Ruin a Great Foundation

0 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Electronics Reviews Innovation Consumer
  1. The Tata Curvv EV has good core features but is ruined by many design flaws. From cramped spaces to annoying design choices, these issues add up and make the car less enjoyable.
  2. Comfort is an issue with the Curvv, as it has poor legroom and headroom, making it hard for taller people to feel relaxed while driving or riding it.
  3. The driving experience is mostly positive with smooth acceleration and a good handling feel. However, buyers should test the car's range under worst-case conditions to ensure it meets their needs.

Ola S1 Pro Electric Scooter: Don't Buy

0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Transportation Electric Vehicles Consumer Tech Product Reviews User Experience
  1. The Ola S1 Pro scooter has a problem with its user interface; it can be unresponsive and sometimes fails to load. This can make it frustrating to use.
  2. Customer service seems to be lacking, as the support staff may not help with issues and can dismiss complaints. People have shared negative experiences with getting assistance.
  3. There have also been reports of safety issues with the scooters, such as fires and general dissatisfaction, which makes it a risky choice for buyers.

River Indie Electric Scooter: Don't Buy

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Reviews Transport Innovation Startups
  1. The River Indie Electric Scooter is heavy and hard to maneuver, making it less user-friendly compared to lighter models like the Ather.
  2. The scooter has ongoing issues with its turn indicators, as they often don't work properly.
  3. Buying from River, a new company that has sold only 3,000 scooters, is risky compared to more established brands like Ather or TVS.

Vida V1 Pro: Crappy Scooter from a Crappy Company

0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics Product Reviews User Experience
  1. The Vida V1 Pro scooter has major design flaws, like mirrors that can't be adjusted properly and a poorly made handlebar.
  2. It has practical issues too, like the motor not stopping when braking and turn indicators that don’t function correctly.
  3. Customer service from the company was not good, suggesting that support might be worse after buying the scooter.

How HDMI CEC Simplifies My Life

0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Smart Devices Connectivity
  1. HDMI CEC makes my life easier by turning on my receiver when I turn on my TV and switching inputs automatically.
  2. When I turn off the TV, the receiver also turns off, so I don't have to control them separately.
  3. I can control the sound with either remote without worrying about two different volume levels, which makes it much more convenient.

The XUV 400 Is a Buggy Car with Short Range

0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Product Reviews Consumer Tech
  1. The XUV 400 has a poor range and is mainly suitable for city driving. It struggles to cover long distances without needing frequent charges.
  2. The car is plagued with bugs, including issues with features like Android Auto and unreliable performance that can make driving frustrating.
  3. Buying the XUV 400 can be risky due to its high cost and the troubling history of recalls from Mahindra, which suggests a lack of reliability.

Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq: Performance over Comfort

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Product Design User Experience Performance Digital features
  1. The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are great for those who prioritize speed and performance, but they sacrifice comfort and digital features. They're not ideal for everyone.
  2. While the Taigun/Kushaq can reach high speeds, many buyers will be better off with cars like the Creta or Seltos, which offer more comfort and balance.
  3. Overall, if you want a car with fun driving experiences and can overlook some comfort issues, the Taigun/Kushaq might be for you, especially if you choose the 1.5-liter engine version.

Operating Systems for Obsolete Laptops

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Operating Systems Laptops Software Hardware
  1. Buying a new laptop is the best solution for outdated devices. It gives you better hardware and support for years to come.
  2. Upgrading to a supported operating system, like a recent version of Linux, can help obsolete laptops work better, though some features may not be compatible.
  3. Using unsupported operating systems can lead to security issues and software problems. It's risky, especially for learning or important tasks.

Honda Elevate: Big on the Outside, Small on the Inside

0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Engineering Product Reviews Consumer Tech Innovation
  1. The Honda Elevate feels cramped inside despite its big exterior size. The low seating and limited legroom make it uncomfortable for taller drivers.
  2. It lacks some modern features like a 360-degree camera and USB-C ports, which are common in newer cars. This can be a drawback for tech-savvy users.
  3. While it has some good safety features, it misses out on important ones like a multi-collision brake and pretensioners for seat belts, making it less safe than other options.

The Citroën Basalt Costs 18 but is worth 9

0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Gadgets Engineering Digital features
  1. The Citroën Basalt is overpriced at 18 lakh and feels more like it's worth 9 lakh due to poor quality and features.
  2. It lacks important features like a 360-degree camera, good seat comfort, and proper air conditioning, which makes for a disappointing driving experience.
  3. Safety features are minimal, and the infotainment screen is positioned poorly, making it hard to use while driving.

Why You Should Buy Tower Speakers

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Audio Equipment Consumer Electronics Product Reviews
  1. Floorstanding speakers, or tower speakers, provide better sound quality compared to bookshelf speakers. If you care about listening to high-quality audio, these are a great choice.
  2. Bookshelf speakers often need additional equipment like a subwoofer and stands, making them more complicated and potentially more expensive. Floorstanders offer a simpler all-in-one solution.
  3. Even though floorstanding speakers might cost a bit more upfront, they save you money in the long run because you won't need extra equipment to achieve good sound.

The Seltos is a Marginally Worse Creta

0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Cars Engineering Reviews Features
  1. The Seltos and Creta are very similar cars, with 95% of their features being the same. If you like one, you'll likely enjoy the other.
  2. The Creta offers a smoother ride and feels lighter when driving, making it easier to accelerate with less effort compared to the Seltos.
  3. While both cars have great features, the Seltos has some quirks, like a less comfortable headrest and a tendency to overreact with safety features, which may frustrate some drivers.

The 2024 Creta is Perfection

0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Engineering Digital features User Experience Safety
  1. The 2024 Creta is very comfortable and spacious. It offers a high seating position, plenty of legroom, and smooth suspension, making drives feel enjoyable without bumps.
  2. Driving the Creta is effortless and fun. Its powerful turbo engine and light steering make it easy to handle, even in heavy traffic, and it feels stable at high speeds.
  3. The car has great digital features like wired CarPlay and a premium sound system. However, some tech issues exist, like non-multitouch screens and limited app functionalities.

My Requirements for a Car

0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Consumer Tech Gadgets Transportation Innovation
  1. It's important to write down your car requirements clearly. This helps to avoid forgetting anything important during the decision process.
  2. Understand the difference between 'must-have' features and 'nice-to-have' features when making your list. This can help you focus on what really matters.
  3. Keep evaluating your requirements as you test drive cars. Sometimes what you thought was essential turns out to be less important when you consider the whole picture.

Should you set ambitious or easy goals?

0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Goal setting Psychology Commitment Agile Productivity
  1. Your mindset matters when setting goals. Some people need big goals to feel motivated, while others might feel stressed by them.
  2. Deadlines can affect your choice of goals. If you're short on time, a small goal is often better than trying to rush a bigger one.
  3. You can combine easy and ambitious goals. For example, do a push-up today and plan to play tennis tomorrow. It's okay to mix them!

Which Windows versions were #1?

0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Operating Systems User Experience History Market Trends
  1. Windows versions like 95, XP, and 10 became very popular mainly because they offered a better user experience and stability compared to older versions.
  2. Many users were slow to upgrade, often sticking to older versions even when better options were available, showing how people can be resistant to change.
  3. Microsoft's investment in the NT family was important because it eventually led to more reliable and modern versions of Windows, helping them catch up to competitors like macOS.

City Range Doesn’t Matter — Here’s How to Measure Real EV Range

0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Energy Transportation Sustainability
  1. When choosing an electric vehicle (EV), focus on the highway range instead of the city range. City driving usually doesn't consume as much range as highway driving does.
  2. It's important to test an EV's range yourself in real-world conditions. Drive at your normal speed on an empty expressway and check how far it goes before needing to recharge.
  3. If multiple reviews provide different range figures, always trust the lowest one. It's better to be cautious and have more range than get stuck somewhere with an empty battery.