Fewer screens,more ofwhat matters.
Buying guides for minimalist phones, paper planners, pens, film cameras, turntables, clocks and games, for anyone cutting screen time without giving up what their devices did for them.
Find tools by what you want back
Focus, writing, photos, music, play and calmer mornings. Each section starts with the habit, then the tool.
Minimalist phones
Dumbphones, light phones and screen-time tools
Planners & notebooks
Planners, journals and notebooks
Pens & writing
Fountain pens, pencils and letters
Film photography
Film cameras, instant and developing
Vinyl & analog audio
Turntables, radios and cassettes
Clocks & home
Alarm clocks, watches and calm mornings
Games & puzzles
Board games, cards and puzzles
Screen-free kids
Toys, audio players and crafts
Make the switch work
- 01
35mm vs 120 Film: A Format Comparison Chart
35mm and 120 are different film formats that require compatible cameras and holders.
- 02
A5 vs A6 Notebooks: Size and Use Compared
A5 notebooks offer more writing area for notes and planning, while A6 is a compact pocket format.
- 03
Analog vs Digital Alarm Clocks: A Product Chart
An analog clock shows time with hands on a dial, while a digital clock presents numerals on a display.
- 04
Cooperative vs Competitive Two-Player Board Games
In a cooperative game, players work toward a shared objective; in a competitive game, each player pursues an individual win condition.
- 05
Does Your Turntable Need a Phono Preamp?
A turntable needs a phono stage somewhere in the signal path.
- 06
Gel vs Ballpoint vs Fountain Pens for Everyday Writing
Gel pens use gel ink in a rollerball format, ballpoints use a small rolling ball and come in refillable designs, and fountain pens use a nib with cartridges or a converter.
- 07
How to Choose a Jigsaw Puzzle
Piece count is only one part of a jigsaw puzzle.
- 08
How to Choose a Two-Player Board Game
Start with the publisher's player count, then compare play time, age label, rules, components, table space, and whether a game is built only for two or supports a larger group..
Analog Living questions, answered
Can a 35mm camera use 120 film?
Only if the camera is designed for that film format or uses a compatible accessory specified by its maker.
Read: 35mm vs 120 Film →Is A5 larger than A6?
Yes. A5 is the larger format. Notebook dimensions vary by brand, so check the product measurements.
Read: A5 vs A6 Notebooks →Do analog alarm clocks always have a ticking sound?
Sound characteristics vary by model. Check the maker's product details.
Read: Analog vs Digital Alarm Clocks →Are cooperative games always easier for two players?
No. Rules, difficulty and player roles vary by game. Read the rulebook and product listing for the edition.
Read: Cooperative vs Competitive Two-Player Board Games →What does a phono preamp do?
It prepares the turntable's cartridge signal for a line-level input, including the equalization used for vinyl playback. Check the turntable and audio component manuals.
Read: Does Your Turntable Need a Phono Preamp? →Which pen is easiest to refill?
It depends on the model. Check whether the exact pen accepts a listed refill, cartridge or converter before buying.
Read: Gel vs Ballpoint vs Fountain Pens for Everyday Writing →Practical, not nostalgic
Every guide says which phone or screen habit the tool replaces, and what you will still need a smartphone for.
Each guide says who the tool suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Codes that work at checkout
The analog products index
- 01Minimalist phonesDumbphones, minimalist smartphones, flip phones, phone lockboxes and tools that limit screen time.3 pages
- 02Planners & notebooksPaper planners, bullet journals, notebooks, index cards and paper systems for work and life.3 pages
- 03Pens & writingFountain pens, gel pens, pencils, inks, stationery and letter writing.4 pages
- 04Film photographyPoint-and-shoot and SLR film cameras, instant cameras, film stocks, developing and scanning.5 pages
- 05Vinyl & analog audioStarter turntables, all-in-one record players, radios, cassette players and listening without a phone.5 pages
- 06Clocks & homeAnalog alarm clocks, wall clocks, mechanical and simple watches, and phone-free bedrooms.3 pages
- 07Games & puzzlesBoard games, card games, jigsaw and logic puzzles, and games for families and small groups.4 pages
- 08Screen-free kidsScreen-free toys, kids audio players, crafts and activities, and first phones for kids.3 pages