Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#31

Post by kranner » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:09 AM UTC

monksy wrote: post #28

Floor jack for your car and a battery jumper. You never know when your battery is going to go dead or when you'll need to change a tire. Trust me... just happen tonight.

I'd add a foot-operated pump and pressure gauge to that. Often more convenient to just top up the air and drive to the nearest garage. Also lets you maintain your tyres at the right pressure, which is good for fuel efficiency.

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#32

Post by kschua » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:10 AM UTC

An Mp3 player with radio. Great for listening to music and podcast whilst driving or travelling on the bus.

Yes, I know most smart phones can do that, but not everyone owns a smart phone, and I prefer not to drain the battery on my phone

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#33

Post by wunderlust » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:10 AM UTC

A midi keyboard. If you already have a computer, then adding some free software and a midi controller gives you endless possibilities for exploring music creation.

A tournament chess set (vinyl board, plastic weighted pieces). Chess is an amazing game and a portable set will let you play more often and with more people.

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#34

Post by yelnatz » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:11 AM UTC

a_bonobo wrote: post #8

An ebook reader. Both the cheapest version of the Kobo and the Kindle cost around USD60-70. I've gone from reading ~10 books per year to reading ~80 books per year, just because I always carry that thing with me since it's so small and light. I also save a ton of money since printed books are so expensive in Australia, and out-of-copyright books are free. The formatting of technical non-fiction books for e-readers ha…

You got my attention.

Which reader do you recommend?

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#35

Post by robobro » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:12 AM UTC

kschua wrote: post #32

An Mp3 player with radio. Great for listening to music and podcast whilst driving or travelling on the bus. Yes, I know most smart phones can do that, but not everyone owns a smart phone, and I prefer not to drain the battery on my phone

I got a $20 pay-as-you-go phone with a radio and MP3 player built in. It's used for when my smart phone's dead and I really need to make a call / text, or when I just want to listen to music. I'd recommend that even more strongly.

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#36

Post by Eliezer » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:12 AM UTC

A slidebelt ($28). I recently bought one and it's superior to any belt I've ever owned. It instantly tightens if I want to run, and with only slightly less effort loosens. It's exactly the right tightness, no holes. If you're losing weight and the belt is sticking out too far, just take it out of the buckle, cut, replace it within the buckle. And since the makers don't have to worry about variable belt lengths, they can make it up for it by offering a variety of buckle designs and belt colors.

It is Correctly Designed and a joy to use.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-SlideBelts-Mens-Genuine-Lea...

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#37

Post by WiseWeasel » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:13 AM UTC

sehr wrote: post #10

erikig wrote: post #5

2 tech things if you don't have them: - An external 24" monitor if you don't have one - An SSD for your workstation The improvement in productivity is well worth the $100.

Any recommendations monitor-wise?

Just bought this HP 27" 2560x1440 IPS LED one for $450, and it's changed my life! It has much higher contrast than my last monitor, as well as every other monitor I've seen. Note they also have it used for $350.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/828572-REG/HP_Hewlett_...

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#38

Post by jfoster » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:15 AM UTC

A Fitbit Flex. I was a bit overweight when I got mine, and it got me within the normal BMI range within 3 months. It's a very simple product (essentially just a Bluetooth enabled pedometer) but the lifestyle improvements (if you are motivated by the goals) are massive.

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#39

Post by hsx » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:16 AM UTC

seferphier wrote: post #22

i would say mechanical keyboard since we spend so much time on the computers. but the great mechanical keyboards are over $100...should be able to get a second hand one for cheap.

I have a Vortex KBC Poker II with PBT keycaps, probably one of the best purchases I've made in recent years. I blew off buying one for a couple of years because it was "just like any other keyboard" - not true. They switches (I have Cherry MX Reds) make it a joy to type on!

I should have added that I got mine for about $120, including shipping.

Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?

#40

Post by cookrn » Thu, Mar 27, 2014, 5:16 AM UTC

toomuchtodo wrote: post #27

erikig wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know it is a break from the $100 budget but a 4k (3840x2160) monitor is almost a necessity for me right now. I have two Seiki 39" each of which has replaced four 21" monitors.

Thoughts on the 50 inch version as a monitor? http://www.amazon.com/Seiki-Digital-SE39UY04-39-Inch-Ultra/d...

http://tiamat.tsotech.com/4k-is-for-programmers

That author has some interesting thoughts on 4k in general as well as the Seiki brand.