Linus Tech Tips - I Got ALL this Tech for Under $100! - Handy Tech Under $100
The video introduces a range of tech-related products that are all priced under $100, offering practical solutions for everyday tech problems. Among the highlighted products is a tiny USB microphone priced at $7, which provides a clearer sound than typical laptop microphones and can be used as a quick fix if the internal mic fails. Another product is a fin comb straightener for $10, useful for fixing bent fins on CPU coolers, although it doesn't work well with corrugated fins. Additionally, the video discusses a magnetic wristband for holding screws, priced at $15, which is particularly useful in awkward working positions. The main highlight is a solution for fixing controller stick drift using adjustable pads that can be soldered to the controller, allowing users to recalibrate the stick's center point. These pads are available for as little as $1 each, though they require a soldering iron to install.
Key Points:
- Affordable tech solutions under $100, including a $7 USB microphone and a $10 fin comb straightener.
- Magnetic wristband for $15 helps hold screws in awkward positions.
- Controller stick drift can be fixed with $1 adjustable pads, requiring soldering skills.
- Products offer practical fixes for common tech issues, enhancing usability and convenience.
- All products combined cost less than $100, providing budget-friendly tech solutions.
Details:
1. đĄ Discovering Affordable Tech Gadgets Under $100
- The video introduces tech gadgets under $100 as a cost-effective alternative to expensive mainstream tech products.
- It presents seven tech products like a magnetic wristband and a solution for stick drift, ensuring affordability and practicality.
- These gadgets are selected based on their ability to solve common tech issues and enhance daily convenience, making them both handy and budget-friendly.
2. đ¤ Testing a Tiny USB Microphone: Surprisingly Clear Sound
- The tiny USB microphone is priced at $7, offering a cost-effective alternative to pricier options.
- Despite its low cost, the microphone delivers surprisingly clear sound quality compared to a laptop's internal mic.
- It is particularly useful for laptops as a portable solution; it can be left plugged in for quick fixes if the laptop's internal microphone fails.
- For desktop use, a USB extension can be used to conveniently position the microphone anywhere on the desk or near a headset.
- Combining the cost of the microphone and a USB extension cable is still cheaper than many top-selling microphones on Amazon.
- The microphone's frequency response and sensitivity, though unspecified, are implied to be adequate due to the clear sound performance.
- A comparison with other similar low-cost microphones could provide additional context on its relative performance.
3. đ§ Fin Comb Straightener: A Handy Tool for Cooling Systems
- The fin comb straightener is a cost-effective tool at $10, or less if 3D printed, for straightening bent fins on cooling systems.
- It accommodates a wide range of coolers with different blade thicknesses and includes a handle to prevent injury from sharp fins.
- The tool is not effective on corrugated V-shaped radiator fins found in liquid coolers.
- Minor damage to cooling fins typically does not impact cooling performance, but the tool can improve aesthetics and provide peace of mind.
4. 𧲠Magnetic Wristband & Tech Tools for Easy Repairs
4.1. Magnetic Wristband Benefits and Features
4.2. Nifx Cobra XCS Water Pliers
5. đĄ Innovative LED Lighting Solutions & Dimming Stickers
- A simple USB to LED light can be plugged into the back of a motherboard to provide hands-free lighting in dark environments, such as server rooms or areas requiring cable management.
- The product offers great value, with a pack of eight LED lights available for $7.50, making it cost-effective for distribution, such as including one in each party goodie bag.
- LED lights can also be combined on a hub dongle to create a brighter illumination effect.
- Dimming stickers are available for managing LED brightness, offering a solution for LEDs that are too bright but still need to show status indicators.
- The sticker kit includes both black and white options, with matte or gloss finishes, and opacity ranging from 50% to zero, allowing customization to match device colors without obstructing status visibility.
- These dimming stickers are designed to be low residue, minimizing any leftover adhesive when removed.
6. đšī¸ Fixing Controller Stick Drift with Simple Adjustments
- Stick drift is a common issue caused by the potentiometer wearing out, which is typically rated for about 2 million cycles or approximately 400 hours of gaming on titles like Call of Duty War Zone.
- Flexible pads can be soldered to the back of the controller to adjust the stick's center point, offering a DIY solution to avoid frequent purchases of new controllers.
- Hall effect joysticks, which do not suffer from stick drift, are often found in third-party controllers, but major brands don't incorporate them in flagship products.
- These adjustable pads are affordable, costing about $1 each, but require a soldering iron for installation.
- Learning to solder is a valuable skill, with soldering stations available for under $100, making it a cost-effective solution for those willing to learn.
- Detailed soldering guides and tutorials are available online, making the process accessible for beginners.
- Using Hall effect joysticks as an alternative can be more expensive but eliminates the drift issue entirely.
7. đ Revisiting DIY Projects: Volume Controller & More
- A DIY volume controller for PCs was developed to provide a personalized hardware solution for volume management, allowing users to easily control audio levels.
- The project highlights the importance of customizing tech solutions to meet personal needs, offering an alternative to traditional software-based volume controls.
- The controller uses basic electronic components such as potentiometers and microcontrollers, making it accessible for tech enthusiasts.
- This project emphasizes the intersection of hardware and software in creating user-friendly interfaces.