Improve Your Computer Life for Under $50 - Episode 292

Published: Aug. 7, 2022, 9:35 p.m.

b'

Description

When it comes to interacting with your computer, we know that the way your items come is not always the best way to use them. Avram has some great ideas on how to improve your experience. Best of all, his suggestions can all come in under $50.

On Your Desk

Your computer has a lot of items that sit on your desk. This includes your keyboard, mouse, headphones, and more. This can take up a lot of space, and require a lot of interaction. This is a great place to improve your experience.

Keyboard

There are several ways to improve your keyboard experience. Of course, buying a good mechanical keyboard is a great start, but that will usually cost above $50. Right now, however, the EVGA Z15 is running only $39.99 (regularly $129.99). A deal like this is the point at which you should really consider an upgrade because it completely changes the typing experience.

Once you have your mechanical keyboard (or if you aren\'t able to get a deal), one great upgrade you can make is the keycaps. You might not consider the plastic pieces you touch to be a big part of the experience, but they are. Different designs and styles, as well as heights, can dramatically change the typing experience. Avram uses and recommends the Hyekit Keycaps, which have a great design and come in under $50 at $47.99.

If you\'ve already upgraded these items, you can still improve your typing with a wrist rest. It\'s the part of the experience that we most often ignore, but it\'s a small change that can make a big difference. Check out the HyperX wrist great, which has a cooling gel inside and reduces strain on your wrist. Best of all, it runs only $15.99 right now (normally $19.99).

Headphones

A great pair of headphones is an essential, and likely something you\'ve already got. But, keeping the headphones in good repair and out of your way can make things better. There are a ton of great headphone holders that can make it better. Some stands are cool, offering USB ports and RGB effects, like the Monster Gaming Stand ($34.39). You can also get one that hooks onto your desk, giving you a lot more space on your desk. They range in price, but are usually under $15.

USB Hub

Now that you\'ve got all of your USB devices, it\'s time to plug them in. A great way to do this is with a solid USB hub. It sits on your desk and gives you access to extra ports without having to reach under your desk. Avram\'s personal favorite is the Sabrent 7-port hub for a couple of reasons. First, it costs just $38.99 and gives you 7 extra ports. But, it also offers a power switch for each port, so if you have speakers and headphones plugged in, you can easily switch between them by simply turning them on and off.

Under Your Desk

There are ways to improve your experience from under the desk too, either inside of the computer or its power.

Power

If you are using a laptop, a GaN charger can change your experience. Anker\'s USB-C charger runs $59.99 but often includes a $10 coupon (make sure to click it). It makes it easier to carry, as the charger is far smaller and lighter, but also takes less space under your desk.

Components

As Avram has discussed before, certain components can speed up your experience and can be inexpensive. For example, you can get a good second SSD for under $50. For example, the SP 512 GB SSD runs $34.99. You likely don\'t want it as your primary, but is a good second drive.

You can also speed up your system with some extra RAM. If you\'ve got extra slots in your PC, you can add 16 GB of Patriot Signature RAM for $47.99. You can also speed up your internet connection using a UBIT AX210 Wi-Fi 6E card for only $35.

Extra case fans for a desktop computer is a good idea, too. It can help to keep the system cool, speeding up operations. But, you can also add RGB to make the case more interesting. Lots of options exist, many under the $50 price point.

Participants

Scott Ertz

Host

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Avram Piltch

Host

Avram\'s been in love with PCs since he played original Castle Wolfenstein on an Apple II+. Before joining Tom\'s Hardware, for 10 years, he served as Online Editorial Director for sister sites Tom\'s Guide and Laptop Mag, where he programmed the CMS and many of the benchmarks. When he\'s not editing, writing or stumbling around trade show halls, you\'ll find him building Arduino robots with his son and watching every single superhero show on the CW.

Live Discussion

Powered by PureVPN

'