9 must-have tech gadgets under $100
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The world of computer accessories and gadgets is huge. Even if you've got brand loyalty, in most cases a single brand has two or three lines of headphones, speakers, or smart devices.
More annoying is that accessories and gadgets vary in price substantially, so it can be difficult to decide whether the step-up to the next tier will be worth it.
This list is full of high-quality tech products, some of which I use regularly, that cost under $100. There are certainly great deals to be had for less than the price of the products here, but these are a little more substantial — and perfect for folks looking to up their tech game.
A Bluetooth speaker
In the arenas of size, sound quality, and price Anker's Soundcore Sport XL is unmatched. I've written about it many times, but it continues to be the speaker I use most on a day-to-day basis.
It doesn't hurt that this is also a durable speaker; it's capable of withstanding a dunk in the pool, and exposure to dust and sand. That doesn't do me a whole lot of good in the winter, but when summer comes I like knowing that I can throw this speaker in a bag before a daylong trip and not worry.
Anker Soundcore Sport XL, $69.99, available at Amazon
The Echo Dot
My feelings about the Amazon Echo are well documented: Long story short, I love it.
The Echo Dot is the least expensive way to get into the Echo ecosystem, and has one great advantage over the other members of its family. Unlike the standard Amazon Echo and Echo Tap, the Echo Dot has an audio-out jack. While this is to compensate for its lackluster internal speaker, it means you can connect to any stereo and instantly have a smart stereo.
Because of all the apps that can hook into the Echo, hearing your favorite song is as easy as saying "Alexa, play 'America' by Simon and Garfunkel." While the Echo Dot will search Amazon Prime music by default, if your favorite song isn't there, you can ask it to play the song from Spotify. The functionality is so compelling I'm considering picking up a Dot just to have it.
Echo Dot, $49.99, available at Amazon
High-quality headphones
If you're looking for bassy headphones, buy Beats. If you're looking for comfortable, luxurious, slightly exaggerated-sounding headphones, buy Bowers and Wilkins. But if you want totally neutral-sounding headphones, buy this pair by Sony.
We've recommended them before and will continue to do so until they're unseated in this category and price point. The only flaw of the Sony MDR7506 is their long and winding cable. It might have been acceptable in 1990, when these headphones were first released and most "serious music listening" took place near a stereo, but it isn't in 2016. Sonically, however, you'd be hard pressed to find much wrong here. Music from all genres sounds "right" when listening to these headphones, although they might take some getting used to if you've grown accustomed to headphones that accentuate bass or treble.
Sony MDR7506, $79.99, available at Amazon
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