Tell us about the most expensive bit of tech you've ever bought for $1!

Ford James · 2024-05-21T16:01:56.254Z

Technology can be expensive. There are myriad bits of kit I could happily buy with lots of money I don't have, but short of winning the lottery, most of them are just distant dreams. It means that when I do spend a significant amount of money on something,...

Makster 5/27/2024, 8:45:02 AM

I just can't let go of this laptop

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7dzOYyPi3H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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LongIslandIcedTech 5/25/2024, 2:58:25 PM

Let's try this again, eh?

First thing that comes to mind is when I purchased a bHaptics TactSuit X40 and Tactosy for Arms to go along with my VR setup about 3 years ago. Cost for both was about $750. VR Phasmophobia was pretty big at the time, and I was looking into ways to heighten the experience. Tried it a few times. Bluetooth connectivity was so weak--or I'm very dense--that the connection to the TactSuit vest's bluetooth module (located on the back) would only connect if I faced away from my VR PC. What should have been a dynamic range of subtle vibrations during a hair-raisingly uncomfortable walk through of Grafton Farmhouse to a frantic mimic of my heartrate pumping while being pursued by a revenant down the abandoned halls of Brownstone School, ended up being a consistently jarring break of immersion when every instance of haptic feedback was a noticeably loud buzz in my chest.

It was less that the ghost was toying around with me by lightly brushing past and causing me to question whether I felt what I thought I felt. It was more like I had accidentally given the ghosts my cellphone number and they were addicted to texting me.

Foolish_Imp 5/24/2024, 8:58:30 PM

The most expensive bit of technology I have ever purchased was an Alienware m18 r1 during cyber Monday last year.

I am a college student and I do not have a lot of money to spend, but I needed a new laptop last year, as my old one was severely outdated and on its last leg. I had a budget of $1500 from saving over the years so I decided to go for a gaming laptop because it would let me game and branch out into some of my more technical hobby interests. I did a lot of research beforehand on what laptop I was going and knew I wanted an Alienware or an MSI. Originally, I was looking to get an older model with mid-range parts so that I would have money left over. However, the m18 went on sale with very good parts for about $600 more than my budget. After weighing the pros and cons and struggling over a lot of mental turmoil, I decided that I couldn't pass up the chance to get a laptop that people were calling the king.

While I do not regret the machine itself, I do regret that I spent money that could have gone towards classes and textbooks. Other than regret of spending so much money, I have no complaints. The Alienware m18 is an absolute beast and I've had so much fun learning about all the things I can do on it. I have even saved some money because I no longer have to pay for gamepass to play with people on xbox; instead, I can just play with people on my laptop. I have also gotten the chance to take some interesting and more technical classes because I now have a laptop can handle demand. I also hope that I can score some game testing jobs now that I have such a great machine.

All in all, it was a tough decision -especially because it was more of a "bite the bullet" purchase-, but I do not think I would change it if I had the chance to go back. Honestly, I got the laptop of my dreams and despite the setbacks, it's been well worth it.

Lanah Tyra 5/24/2024, 6:47:05 PM

Wanted to bring some historical data to this bounty, as back in the day it felt like I was spending a fortune. When I bought my PS2 slim in Hungary in 2006 from my first salary, it cost 30.000 HUF which was about third (or more like half?) of my monthly pay. Checked back the conversion rates for that time and actually it wasn't that bad. Wikipedia lists the PS2 slim as £299 at release, but the conversion brings the Hungarian price to about £80? Not sure how was that possible...

Got quite the uproar from the family for "wasting my money" but no regrets, it was my first console (apart from the cheap Chinese knockoff Sega Mega Drive which broke constantly).

Out of curiosity, checked the price of the PS5 and it comes out to the same price in Hungarian Forint as it does in Pounds. And that is not okay as people there definitely don't earn as much as we do over here. But that's pretty much the reason why I'm here, as price for such goods are the same in Hungary as in western countries, but the salaries don't quite follow...

Fras_Shoyo 5/24/2024, 8:22:24 AM

I thought about buying a controller to play games that use controllers to make it comfortable to play but I thought about buying the best for the long term and I thought about buying FLYDIGI Apex 4 elite which costs $124, even though it's a pretty expensive controller for me, I really like it and am quite happy when using it to play Apex games or games that use controllers.

it is very useful because I always use it when playing games until now and I am comfortable using it

Sturmer 5/23/2024, 4:44:07 PM

Technically speaking, a car can be considered tech or a gadget, especially models like Tesla, which are more like computers on wheels rather than cars with computers. However, if we skip that, then I guess the most expensive tech item I own is the Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 II L USM lens, with an MSRP over 2000 EUR. I managed to get one slightly cheaper. Released 12 years ago, it's still considered one of the best lenses for weddings, journalism, and portrait photography. If I could pick just one lens, it would always be this one. It's very versatile, allowing me to do any type of photography, whether it's urban street photos, macro, or gigs.

Shovel 5/23/2024, 9:08:13 AM

Hmm. This one got me to think for a while but I think the most expensive piece of tech that I brought myself is my camera. It’s a Canon Powershot GX7 and it is amazing! I was search for comparisons for such a long time between the Sony and canon. Ultimately went with the canon as it was cheaper and their app helps when it comes to taking your pics and uploading to your phone.

Ford JamesMod5/23/2024, 10:42:41 AM

Shovel

How much did it cost? I've wanted to get into photography for so long, but have never pulled the trigger on a proper camera and just take shots with my phone every now and then. Mostly at gigs and whenever inspiration strikes when I'm out and about rather than actively searching for things to capture though!

Shovel 5/23/2024, 11:55:44 AM

Ford James

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8663195

mine cost about £550 from Argos! I can’t find it on there rn but they have this one which has a bit of a mini kit!

I was able to get it on finance (Argos card) as I wanted it for holiday so it just made it super affordable at the time!

I’d also recommend using Lightroom to help edit the pics you take too!

Sturmer 5/23/2024, 4:31:24 PM

Ford James

Hey Ford James , when I hear someone wants to get into photo art, I always recommend getting a proper camera and lens. Believe me or not, you can get involved for quite cheap! With a budget of £150-£200, you can get a second-hand full-frame camera like the Canon EOS 5D (classic) and a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens.

Don't worry about the specs or age; this camera produces stunning pictures, incomparable to modern phones or even cameras with cheap zoom lenses.

I go more into details if you are interested, maybe within a bounty or as separate publication

Ford JamesMod5/23/2024, 4:39:43 PM

Sturmer

That is super helpful, thank you! You've given me a couple of bounty ideas there, so I'll float them to the team and see if we can get any photography-based bounties in the works.

Lanah Tyra 5/24/2024, 5:26:11 PM

Sturmer

would be interested as well. Used to have camera and compact video camera back home ages ago for concert photos and recordings, then when I moved here I tried to settle with my phone but it just doesn't do the same especially if I'm not front row. Trying to get back into it so would be great to hear some more advise on starter gear.

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Laser-Bicep 5/23/2024, 9:08:08 AM

kind of a difficult question as im a bargain hunter tbf

but i got a mac m2 mini for £539 as a student discount to use for music production.

It is real quick and has no problem running video editing apps and music programs and gaming although i havnt really used it for gaming.

so yes it was defintely worth it for that price for what it does.

avrona 5/23/2024, 8:51:51 AM

It's my camera by far the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro. Is it kind of overkill for YouTube? Nope, because if YouTube is to be taken seriously, nothing can be overkill for it. The results are spectacular and the options it has is amazing.

I first began using it as my university kit loan shop had one, and while we were supposed to use that kit for our university projects, I'd just take out that camera every other day just for my YouTube videos, and that's how I first fell in love with it. So when I was finishing my course, I faced a bit of a dilemma, as I couldn't afford to buy one myself, and I didn't want to sacrifice such great quality in my videos, so my parents just got me one as a graduation gift.

Sturmer 5/23/2024, 4:11:54 PM

avrona

Hey, just wondering how looks like your walking-vlogging BM setup: gimbal, external mic, screen?

Horror and Cats 5/22/2024, 10:05:29 PM

I've been fairly patient and waited for sales/discounts on my most expensive bits of tech, but my MSI laptop was already on sale due to being refurbished and still cost $1,900.

Totally worth it though. Until this year it has been my gaming, editing and entertainment workhorse despite the fact that it's getting up there in age. Now that I've replaced it with a new desktop, it is enjoying a lovely retirement in my living room with my Laz-e-boy as my writing station/casual gaming device.

I'm using it to write this now!

MargotCandy 5/22/2024, 9:47:21 AM

My most expensive bit of tech was an apple MacBook Pro 16 inch from 2014. It would have been around £2000 maybe a bit more.

I loved that laptop. The screen was amazing and even though it was a big laptop it wasn’t as heavy as my previous Dell.

At the time it brought me so much joy. I could help friends edit videos, store all my photos on it and I carried it everywhere. I learned to code on it, blogged about my sewing and made so many friends and connections in the online world as well as in real life by organising meet ups locally too.

I bought it at a time where I had just gotten my first Senior role and bonus, and started to feel a bit more of an adult. Good times. My next laptop didn’t cost as much though. :D

Kane Carnifex 5/22/2024, 10:47:35 AM

MargotCandy

It could have changed my life if i would have used more of the apple Software. Only remeber how easy the cutting function was on mac... but than again nobody bites in my apple.

Kane Carnifex 5/21/2024, 5:31:16 PM

It took me around 3-4 hours to choose the right one. After several Gaming Headsets from Sennheiser and Co there was a time for the ENDBOSS.

Becoming a little HiFi Lord.

Audeze lcd-x & Cambridge Amp

I asked the Guy if i could test one of these 5k+ Headphone and he said following:

Only if you intend to buy it, because if you like it you can´t go back. Once you hear it, you don´t forget.

~ 1700 Bucks, maybe little bit more.

Do i regret it? No, this love :)

MargotCandy 5/22/2024, 9:40:58 AM

Kane Carnifex

I will not tell my other half about these. He is a bit of an audiophile, but has mostly focused on amps and speakers. He hasn’t splashed out on headphones yet. I am partially deaf in one ear so these things are wasted on me, unfortunately, but I love that you went for it and seemingly get joy out of them. So cool these exist!

Kane Carnifex 5/22/2024, 10:44:22 AM

MargotCandy

Went to my Family House but nobody was at home so i was gonna listing to some Vinyls from my dad. Around 22:00 or so they came home and my Dad was like you use my system wrong.... And i was like häh, what? So he pulled up the volume so the glasses could start shaking... He than tells me, this why you have your own House... And no neighbour cared...

I think Speaker and AMPs are bigger which makes the "cheaper" like Desktop PC and Laptop... but i don´t know.

This is a very very very very personal topic about your personal likes. Also tried to hear with this setup a diffrence between spoty and tidal... for me no chance. I can´t spot the diffrence.

Oh man, when do we get the cybog medical stuff...you could get a broken one which only one side works? this like the niche win win thingi but don´t know if is satisfaction.

Toretto 70 5/22/2024, 3:24:49 AM

When I was bored I look around at online shop and I found a water pump for gallon.

I think worth it when you lazy to fill your drink, the name is :

Orisama water pump

I ask my friend to try it and they so glad no need to bother fill their drink.

Price around *1.19 up, you can buy at Shopee or Lazada.

Shop now before it runs out :D

Limal 5/25/2024, 8:29:12 AM

Samsung galaxy S23 smartphone, even with all possible discounts it was over 750, nearly twice the price of Nintendo Switch Oled.I tend to buy expensive smartphones and then use them for 4-5 years. I find that approach more convenient than buying a mediocre device every 2 years

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flutterfingerscrafts 5/27/2024, 4:31:54 PM

my redcat 51 telescope, zwo asiair, canon d2000 dslr, sky watcher goto mount the list is endless.

FirestormGamingTeam 5/27/2024, 6:06:49 PM

Not sure if I can use this but, I was going to say "my computer" but that seems a bit "on the nose" for a response, so i am going to submit this again as this cost me £1600 when I got it

https://youtu.be/hCxteD9sjBE

If it's not valid, no issue :)

Ford JamesMod5/29/2024, 2:01:35 PM

FirestormGamingTeam

Hey EveOnlineTutorials! Thanks for submitting, but you're right, we have had to reject this entry as all bounty submissions must be closely relevant to each bounty, so we'd discourage submitting the same material to multiple bounties for the simple reason that they're unlikely to win. We'll only award submissions that have been made to other bounties if they're supplemented with enough transformative additional content as to make them highly applicable to the new bounty (especially if they've been awarded elsewhere).

FirestormGamingTeam 5/29/2024, 2:47:47 PM

Ford James

Totally understandable

BeyondBelief 5/27/2024, 8:15:46 PM

My latest investment was certainly my most expensive piece of kit added to my setup! I saved up and decided to upgrade my camera kit from a Sony A7 to the most recent A7 model in the series, A7IV and accompanied it with a Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 G Master Lens.