An ebook reader. Both the cheapest version of the Kobo and the Kindle cost around USD60-70.<p>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.<p>I also save a ton of money since printed books are so expensive in Australia, and out-of-copyright books are free.<p>The formatting of technical non-fiction books for e-readers has come a long way, too.
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.<p>It is Correctly Designed and a joy to use.<p><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-SlideBelts-Mens-Genuine-Leather-Adjustable-Ratchet-Belt-without-Holes-/191039554947?pt=US_CSA_MWA_Belts&var=&hash=item2c7ad84583" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-SlideBelts-Mens-Genuine-Lea...</a>
If you cook at all: Infrared thermometer.<p>How hot is that pan? Is my oven thermometer accurate? I'm proofing yeast, is this water too warm? How cold is my freezer? Is my smoker ready? Is that caramel done?<p>I got a cheap $15 one and I use it nearly every day.
For men: A beard trimmer is one of my favorite cheap buys. Never shave again: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remington-MB4040-Lithium-Rechargeable-Mustache/dp/B005PUZZR8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395896179&sr=8-3&keywords=beard+trimmer" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Remington-MB4040-Lithium-Rechargeable-...</a><p>Beyond that, I'd say the aeropress coffee maker: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Espresso-Maker/dp/B0047BIWSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395896241&sr=8-1&keywords=aero+press" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Espresso-Make...</a>
A fountain pen.<p>I grew up using pencils and ballpoint pens. I swore off fountain pens after some frustrating, messy experiences. In hindsight, I think I still lacked the fine motor skills necessary to get the best out of a fountain pen.<p>I took an interest again when I started working on a website selling fancy $2000 models, but the one I bought was less then $10. In my downtime I retrained my hand, and learned traditional copperplate-style handwriting.<p>Now, the simple act of signing my name is a completely different experience -- it feels like an act of craftsmanship.<p>But do buy a CHEAP one first. If you're used to writing with a ballpoint you'll be putting far too much pressure on the paper, and you'll probably ruin a nib or two before you get used to it.
In the Summer of 2011, I was working at Mozilla. My first exposure to an open plan office. I decided (for a poor student) to spend an insane amount of money on a pair of headphones so that I could get more productive: The Shure SE 215 in ear phones for $99. Since then, I have used them everyday. Backpacked across 3 continents. Taken them to the gym. Used them like crap. Yet, they still lasted. I went through 4 different phones in the mean time. Finally, yesterday I broke down and bought new replacement cables; the cable had started fraying from within.<p>Now, I work for a company which has a lot of music buffs. So I may actually upgrade to something that is a whole new level in music quality. But a part of me will really really cherish these earphones.<p>(P.S: I don't work for Shure. The only damn product that I have ever written a review for Shure. :|)
Good Kitchen Knives<p>Ideally, a whole block of them, but all you really need is one, and that'll run you less than $100.<p>No more laboriously sawing through an onion with that flimsy dull serrated piece of worthlessness. A good sharp knife should glide right through anything you care to stick between it and the board. Onions, tomatoes (without squishing), probably even your thumb a few times until you learn how to use it right.<p>Zwilling J.A. Henckels are my choice. Not overly expensive. Overly good at chopping things in half. Sorted.
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.<p>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.
I know it says "everyone", but for any male: a top quality shaving cream to try for while. I used to think Edge, Barbasol, etc was good enough and the boutique ones were for snobs and no difference. Then I tried a few. Like night and day difference in closeness and after shaving comfort. You will not go back.<p>Not even that expensive considering you can use less per shave because of the quality. The two best I have ever used are both fairly affordable and don't even need a bowl/brush:<p>men-u Shaving Cream:
<a href="http://www.men-uusa.com/men-ushavingcream33oz.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.men-uusa.com/men-ushavingcream33oz.aspx</a><p>Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream:
<a href="http://www.kiehls.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-kiehls_us-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=236&bookmark=384890" rel="nofollow">http://www.kiehls.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-kiehls_us-Si...</a>
Found this compilation of links on Reddit, there are actually some good suggestions inbetween the joke suggestions<p><a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/10yu3d/what_100_item_has_the_single_greatest_ability_to/c6hyr1q" rel="nofollow">http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/10yu3d/what_100_i...</a>
2 tech things if you don't have them:
- An external 24" monitor if you don't have one
- An SSD for your workstation<p>The improvement in productivity is well worth the $100.
At least once in your life take the $100 and break it into 5 $20. Then find someone who you appreciate (Police, Fireman, EMT, Preacher, Teacher, etc.) Walk up and give them the $20 and say something simple like "Thanks for what you do, let me buy you lunch". It's an awesome experience to see someone receive unsolicited gratitude.
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.
An instrument - you can actually get perfectly reasonable starter version of most instruments for around that price point if you shop around, which will work fine when it comes to gigging too. Guitars, Basses, Midi Keyboards - you might have to shop around, but it is possible to get within the price limit.<p>I've been learning bass for the last month and a bit, and it has made a big difference to how I feel about myself and my confidence that I can pick up an entirely new skill from scratch, and that I can make music.<p>With things like LMMS and Hydrogen available, and lots of royalty-free free sample packs available, it is entirely possible to write and perform music on the cheap.<p>And if you're still not convinced? The tech industry seems to want us to be 'rockstar' developers, devops, admins, growth hackers, etc... so why not literally become one too? ;)
i would say mechanical keyboard since we spend so much time on the computers.<p>but the great mechanical keyboards are over $100...should be able to get a second hand one for cheap.
A Leatherman Multitool<p>I recommend the New Wave, though I also have a Charge TTi. I find myself using them all the time, and they last a really long time. I still have, and use regularly, the Leatherman Super Tool that I got in the mid 90's. I keep one in my office, one in my care, my girlfriends car, and one in the utility room. Really nice to have a solid multitool nearby whenever you need one.
A vintage road bike.<p>A lot of secondhand bikes go really cheap and only need a little attention and your on your way to cheap and healthy transportation.
Considering the benefits of exercise, a pair of running shoes and some resistance bands could go a long way. Those two small purchases helped me get in shape faster than any gym membership that I had in the past. That said, everybody's exercise preferences are different so get whatever you need to become active.
An Mp3 player with radio. Great for listening to music and podcast whilst driving or travelling on the bus.<p>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
A digital kitchen scale (something like ) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Digital-Kitchen-Silver/dp/B001N07KUE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395941458&sr=8-1&keywords=digital+baking+scale" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Digital-Kitchen-Sil...</a><p>Measuring all of your flour, sugar, etc in grams will improve your baking a 100 fold. (It now assumes your recipes are based in ratios and metric though).
on topic: a wireless headset for your computer/phone. even for watching movies, this has been essential (think cooking while watching videos)<p>off topic:
As a long time lurker, this news item feels too reddity for what was originally a software vc community. I understand that HN is getting more popular, and it's attracting broader content. However, Reddit has subreddits, so I can filter out the banal. Please don't let hacker news become digg.
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.<p>Trust me... just happen tonight.
An Inka Pen. The older, metal ones, not the new terrible ones that Nite-Ize makes: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nite-ize-Stylus-Carbon-Fiber-Stainless/dp/B000YH5V9O" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Nite-ize-Stylus-Carbon-Fiber-Stainless...</a>
- Paul Mitchell 'The Conditioner'. It's a great substitute for hair gel _and_ shaving foam. I've been using it for 20 years.<p>- Pilot GTEC-C4 pens (great paired with Moleskine notebooks)<p>- An external USB battery pack<p>- A headphone splitter cable<p>- Hearos earplugs (the blue ones)
A Space Pen + Field Notes notebooks. Pen is great for all those times you need to write; Field Notes notebooks slip into any pocket and are good for any freehand note taking.
A comfortable, well-fitting pair of pants. Pants are the foundation of any outfit. I'm personally searching for the perfect pair, because I only want to own one pair.
It's WAY under $100, but I use my "Dorcy 41-4750" flashlight regularly - and it's easily the brightest, and best flashlight I've ever owned.
laptop stand with an external keyboard <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kensington-SmartFitTM-RiserTM-Laptop-Cooling/dp/B0007YB8NM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395903756&sr=8-1&keywords=laptop+stand" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kensington-SmartFitTM-RiserTM-Laptop...</a>