Tag: $100

$20 vs. $120 Portable Projector | Is the Budget Model Worth It?

Looking for a portable projector but unsure if you should grab the cheapest option or invest a bit more? I compared a $20 budget projector (available here) against a more feature-packed $120 projector (currently on sale here) to see how they really stack up.

What You Get Out of the Box

The $20 projector surprised me with its accessories. Inside the box, you get:

  • The projector itself
  • A power cord
  • An AV cable (for older devices)
  • A remote
  • A manual

Despite the price, the $20 unit includes a wide variety of ports: USB, HDMI, AV input, Micro SD slot, Micro USB, and a headphone jack. It’s designed to connect to external drives, laptops, game consoles, or older media players.

The $120 projector, on the other hand, comes with:

  • A larger projector with a swivel base
  • A USB-C charger (big plus)
  • The exact same style of remote as the cheaper model
  • A manual

While the $120 projector has fewer ports (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack), its build quality is noticeably better, and the swivel adjustment is a huge advantage when setting it up.

Setup and Build Quality

Both projectors are easy to set up, but the $120 projector edges ahead in terms of user experience.

The $20 model has buttons on top for power and menu navigation—handy if you lose the remote.

The $120 model requires you to use the remote for everything, but it makes up for that with its smoother design, a more premium feel, and that handy swivel adjustment.

Picture Quality: Bigger Than Expected

At first glance, both projectors deliver surprisingly solid images considering their price points. However:

  • The $120 projector creates a much larger display at the same distance from the wall.
  • It also supports 4K input (downscaled), while the $20 projector maxes out at 1080p.

The picture is sharp on both, but the larger, more immersive screen size of the $120 projector gives it a clear advantage.

Smartphone Compatibility: Dealbreaker for Budget Buyers

This is where the $120 projector really pulls ahead.

The $20 projector does not support direct smartphone connections through its USB port—it only works with external drives. That’s a major limitation if your goal is to stream content from your phone.

In contrast, the $120 projector offers full wireless casting. Connect it to Wi-Fi, tap the cast button on your phone (works like a Chromecast), and you’re ready to stream YouTube or other apps effortlessly.

My Take: Who Should Buy Which?

If you just want something basic for connecting a game console, laptop, or USB drive, the $20 projector is fine and delivers solid video playback for the price (grab it here).

But if you’re looking for wireless casting, easier setup, a bigger screen, and a more portable experience, the $120 projector—especially at its current discount to around $50—is a much smarter purchase. You can find it on sale here.

The above links are amazon affiliate and support me at no extra cost to you.

Final Verdict

For budget buyers who want basic HDMI functionality, the $20 projector works. But if your focus is on convenience, smartphone casting, and a more polished design, the $120 model easily justifies the slightly higher cost—especially given the current sale.

How to Get a Meta Quest 2 for $100: A Simple Guide

Virtual reality is more accessible than ever, but top-of-the-line VR headsets can still be pricey. If you’re eyeing the Meta Quest 2 but don’t want to shell out the full retail price, here’s a foolproof guide to snagging one for just $100.

Why the Meta Quest 2 Stands Out

The Meta Quest 2 is a standout VR headset due to its:

  • Wireless Standalone Functionality: No need for a PC or external sensors.
  • Versatility: Use it as a mobile movie theater, for gaming, or as a workstation.
  • Long Battery Life: Enjoy extended VR sessions without constantly recharging.

Despite its advantages, the Quest 2 can be expensive. On Amazon, a new one costs around $350, with refurbished models at $270 and used ones at $200. Meta’s official site lists it for $200, but it’s often out of stock. So, how do you get it for $100?

The $100 Meta Quest 2 Strategy

Here’s how you can find the Quest 2 for just $100:

  1. Check Facebook Marketplace:
  • Search for “Meta Quest 2” or “Quest 2.”
  • Look for listings around $100. If you find any, message the sellers immediately and express your willingness to pick it up today.
  1. Expand Your Search:
  • If you don’t find any $100 listings, message sellers with higher prices. Offer $100 and emphasize your readiness to pick it up immediately.
  • Consider broadening your search radius to nearby cities. Sometimes sellers in neighboring areas might have better deals.
  1. Be Persistent:
  • Check the listings regularly. New offers can pop up, especially as people upgrade to newer models like the Quest 3.

Is It Sketchy?

Buying from Facebook Marketplace can raise concerns, but here’s how to mitigate them:

  • Trust Your Instincts: Look for listings from reputable sellers. Buying from a friendly, honest seller in a well-off area often reduces the risk.
  • Inspect Before You Buy: If possible, test the headset to ensure it’s in good working condition.

How Much Storage Do You Need?

The Quest 2 comes in various storage sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Here’s what you should consider:

  • 64GB is Typically Enough: For most users, 64GB is more than sufficient. Most VR games and apps don’t require extensive storage, especially if you primarily use PC VR games which don’t rely on the headset’s internal storage.

When to Buy New

If you’re unsure about VR or just want to try it out, consider purchasing a new Quest 2 from Amazon or Meta’s website. If you like it and decide you want a cheaper option, you can return it within 30 days and look for a deal like the $100 one.

Affiliate Links

If you’re ready to purchase or want to explore options, here are some helpful links:

Disclaimer: These links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them.

With this guide, you’re well on your way to enjoying VR without breaking the bank. Happy hunting and enjoy your VR adventures!

The Secret Budget Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for Sony Full Frame in 2024

When it comes to shooting stunning ultra-wide photos and videos on a Sony full-frame camera, you might think that you need to spend thousands of dollars to get a high-quality lens. But in 2024, there’s a secret weapon that offers incredible performance without breaking the bank: the Sony 11-18mm F4 lens. If you’re looking for a lens that’s both affordable and powerful, this might just be the best-kept secret in the camera world.

Why It’s Special

Now, at first glance, this lens is the equivalent to a 15-27mm f4 on full frame since you have to multiple by the crop factor of 1.5x. It is a crop sensor lens after all. But, that’s where the secret lies. If you enable full frame mode for the lens in your Sony Alpha camera, it turns it into a super wide 10-18mm. With other crop sensor lenses there would be tons of vignetting, or black around the edges, but not with this lens for some reason. Call it a design flaw gone right, but this lens has incredible quality without vignetting from 11mm upward. Finding an equivalent full frame model could easily cost you thousands of dollars. But this lens is only $300 used. At 11mm-18mm, it’s insanely wide, making it perfect for vlogging, architecture photography, landscapes, and dynamic video shots. This lens creates that dramatic, expansive look that’s difficult to achieve with a standard lens or even a super wide 16-35mm f2.8 lens! Whether you’re capturing sprawling cityscapes or immersive travel vlogs, this super ultra-wide focal length makes your footage look epic.

Features That Stand Out

  • Optical Image Stabilization (OSS): One of the game-changing features of this lens is the Optical Image Stabilization. This is particularly crucial when you’re shooting handheld video or walking while vlogging. Your footage will be smoother, with minimal shaking, which is essential for keeping your content looking professional.
  • Ultra-Light and Portable: Another reason why people love this lens is that it’s incredibly light and small. Unlike some of the bulkier full-frame lenses, this one doesn’t weigh down your bag or your camera, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting. It’s easy to carry and doesn’t draw much attention, which is ideal for travel and street photography.
  • Affordable Price: Most ultra-wide full-frame lenses cost well over $2,000. For example, the 16-35mm F4 retails for more than $1,000, while the 12-24mm F4 can go up to $2,800. But this Sony 10-18mm F4 lens is only $300 used, which is an absolute steal when you consider the quality and versatility it offers. You’re getting similar ultra-wide coverage without having to drain your savings.
  • Versatility from 11-18mm: While 11mm gives you that stunning ultra-wide perspective, you can also zoom in to 18mm for more traditional shots. It’s great for creating variety in your compositions without needing to switch lenses constantly.

The Image Quality

Some people might hesitate because it’s an F4 lens, but trust me, the aperture is more than adequate for most scenarios. While it’s not a super-fast lens like an F2.8, it’s perfect for landscapes, outdoor shots, and vlogging, where you typically don’t need an ultra-shallow depth of field. On a full-frame camera, the F4 gives you solid performance even in lower light conditions.

Real-World Use

I’ve personally taken this lens around on multiple shoots, and I’m blown away by its performance. Walking around with it is a dream, especially because of how light and compact it is. The stabilization ensures my shots are smooth, and the wide-angle coverage captures scenes that look epic. Even my friend, Ralph, who initially sold his, said it was the one lens he regretted parting with, and he’s looking to buy it again!

Why It’s a Steal in 2024

One of the best parts about this lens is that it’s no longer being produced, and the prices on the used market are incredibly low—for now. At $300, it’s practically a gift, especially compared to the much more expensive alternatives. However, because they’re not making them anymore, the prices could go up, making this an even more valuable buy.

If you’re shooting on a Sony full-frame and want an ultra-wide lens without paying thousands of dollars, I highly recommend grabbing the Sony 10-18mm F4 lens while you can. Worst-case scenario, you don’t like it, and you can return it—but trust me, you won’t want to. This lens will unlock so much creative potential in your photography and videography.

Thanks for reading, and as always, have a great day and week! If you decide to pick up this lens, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Disclaimer: All links above are affiliate links so I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting this small blog!