It's that time again, and to be honest... while tech is awesome, my eye this time around has been on my actual living space. Covid continues to make the rounds like a monster in its umpteenth horror film that always finds a way to come back... so why not add something to your living and/or workspace that makes it a bit easier to be there day in and out?
Games definitely allow you to escape, so they'll obviously be included in this... but the list is as follows:
Concealable Desks
When it comes to concealable desks (aka wall-mounted folding desks), I don't recommend them for permanent desktop setups... but if you have a gaming laptop... it's a beautiful thing as long as it's mounted properly. Laptops are portable (duh of the day)... and when you want to clear the space you don't have to worry about where your laptop and other accessories are going to go.
These types of concealable desks have space for:
This may seem like a weird entry (even if we've been in left field before)... but think of how clean you can keep your living room, office, bedroom, or dorm room (if you're able to screw anything into the wall). It helps just keeps things a bit more organized. If you want to secure it a bit more as far as preventing someone from messing with the contents (especially in a dorm room where your snacks maybe), you can drill or screw in a hasp door clap latch... to add your own padlock.
If you're concerned about this thing not staying on your wall... get a few adjustable L brackets and place them below it to take pressure off the screws. Adding a few decor pieces (small plants or figurines) on top could also be a nice touch... and some of these concealable desks even have a chalkboard for some of you who want to have that on the front. You can even get creative and fit a picture into that opening or attach a whiteboard.
Peripheral Storage Mounts
Sticking to the theme of storage and organization... headphones and game controllers definitely deserve some love also... when they aren't in use. Headsets should remain in a case when they aren't in use in order to maintain the quality, but there are options for those of you who would rather place them on a wall mount. It keeps them off your desk, off the table, or even the floor (I won't say any names).
Surround Sound
If I'm promoting more in-home action... it's hard not to recommend surround sound. The theatre has been up against the ropes since covid hit it with a 3 piece, and I'm sure plenty of you have seen movie studios releasing major box office films direct to premium streaming services like we have. So... if you haven't made the move yet... why not consider adding more oomph to your audio with surround sound?
If you're paying for a streaming service, trust me... you will most likely come to appreciate surround sound. Even if you aren't one to see what the higher volumes can do, you'll be happy you made the upgrade. The sound from quality audio is superior to your standard stereo speakers built into the telly, and when a film or show has to surround sound... it's a real treat because it enhances the experience.
I'm not arguing with anyone... but for me, I recommend Logitech based on my own personal experience. I've had multiple surround sound systems, but I've had a set of Logitech speakers for nearly 20 years or more and they're still ticking. Holy crap, I have speakers older than some adults (mind blown)! This particular model is the
Logitech Z906 5.1 surround sound system.
TV
When it comes to TVs, I don't really have anything to recommend in particular, but... there are some decent prices out there if you're in the market for one. I only really recommend this for those of you who really want a new TV to enjoy your movies and shows... don't try to keep up with the latest and greatest only to end up in the same position minus less money. I'm not recommending the 4K options below, but I'm just throwing some out there for you to check out.
Headphones
If you're looking for corded in-ear headphones, I recommend the 1More Quad Driver Earphones.
For Bluetooth earphones, I recommend the 1More True Wireless Earphones.
For over-ear headphones, I'd say check out the PuroPro Headphones. Based on my personal experience, they're comfy, foldable, able to rest flat, they're Bluetooth, and... they protect the ears from noise-induced hearing loss without the depth of sound hitting a wall. If you want the sound cranked without restriction... these are not the headphones for you, just keep in mind the safe listening threshold for listening to music, movies, or whatever at certain decibels.
All these audio products have been reviewed by SDGT.
Posters and Wall Art
I can't recall a craze for posters and wall art in the recent... decade, but they still get love from some. I recommend posters and wall art because they can still assist you in delivering a nice vibe to your living space + office. If you get a certain sized poster or just a good frame to accomodate the size, it even transforms some posters into an art piece. Wall art is in a similar realm, but I'll discuss that below.
As mentioned, wall art comes in many forms. This particular piece of wall art is one I'd want in my living space because... it's just awesome. I haven't had a lot of time to really finish up a certain wall in my living room, but... I'm looking at different pieces like this (even if I'd want one larger than 12x11in).
Collectibles
If you really want to add a bit of cool to the space that you can live with long-term, why not go for some collectibles? You can sit some of the most unsuspected collectibles in places that fit them well and catch visitors completely off guard... just because of how awesome they are. Picture this little collectible of Goku on the end of a shelf next to a plant or next to a lamp, perhaps even a window seal. You can't tell me that someone wouldn't look at it and not say... "Dude... that's badass".
If you don't know what to get the gamer and tech fanatic who seems to have everything they want, the answer is simple... gift cards, gift cards, gift cards!
Amazon giftcards are a given, I'm sure they have something in mind and will put them to good use from the site, but there are some other sites out there with solid options as well. You have Target, Walmart, and... just about anywhere else you can think of. If you have an idea of where they may want to get something from... get a bit more specific with your giftcards. For example, you have Steam gift cards that allow them to be used in the
Valve Steam Store that has game deals galore.
I would say credit card based giftcards like...
Visa, but... no. They have an additional fee tacked onto those giftcards, so unless they just need such a giftcard to use offline, save the money. Actually, let me show you how to get some free money instead:
Gift giving can actually pay off if you reload your Amazon giftcard balance with $100 or more, because using this
link will score you $10 additional bucks.
Get 15% Off with code: HOLIDAY
