🔥 Budget Tech Picks of the Week: Smart Finds Under $50

📦 Under $50 Tech Club – Vol. 1: Cool Little Gadgets You’ll Actually Use

Welcome to the very first edition of the Under $50 Tech Club — a recurring roundup of clever, budget-friendly tech finds that are actually useful. Every item in this series is under $50 and earns its spot by being surprisingly functional, fun, or just plain cool.

Let’s dive into this week’s top picks! 👇

Watch the YouTube video for an overview:

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1️⃣ Tozo T6 True Wireless Earbuds – Affordable Audio That Surprises

Most true wireless earbuds under $50 are either sketchy or sound like you’re listening through a rusty tin can. The Tozo T6 is the rare exception. These budget-friendly buds offer surprisingly clear sound, decent bass, and even wireless charging in the included case — all while rocking an IPX8 waterproof rating, which means you can sweat, jog, or get dramatically caught in a drizzle without panic.

Perfect for commuters, gym-goers, or just casual listeners who don’t want to risk dropping their $200 earbuds into the abyss (or the sink).

✅ Pros:

• Clear sound with a warm, balanced tone
• Waterproof enough for workouts or rain
• Compact charging case supports wireless charging

❌ Cons:

• Touch controls can be finicky at first
• No companion app for sound customization

📦 View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4j3nWhK

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2️⃣ Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip (3 Outlets + 2 USB) – Smart & Simple

If you're looking to make your home a little smarter without needing a degree in automation, the Kasa Smart Power Strip is a solid starting point. It gives you 3 individually controlled smart outlets and 2 USB ports, all managed through the Kasa app or by voice using Alexa or Google Assistant.

Great for controlling lamps, chargers, humidifiers, or that lava lamp you forgot you still have. You can schedule everything, track energy use, and say things like, “Alexa, turn off the chaos corner” - which feels weirdly powerful.

✅ Pros:

• Voice control, scheduling, and energy monitoring
• Combines 3 plugs and 2 USB ports in one smart hub
• Works without a smart hub or extra hardware

❌ Cons:

• On the bulkier side
• Requires Wi-Fi (not Bluetooth)

📦 View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RsnspK

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3️⃣ Twelve South AirFly SE – Add Bluetooth to Airplanes, Treadmills, and More

Some gadgets solve problems you didn’t even know you had… until you're stuck on a plane with wired headphones or a treadmill that only supports aux. The Twelve South AirFly SE is a compact Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into any standard headphone jack - like those on airplanes, gym equipment, or older TVs - and lets you use your favorite wireless headphones or earbuds instead.

With 20+ hours of battery life, it lasts longer than most flights and my own internal battery. It’s sleek, easy to use, and comes from a brand people actually trust. Bonus: no more digging for sketchy in-flight earbuds again.

✅ Pros:

• Wirelessly connects any 3.5mm jack device to your Bluetooth headphones
• 20+ hour battery life
• Compact and simple setup
• Trusted brand with strong reviews

❌ Cons:

• Doesn’t support dual headphone connections
• Can’t be used while charging

📦 View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y8elhC

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4️⃣ Popl Digital Business Card – Tap to Share Your Info Instantly

Paper business cards are fine... until they disappear into someone’s jacket pocket and never see the light of day again (but may see the inside of a washing machine). The Popl digital business card is a sleek little NFC device you stick on your phone, keychain, or badge. When you tap it against someone’s phone, it instantly opens a page with your contact info, social links, website, or whatever you choose.

It’s perfect for content creators, freelancers, small biz owners, or anyone who wants to stop saying, “It’s @myhandle but with an underscore after the first 'e'.”

✅ Pros:

• Makes networking way cooler and faster
• You control what info gets shared
• Reusable, eco-friendly, and sleek

❌ Cons:

• NFC-only phones required for tap (manual link fallback available)
• Free version of app is limited (paid options offer more control)

📦 View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4laW9he

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5️⃣ THAUSDAS Night Light – The Budget RGB Lamp That Slaps

Whether you need a little bedside glow, a vibe-setter for your workspace, or just want to feel fancy with your lighting setup — the THAUSDAS Night Light delivers. This little RGB lamp is touch-sensitive, USB rechargeable, and has 13 color options to match your mood, your aesthetic, or your totally unhinged caffeine-fueled creative session at 2am.

It also offers 5 brightness levels, so you’re not locked into a light that’s either blinding or non-existent. And while it’s not a smart lamp, it is smart-looking — sleek, portable, and surprisingly affordable.

✅ Pros:

• 13 vibrant color options
• Touch-sensitive controls for brightness and color
• USB rechargeable = portable + cord-free
• Simple, clean design that works in any room

❌ Cons:

• No remote or app control
• Not Alexa/Google compatible

📦 View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E2tlaa

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📊 Quick Comparison Table

Product	Best For	Key Feature	Price
Tozo T6 Earbuds	On-the-go listening	Waterproof + wireless charging	[Check Price]
Kasa Smart Power Strip	Smart home setups	3 smart outlets + 2 USB ports	[Check Price]
Twelve South AirFly SE	Late-night TV watchers	Makes any TV Bluetooth-enabled	[Check Price]
Popl Digital Card	Networking on the go	Instantly share contact info via tap	[Check Price]
Thausdas Night Light	Ambiance Lighting	13 colors + touch controls	[Check Price]

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✨ Final Thoughts – From the Under $50 Tech Club

These are the kinds of gadgets that quietly make life better. Not flashy. Not gimmicky. Just useful. If you’re into gear that does its job without draining your bank account, you’re in the right place.

💬 Which one’s your favorite? Already own any of them? Let us know!

🛒 Support the blog by using our affiliate links — it costs nothing extra, but helps keep this club running.

📅 New gear picks every week — welcome to the Club!

💥 Ajazz AK820 Pro Review – A Feature-Packed Mechanical Keyboard That Keeps It Classy

🎆 Intro

If you’ve been hunting for a mechanical keyboard that checks all the right boxes—hot-swappable, wireless, RGB, compact, and doesn’t wreck your budget—then meet your new best friend: the Ajazz AK820 Pro.

It’s one of those rare keyboards that feels like it’s punching above its weight class. Let’s dive into what makes this board such a solid pick!

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🧩 What You’re Getting with the AK820 Pro

This keyboard is a 75% layout, meaning you still get the function row and arrow keys, just minus the number pad (sorry, spreadsheet junkies).

Key Specs at a Glance:

• Layout: 75% (82 keys)
• Switches: Hot-swappable (compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin)
  
• Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless
  
• Battery: 4000mAh
  
• Backlight: South-facing RGB with multiple effects
  
• Keycaps: Double-shot PBT with dye-sub legends
  
• Software Support: Ajazz software for customization
  
• Compatibility: Windows & macOS

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🎯 Why This Keyboard Deserves a Spot on Your Desk

1. Hot-Swappable = Infinite Possibilities

Don’t like the switches it comes with? No problem. The AK820 Pro supports hot-swapping, so you can easily pop in your favorite linear, tactile, or clicky switches without soldering.

Try new switches like it's a tasting menu. “Today, I’ll have Gateron Yellows… with a side of creamy stabilizers, please.”

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2. Wireless Freedom + Wired Stability

Use it wired at your desk, then switch to Bluetooth or 2.4GHz when you're on the couch or working across the room. It easily connects to up to 3 devices via Bluetooth, so switching between your laptop, tablet, and phone is seamless.

The 2.4GHz dongle gives you the low-latency performance gamers crave, and the USB-C wired option keeps things classic.

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3. RGB that Actually Looks Good

This isn’t some chaotic rainbow mess—unless you want it to be. The south-facing RGB lighting is vibrant and tasteful, shining through the keycaps without blinding your eyeballs. Multiple preset effects let you keep it subtle or go full rave mode.

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4. It Feels Right

The stock keycaps are double-shot PBT, which means they’re built to last and feel smooth without getting shiny after a week. The typing feel is solid and stable, with minimal key wobble and decent stabilizers—especially for this price point.

If you're a fan of thocky keyboards, you might want to mod it down the line, but out of the box, it’s shockingly nice.

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⚠️ Where It Could Be Better

No keyboard is perfect—here are the trade-offs:

❌ Software is functional but not fancy
The Ajazz software does the job for macros and RGB customizations, but don’t expect Razer Synapse-level polish.

❌ No metal frame
The board is plastic, though it feels sturdy. But if you want something with a little heft, you may miss the aluminum aesthetic.

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💡 Who’s This Keyboard Best For?

This one’s great if you:

✔ Want a compact but functional layout
✔ Love customizing switches
✔ Want RGB lighting without looking like a Christmas tree
✔ Need to switch between devices easily
✔ Are shopping with a real-person budget

It’s especially solid for students, remote workers, gamers, or anyone who wants a starter mechanical keyboard that doesn’t suck.

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🛒 Where to Get It

👉 Ajazz AK820 Pro on Amazon – Affiliate Link
(Supports the blog at no extra cost to you! Thanks!)

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📊 Comparison Chart

Feature	Ajazz AK820 Pro	Keychron K6	Redragon K617 Fizz
Layout	75% (82 keys)	65%	60%
Connectivity	Wired, BT, 2.4GHz	Wired, Bluetooth	Wired only
Hot-Swappable	Yes	Yes (on select models)	Yes
RGB	Yes	Varies (white/RGB)	Yes
Battery Size	4000mAh	4000mAh	N/A
Price Range	Mid-budget	Mid-range	Budget

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📌 Final Thoughts

If you’ve been holding out for the perfect entry-level mechanical keyboard, the Ajazz AK820 Pro might be exactly what you need. It looks clean, feels great, and offers enough features to keep you from upgrading every three months.

Plus, let’s be honest: it’s just fun to use.

So if you’re ready to finally ditch your mushy old keyboard and type in style?
👉 Check it out on Amazon – Affiliate Link

🔥 5 Cool Little Gadgets That Improve Daily Life

Not all tech has to be flashy and expensive. Sometimes, it’s the small, everyday gadgets that make the biggest difference! Whether it’s boosting productivity, making life easier, or just adding a bit of convenience, these hidden gems from Amazon are worth every penny.

Let’s check out 5 must-have gadgets that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without! 👀

Watch the YouTube video here:

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📌 1. INIU Portable Charger 🔋 (Lightest & Fastest Charging!)

We’ve all been there—your phone is down to 2%, and you’re nowhere near an outlet. Enter the INIU 10,000mAh Portable Charger, a super lightweight power bank that keeps your devices juiced up on the go.

🔹 What Makes It Awesome:

• 10,000mAh capacity – enough for 2-3 full phone charges
• 22.5W PD fast charging – powers up devices super quickly
• USB-C input & output – works with iPhones, Samsung, Google Pixel, iPads, and more
• Ultra-lightweight & slim design – easy to toss in your bag or pocket

❌ Any Downsides?

• No built-in cable, so you’ll need to carry your own
• Doesn’t support laptop charging, but perfect for phones, tablets, and accessories

🔗 Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FJBpgh

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📌 2. Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s ⌨️ (Slim, Multi-Device, & Customizable!) 

Whether you’re working from home, switching between your laptop, tablet, or even a phone, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s is the perfect all-in-one keyboard. It keeps the beloved slim and portable design of the original K380 while adding customizable shortcuts for an even better user experience.

🔹 What Makes It Awesome:

• Multi-device pairing – Seamlessly switch between Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, and Chrome OS
• Slim & lightweight – Perfect for traveling or minimalist desk setups
• Customizable shortcuts – Personalize keys for your favorite commands
• Quiet typing – Responsive keys without the loud clicking

❌ Any Downsides?

• No backlighting, so not ideal for low-light use
• Requires batteries instead of a rechargeable option

🔗 Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hIp9Kh

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📌 3. Vekkia Rechargeable Book Light 📖 (Read Comfortably Anytime, Anywhere!)

Whether you’re a night reader or just hate straining your eyes, this Vekkia Rechargeable Book Light is a must-have. Clip it onto your book or e-reader, and enjoy adjustable brightness without disturbing anyone else.

🔹 What Makes It Awesome:

• 3 brightness levels—warm, cool, and daylight settings
• Rechargeable battery—no more replacing AAA batteries!
• Ultra-lightweight & flexible—perfect for travel

❌ Any Downsides?

• The clip is a bit bulky, but it stays put
• Not the best for large hardcover books

🔗 Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FL0Vll

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📌 4. Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker 🔑 (Never Lose Your Keys Again!)

Losing keys, wallets, or bags is the worst, but with the Tile Mate, you’ll never have to panic again... or at least not about losing your keys, wallets, or bags. This tiny tracker attaches to anything and helps you find lost items instantly using your phone.

🔹 What Makes It Awesome:

• Find lost items in seconds—track them via Bluetooth
• Works with Alexa & Google Assistant (just ask, "Where are my keys?")
• Reverse tracking—double-tap Tile to make your phone ring!

❌ Any Downsides?

• Limited range (works best within 200 feet)
• Battery lasts about a year, then needs replacing

🔗 Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iajDkW

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📌 5. Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station ⚡ (MagSafe, Fast, and Clutter-Free!)

Tired of juggling multiple charging cables for your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch? The Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station is MagSafe-compatible, Qi2 certified, and fast-charges all your Apple essentials in one sleek stand.

🔹 What Makes It Awesome:

• 3-in-1 wireless charging – powers iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously
• MagSafe-compatible – fast, reliable 15W Qi2 charging for iPhones
• Foldable design – compact and travel-friendly
• Includes a 40W USB-C charger – no need to buy a separate power adapter

❌ Any Downsides?

• Only supports Apple devices (not for Samsung or Android users)
• Higher price than some alternatives, but worth it for MagSafe reliability

🔗 Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iyQwI5

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📊 Quick Comparison Table: Must-Have Everyday Gadgets

Gadget	Best For	Key Feature	Price
INIU Portable Charger	Travel & emergencies	Compact, fast charging	[Check Price]
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s	Multi-device users	Customizable shortcuts, quiet typing	[Check Price]
Vekkia 14 LED Book Light	Night reading	3 brightness levels + rechargeable	[Check Price]
Tile Mate Tracker	Finding lost items	Bluetooth tracking + phone finder	[Check Price]
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station	Desk organization	MagSafe 15W charging + foldable design	[Check Price]

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🎬 Final Thoughts: Small Gadgets, Big Impact!

These 5 cool little gadgets might not be flashy, but they seriously improve daily life. Whether it’s charging on the go, typing across multiple devices, tracking lost items, or staying cool at your desk, these products make everyday tasks easier.

💬 Which gadget would improve your daily routine? Let me know in the comments!

🧰 How to Set Up Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi (Block Ads Network-Wide!)

Ever feel like ads are stalking you across the internet? From pop-ups to autoplay video ads, it can be overwhelming. But what if you could block ads on every device in your home—without installing ad blockers on each one?

That’s exactly what Pi-hole does! It acts as a network-wide ad blocker, filtering out ads before they even reach your devices. Less tracking, fewer distractions, and a faster browsing experience.

Let’s go!

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📌 What You Need to Get Started

Before we dive into the setup, make sure you have:

✅ Raspberry Pi (Pi 3, 4, or 5 recommended)
✅ MicroSD card (16GB minimum, 32GB+ recommended)
✅ Stable internet connection (Ethernet recommended)
✅ SSH access (or a monitor & keyboard for initial setup)

💡 Bonus: A Pi-case with cooling, like the Electrocookie Case, helps with airflow and style.

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🔧 Step 1: Install Raspberry Pi OS

Pi-hole runs on Raspberry Pi OS, so if you haven’t set that up yet:

1️⃣ Flash Raspberry Pi OS onto your microSD card

• Download Raspberry Pi Imager (or Etcher)
• Choose Raspberry Pi OS Lite (no desktop needed)
• Enable SSH
• Flash it onto the SD card using Balena Etcher

2️⃣ Boot Up Your Pi & Enable SSH

• Insert the SD card into your Pi and boot it up
• Open a terminal or connect via SSH (ssh pi@raspberrypi.local)

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🛠️ Step 2: Install Pi-hole

Now for the fun part - installing Pi-hole! 🎯

1️⃣ Run the Pi-hole installation command:

curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash

This will start the automated setup process. Follow the prompts!

2️⃣ Choose your network settings:

• Select your preferred DNS provider (Cloudflare, Google, OpenDNS, or Tailscale's MagicDNS, are great choices)
• Set a static IP address (important for Pi-hole to work properly)

3️⃣ Enable the Web Admin Interface:

Pi-hole comes with a web dashboard that lets you see blocked domains and stats. Enable this when prompted!

✅ After installation, Pi-hole will give you an admin password—write it down, or, better yet, generate a strong, unique password and save it in a password manager like 1Password!

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🌐 Step 3: Set Pi-hole as Your Network's DNS Server

For Pi-hole to work across all devices, you need to set it as your DNS server in your router:

1️⃣ Log in to your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2️⃣ Find the DNS settings (often under LAN or DHCP settings)
3️⃣ Enter your Raspberry Pi’s static IP as the Primary DNS Server
4️⃣ Save and restart your router

💡 Now, every device on your network will automatically route internet traffic through Pi-hole!

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📊 Step 4: Monitor & Control Ads with the Pi-hole Dashboard

To access the Pi-hole web dashboard, open a browser and go to:

http://pi.hole/admin

💡 Login using the admin password you saved earlier!

Here, you can:

✔ See how many ads have been blocked 📊
✔ Add or remove blocked domains 🚫
✔ Temporarily disable Pi-hole if needed ⏸️

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❗ Bonus: Customize & Expand Pi-hole

Once Pi-hole is up and running, here are some cool customizations:

✅ Whitelist Important Sites – Some banking or shopping sites might break with aggressive ad-blocking.
✅ Add More Blocklists – Use firebog.net to find additional lists for even stronger ad-blocking.
✅ Use Pi-hole with Unbound – Make your own private DNS resolver for extra privacy.

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⚠️ Troubleshooting Tips

💡 Not blocking ads?
✔ Check that your devices are using Pi-hole as the DNS server
✔ Run pihole -r to repair the installation

💡 Some websites aren’t working?
✔ Check the Pi-hole dashboard for blocked domains
✔ Temporarily disable Pi-hole using the following command:  pihole disable 10m

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📊 Quick Setup Overview (For the TL;DR Crowd)

Step	What to Do
1. Install Raspberry Pi OS	Flash OS, enable SSH, connect to Pi
2. Install Pi-hole	Run curl command, follow setup
3. Set as Network DNS	Change router settings
4. Use the Dashboard	View stats, manage settings

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🎬 Final Thoughts: Enjoy an Ad-Free Internet!

That’s it! You’ve successfully set up Pi-hole on your Raspberry Pi, giving you network-wide ad blocking for a cleaner, faster, and more private browsing experience.

💬 Have any questions or need help? Drop a comment below!

🛠️ 5 Best Raspberry Pi Projects for Beginners (Easy & Fun!)

So, you got a Raspberry Pi and it's nowhere near as edible as you imagined - now what?! Whether you're just unboxing it or have had it for a while, there are tons of cool projects you can try without needing a PhD in computer science. This guide will walk you through five beginner-friendly Raspberry Pi projects that are fun, useful, and great for learning.

Let’s dive in! 🚀

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📌 1. Build a Raspberry Pi Weather Station 🌦️

A weather station is a fun and practical project that helps you track temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure in real-time. You can display the data on an LCD screen or send it to a web dashboard for easy access.

🔹 What You Need:

• Raspberry Pi (any model)
• DHT22 or BME280 sensor (to measure temperature & humidity)
• Python & Adafruit sensor libraries
• (Optional) LCD display for real-time weather updates

🔧 How to Set It Up:

1️⃣ Get a Weather Sensor – The DHT22 (cheaper) or BME280 (more accurate) sensor works well.
2️⃣ Wire the Sensor to Your Pi – Use GPIO pins or a breakout board.
3️⃣ Install the Software – Use Python + Adafruit libraries to read the sensor data.
4️⃣ Display the Data – Print readings in the terminal, show them on an LCD, or log them to a web dashboard.

✅ Why It’s Great for Beginners:

✔ Teaches basic sensor data collection
✔ A great intro to Python scripting
✔ Can be expanded with more sensors (rain, wind, air quality, etc.)

📖 Want a full tutorial on this? Let me know in the comments!

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📌 2. Use Your Raspberry Pi as a VPN Server (Tailscale) 🔐

Want to access your home network securely from anywhere? With Tailscale, you can set up your Raspberry Pi as a personal VPN in minutes!

🔹 What You Need:

• Raspberry Pi (any model)
• Tailscale account (free for personal use)
• Basic terminal skills (but nothing scary!)

📖 Check out my full Tailscale VPN guide on GitHub here!

✅ Why It’s Great for Beginners:

✔ No need for complex port forwarding or router configs
✔ Works across multiple devices (Pi, laptop, phone, etc.)
✔ Perfect for learning about networking & security

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📌 3. Block Ads Across Your Entire Network with Pi-hole 🚫🎯

Tired of YouTube ads, pop-ups, and trackers following you everywhere? Pi-hole acts as a network-wide ad blocker, filtering out ads before they even reach your devices.

🔹 What You Need:

• Raspberry Pi (any model)
• Ethernet connection (optional but recommended)
• Pi-hole software (free & open-source)

🔧 How to Set It Up:

1️⃣ Install Raspberry Pi OS on a microSD card.
2️⃣ Download Pi-hole – Use this command:

curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash

3️⃣ Follow the On-Screen Setup – Choose your network settings and enable the web dashboard.
4️⃣ Set Your Router to Use Pi-hole as a DNS Server – This makes sure all devices in your home benefit from ad-blocking!

✅ Why It’s Great for Beginners:

✔ Simple web-based dashboard for managing settings
✔ Blocks ads on every device in your home automatically
✔ Saves bandwidth & improves browsing speed

📖 See my writeup here: How to Set Up Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi (Block Ads Network-Wide!)

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📌 4. Create a Smart Mirror with Raspberry Pi 🪞📊

A Smart Mirror displays the weather, calendar, news, and more while still looking like a regular mirror. 😱

🔹 What You Need:

• Raspberry Pi 4 or 5
• Two-way mirror (or regular glass with reflective film)
• Monitor or old tablet
• MagicMirror² software

🔧 How to Set It Up:

1️⃣ Get a Monitor + Two-Way Mirror – Use an old screen or tablet behind a semi-reflective mirror.
2️⃣ Install MagicMirror² Software – This lets you customize what’s displayed.
3️⃣ Connect the Raspberry Pi – Set it up so it runs automatically at startup.
4️⃣ Customize the Display – Add widgets for weather, news, and even voice commands!

✅ Why It’s Great for Beginners:

✔ Customizable modules to show weather, news, reminders
✔ A great way to learn basic coding & Raspberry Pi GPIO
✔ Looks super cool once completed

📖 Want a full guide on this? Let me know in the comments!

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📌 5. Automate Your Smart Home with Raspberry Pi 🏠🔌

Turn your Raspberry Pi into a smart home hub that controls lights, sensors, cameras, and more.

🔹 What You Need:

• Raspberry Pi 4 or 5
• A microSD card (32GB+ recommended)
• Home Assistant OS installed

🔧 How to Set It Up:

1️⃣ Install Home Assistant OS on your Pi.
2️⃣ Connect Smart Devices – Works with WiFi, Zigbee, or Z-Wave gadgets.
3️⃣ Create Automations – Example: Turn on lights when motion is detected.
4️⃣ Access Everything from a Dashboard – Control it via web or mobile.

✅ Why It’s Great for Beginners:

✔ No coding required—just install & start automating
✔ Works with smart plugs, lights, sensors, and more
✔ Expandable with thousands of integrations

📖 Would you like a full guide on this? Let me know!

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📊 Quick Comparison Table: Best Raspberry Pi Beginner Projects

Project	Difficulty	Best For	Extra Requirements
Weather Station	🟢 Easy	Tracking real-time weather	Sensor module
Tailscale VPN	🟢 Easy	Secure remote access	Tailscale account
Pi-hole Ad Blocker	🟢 Easy	Blocking ads network-wide	Ethernet recommended
Smart Mirror	🟡 Medium	Displaying news, calendar, weather	Monitor + Two-Way Mirror
Home Assistant Hub	🟡 Medium	Automating smart home devices	Smart plugs/lights

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🎬 Final Thoughts: Which Raspberry Pi Project Will You Try?

These 5 beginner-friendly Raspberry Pi projects will help you learn the basics, have fun, and create something useful. Whether you want to track the weather, secure your network, block ads, or build smart home gadgets, your Pi is ready for action! 

💬 Which project are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments!

👉 Want more Raspberry Pi guides? Let me know that in the comments as well!

👾 How to Turn Your Raspberry Pi into a Retro Gaming Console (Step-by-Step Guide) 👾

Ever wanted to relive the golden age of gaming—without digging out ancient consoles or overpaying for classic games? Your Raspberry Pi can become the ultimate retro gaming machine, bringing back everything from NES to PlayStation with RetroPie or Batocera!

This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do it. No coding skills required—just a Raspberry Pi, a microSD card, and a love for nostalgia! 🕹️

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🛠 Important Note: Use a Separate MicroSD Card If You Have an Existing Setup!

💡 Already using your Pi for another project (like a timelapse setup or home server)? Instead of overwriting your current microSD card, use a separate one for this project so you can swap back anytime without losing data!

✔ Gaming MicroSD → For RetroPie/Batocera
✔ Project MicroSD → Keep your current setup safe

👉 If you only have one microSD card, make a backup before flashing the new OS!

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🛒 What You Need to Get Started

Before we jump in, let’s make sure you have the right gear:

✅ Raspberry Pi (Preferably Pi 4 or 5 for best performance)

• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2019 (4GB)
  
• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2019 (2GB)
• Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB)

✅ MicroSD Card (32GB minimum, 128GB+ recommended for more games)

• Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter
• Samsung EVO Select microSDXC Memory Card + Adapter
• SanDisk Extreme microSDXC Memory Card with Adapter

✅ Power Supply (CanaKit 45W USB-C Power Supply recommended)

• CanaKit 45W USB-C Power Supply with PD and PiSwitch (On/Off Switch)
• CanaKit 45W USB-C Power Supply with PD
  

✅ Controllers (USB or Bluetooth, Xbox & PlayStation controllers work great!)

• KIWITATA 2X Classic SNES USB Controller for Retro Gaming
• 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller
• 8Bitdo Ultimate C Wired Controller
• 8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
• Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis USB Controller 6-Button Arcade Pad
• Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis USB Controller 8-Button Arcade Pad

✅ Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable (For connecting to a monitor or TV)

• 4K Micro HDMI to HDMI Male Cable Adapter

✅ USB Keyboard (Optional) (For setup & configuration)

• Rii X8 Mini Keyboard
• Official Raspberry Pi Keyboard and Mouse Value Pack
• Vilros 15 Inch USB Keyboard with Touchpad

(note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

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Step 1: Download RetroPie or Batocera

RetroPie vs. Batocera – Which One Should You Use?

Both are excellent, but they have slight differences:

Feature	RetroPie	Batocera
Customization	Highly customizable	Simple, plug-and-play
Best For	Users who like tweaking settings	Beginners who want quick setup
Game Support	NES, SNES, N64, PS1, PSP & more	Same, plus built-in Kodi for media
Ease of Use	Requires some setup	Ready to use out of the box

🔹 RetroPie Download: https://retropie.org.uk/download/
🔹 Batocera Download: https://batocera.org/

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Step 2: Flash the OS to Your MicroSD Card (This Will Erase Data!)

1️⃣ Download the chosen OS (RetroPie or Batocera) from the above links.
2️⃣ Use Raspberry Pi Imager (or balenaEtcher) to flash the OS onto your microSD card.
3️⃣ Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi, plug in power, and let it boot up!

🚨 Reminder: Flashing the OS will erase everything on your microSD card. If you have important data, use a different card or back it up first!

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Step 3: Configure RetroPie/Batocera & Connect Controllers

🎮 For RetroPie Users:

• On the first boot, RetroPie will ask you to configure your controller. Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Use a USB keyboard to access settings if needed.

🎮 For Batocera Users:

• Batocera automatically detects most controllers. If using Bluetooth, go to Main Menu > Controller Settings and pair it.

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Step 4: Add Games (ROMs) to Your Raspberry Pi

📂 How to Transfer ROMs to RetroPie:

• Connect to WiFi & Enable Samba File Sharing in RetroPie settings.
• On your PC, open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and type:  \\retropie  
• Drag and drop ROMs into the corresponding system folder (NES games go into the "nes" folder, etc.).

📂 How to Transfer ROMs to Batocera:

• Plug in a USB drive and format it in Batocera.
• Create a “roms” folder, then transfer your games via PC.

💡 Legal Note: Only download ROMs for games you legally own.

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Step 5: Optimize Performance & Customize

🆙 Boost FPS & Smooth Gameplay:

• In RetroPie, go to Settings > Performance Options and enable overclocking (only if using a heatsink & fan).
• In Batocera, tweak graphics settings for better performance in PSP/N64 games.

🎨 Make It Look Awesome:

• Install custom themes for a modern interface.
• Enable shaders & scanlines for that classic CRT feel.

🎤 Want to Add Background Music?

• RetroPie & Batocera let you add background music to menus - just drop MP3 files into the music folder!

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🎮 Final Thoughts: Time to Play!

👾 Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully turned your Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming console! 

💬 Which classic game are you playing first? Let me know in the comments!

π Happy Pi Day!

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