TL;DR
A Hacker News Ask thread invited users to name impactful purchases costing less than $100. Respondents listed everyday items—from ergonomic peripherals and outdoor clothing to kitchen gear and small tools—that they say improved comfort or convenience.
What happened
On January 15, 2026, a Hacker News user revived an older Ask HN prompt asking readers to share their best purchases under $100. The thread drew a variety of short anecdotal replies highlighting modestly priced items that users found surprisingly valuable. Several commenters recommended ergonomic input devices to reduce wrist pain, naming vertical mice and trackball-based peripherals. Others pointed to small household and personal items such as a precision burr coffee grinder, an adjustable-temperature tea kettle, and a no-name espresso machine received as a gift. Outdoor and motorcycling accessories also appeared: thermal layers bought years ago and custom handlebar ends and levers were cited for improving daily rides. A few specific products and prices were mentioned by name, including a Seki Edge nail clipper, an Evoluent VerticalMouse at about $99.99, and accessories priced around $35 to $99.
Why it matters
- Small expenditures can have outsized effects on comfort and daily routines.
- Ergonomic accessories are a common, low-cost fix for repetitive-strain discomfort.
- Everyday tools and kitchen gear often deliver measurable quality-of-life improvements without major investment.
- Durable outdoor clothing or vehicle tweaks can extend the usefulness and enjoyment of activities.
Key facts
- Thread started by user krishadi as a revival of a discussion from six years earlier.
- The post solicited best purchases costing less than $100 and received multiple replies.
- Specific items named include Seki Edge nail clippers, a pre-online-activation copy of Photoshop, and thermal clothing from Berghaus and Salewa.
- Ergonomic peripherals cited: reoriented vertical Logitech mice, Evoluent VerticalMouse (~$99.99), and the Logitech MX Ergo trackball.
- Standing desk mat (Ergodriven Topo) listed at $99 and Deltahub Carpio 2.0 wrist rest at $35 in replies.
- Other recommendations included a burr coffee grinder, an adjustable-temperature tea kettle, a budget espresso machine, custom motorcycle handlebar ends and levers, and food items like a burrito.
- Commenters described long-term satisfaction with some items bought years prior; specific longevity or failure rates were not provided in the thread.
- The thread consists of concise, first-person anecdotes rather than systematic reviews or tests.
What to watch next
- Whether ergonomic peripherals continue to dominate low-cost productivity recommendations, given multiple mentions.
- Availability and pricing of specific items users praised (some were described as discontinued or no longer available).
- not confirmed in the source: any follow-up reporting that verifies longevity, durability, or objective performance of the recommended products.
Quick glossary
- Vertical mouse: A computer mouse designed with a rotated grip intended to keep the wrist in a more natural, neutral position to reduce strain.
- Trackball: An input device that remains stationary while the user rolls a ball to move the cursor, offering an alternative to traditional mice.
- Burr coffee grinder: A grinder that crushes coffee beans between two abrasive surfaces, producing a more consistent grind than blade grinders.
- Thermal clothing: Garments engineered to retain body heat, often used as base layers for cold-weather activities.
Reader FAQ
What was the original question in the thread?
Users were asked to share their best purchases that cost less than $100.
How many comments did the thread show?
The page header indicated 13 comments.
Were prices provided for the recommendations?
Some replies included prices: Evoluent VerticalMouse (~$99.99), Ergodriven Topo mat ($99), and Deltahub wrist rest ($35); many items were listed without prices.
Did anyone provide formal testing or reviews?
No formal tests were presented; entries were short, personal anecdotes.
Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100? 7 points by krishadi 13 minutes…
Sources
- Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100?
- Under $100 Purchases That Improved People's Lives
- Purchases Under $100 People Say Changed Their Lives
- What purchase of 100$ or less has positively impacted …
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