5 cheap and easy ways to upgrade your old tech

Give Your Old Gadgets New Life: 5 Simple Upgrades

You might be tempted to discard outdated gadgets, but consider this: many can be easily upgraded instead of replaced. These upgrades require minimal technical expertise and cost. Here are five simple ways to breathe new life into your old tech.

1. Boost Your Console's Storage

Expanding the hard drive in a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One is surprisingly straightforward and far cheaper than buying a new console. This upgrade increases storage for games and downloads, potentially improving loading times. Sony provides a step-by-step guide for PS4 upgrades, while iFixit offers helpful instructions for Xbox One. You'll mainly need a new hard drive and a screwdriver. Alternatively, an external hard drive offers a simpler, albeit slightly more expensive, solution. Consider options like the 2TB Seagate BarraCuda (internal) or the 4TB WD Gaming Drive (external).

2. Expand Your Smartphone's Storage

Adding storage to your smartphone is equally simple, especially if it has a memory card slot (like the Samsung Galaxy S20, but not the S21, and the OnePlus Nord N200). Simply insert a memory card – the phone handles the rest. Consider options like the 128GB Samsung EVO or the 128GB SanDisk Ultra. Always verify compatibility with your phone model. iPhones and Google Pixel phones lack memory card slots; for these, consider upgrading your cloud storage (Apple iCloud or Google One).

3. Enhance Your Laptop's Ergonomics

While not improving performance, upgrading your laptop's accessories significantly improves usability. A laptop stand, such as the Lamicall Laptop Riser or the Aoou Cool Desk, elevates your computer to eye level, reducing neck strain. Pairing a stand with a separate keyboard (e.g., Logitech MK270 or Macally Ultra Slim) provides better ergonomics and a number pad. For a more substantial (but pricier) upgrade, consider an external monitor (like the Sceptre E205W or Asus VP229HE) to significantly increase screen real estate.

4. Add Smart Capabilities to Old Speakers

Even with smart speakers already in your home, the Amazon Echo Input (availability permitting) adds Alexa functionality to any speaker with a 3.5mm audio jack. Maintain your existing speaker's audio quality while gaining access to Alexa's vast library of skills. The Echo Input requires a separate power source, but setup is quick via the free Alexa app.

5. Make Your Old TV Smart

If your TV has an HDMI port, a streaming dongle instantly adds smart features. Affordable options include the Amazon Fire TV Stick (Amazon-centric but with broad app support), the Google Chromecast (excellent for casting from mobile devices), and the Roku Streaming Stick (supports 4K HDR). These provide access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify.

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