Eleven gadgets under $10 that solve everyday annoyances

Tech site Engadget has published a roundup of 11 inexpensive gadgets priced at around $10 that address small everyday annoyances. The list is aimed in part at the coming shopping season, and its authors say that with proper care the items can last for years.

For the home and car

First on the list are motion-sensor lights for the bathroom. The roundup describes two types: battery-powered stick-on lights, such as the Star-Spangled LED Puck Light ($8.99 for five), and plug-in models like the BN-Link ($12.34 for two). Both let people see at night without waking anyone else.

For drivers, the article recommends WixGear peel-off phone magnets at $6.99. One magnet goes on the phone or its case and the other on the dashboard. The authors warn that the adhesive is permanent, that heat from a vent can harm a phone, and that a phone on the dashboard can be distracting. They also note that Apple has reported magnets can affect photo quality in some cases.

For computers and phones

The list also includes a small handheld keyboard vacuum, a phone stand (the Nulaxy is named), earbud cleaning kits (Hyashee at $6.99 and Midukit at $9.99), and the ATUMTEK Bluetooth camera remote shutter ($8.99 for two), which works at distances of about 30 feet.

Another tip is to turn an old USB flash drive into a portable antivirus tool for cleaning an infected Windows PC, for example with ESET SysRescue Live. A Sandisk 32GB drive costs about $9.99.

For the kitchen and security

For the kitchen, the article suggests the magnetic DALSHABET timer at $9.99. For webcams, it names BLOCKED vinyl stickers at about $8, while reminding readers that attacks are more likely to aim at installing malware or stealing credentials than at spying. On Macs, the camera does not turn on without its green indicator light.

The list also features the 12-piece IANFAN USB adapter kit at $8.59. The eleventh item, a wireless charging pad, is not fully described in the available text.