We’ve rounded up the best gear and gadgets worth spending your 2021 tax return on. Just don’t tell your accountant…
Razer Opus X
Price: $169.95
Last year Razer released its Opus – Wireless ANC Headset, and both critics and audiophiles alike were surprised by how good it turned out to be. For 2021, the company is trying to make its headset offering even more appealing with its Opus X headset.
You’ll still get the same Active Noise Cancellation technology and a new active gaming mode (similar to the Hammerhead Pro wireless buds), but all at a more budget-friendly price. Considering the cost though, we were pretty chuffed with sturdy build quality and soft ear coverings. As a whole, this thing is pretty darn comfy on your noggin.
The sound quality meanwhile, though admittedly not as deep or rich as much more expensive competitors, is perfect for the price of admission, while both the noise cancellation and Quick Attention Mode are great for cancelling out any annoying ruckus in the background.
The potential downside for some, however, will be purely aesthetic. At the moment Razer has only released green, pink and white variants of the Opus X, so if you’re hoping for a black pair to sit atop your head then you’re outta luck. But if you’re confident enough to strut around with a bit of colour, the Opus X is money well spent.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-3jOSsg2Yc
Chromecast with Google TV
Price: $99.95
If there’s one device we always make sure is plugged into the back of our television it’s a Google Chromecast. We’ve always enjoyed being able to beam content from our phones or laptop straight to our television, and now the Chromecast with Google TV strengthens the product even more.
It’s all thanks to the inclusion of Google TV – an operating system that smartly combines multiple streaming services onto the one screen for easy-to-scroll lists. As a subscriber to more services than we’d care to admit, this smorgasbord approach was definitely appreciated, even if it obviously won’t surface everything each steamer has to offer.
We were also a big fan of the remote, which is easy to use, has in-built YouTube and Netflix buttons, and is adorable as hell. It even has a Google Assistant button built in should you be part of that ecosystem.
What we’re trying to say is that whether you own a Smart TV or not, the Chromecast with Google TV is well worth the investment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckqvG0Rj35I
Apple AirTag
Price: 1 pack – $45 or 4 pack – $149
Constantly losing your valuables? Well then thank your lucky stars because Apple is here to save the day with its brand spanking new location-tracking device, AirTags.
These small circular discs (around the size of a 20-cent coin) can be attached to your keys, bike, backpack, dog – whatever you please. Lose track of one and it’s as easy as popping open the ‘Find My’ app on your iPhone and pinging the relevant tag to ping a noise. For those with newer iPhones like the 11 or 12, you can even have proper step-by-step directions to help secure your previous valuables.
As with everything Apple, setting up the tags was absolutely seamless – we merely hovered them near our phone, chose what they would be tracking and away we went. It’s really that easy.
In fact, our hardest decision was choosing how we wanted to keep hold of them. Apple has crafted a plethora of stylish key chains and bag tags that safely house the AirTags, or there’s an absolute abundance of third-party offerings as well.
Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re now going to work out how to glue an AirTag to the bloody AirPods case we keep losing.
LEGO Bonsai Tree
Price: $89.95
We never need an excuse to buy ourselves some new LEGO, so with that said, here’s the perfect opportunity to add to the collection! And the company’s latest set, the Bonsai Tree, is the perfect combo of childhood joy and adult challenge.
Coming in at a respectable 878 pieces, the Bonsai Tree is customisable with your choice of either natural green leaves or pink blossoms (personally we much prefer the latter). It’s unfortunately as close to Japan as we’re going to get right about now, so we loved entering a state of pure Zen for this build, which thankfully wasn’t overly complicated or finicky. Because the finished product is only about 18cm in height, it meant we could actually display the finished product without any complaint from loved ones.
Oh, and just in case you needed more selling points, this Bonsai set includes elements made from sustainable materials, which we can only hope to see more of in LEGOs future.
AndaSeat Marvel Gaming Chairs
Price: From $604
If you’re serious about your gaming setup then you’re going to need a serious gaming chair. As luck would have it, we’ve been resting our tush on AndaSeat’s Marvel line-up for a little while now and have been thoroughly impressed the entire time.
With premium-feeling PVC leather, plenty of back support and a number of cushions to attach depending on your needs, the AndaSeat has literally had our back during some incredibly tense games and even the odd email or two.
If you’re a big-time Marvel lover, there’s even more to appreciate. There are various designs covering Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America and Ant Man, each chair capturing the hero’s signature colours and logos. Personally we’re big fans of the Ant Man colour combo, but we can imagine Spidey will be a big hit, too.
And if you’re after a more subtle approach, well then there’s plenty of plainer options to treat yourself to as well on AndaSeat’s website.
Expect a beefy box, but looks can be deceiving – the installation process was surprisingly simple and had us rolling around in no time at all. What we’re trying to say is that if you have the cash, this is one investment you’re unlikely to regret.
Xbox Series X + Tune Squad controller
Price: Xbox Series X – $749, Tune Squad Controller – $99
Back in November we reviewed the Xbox Series S, but most people are bound to be interested in that tiny white wonder’s much larger big brother. The Series X not only packs more grunt in its internal – allowing a full 4K resolution instead of the Series S’ 1440p, it also has a beefier hard drive, meaning you’ll be deleting games far less frequently. Oh, it also takes discs, so if you’re Internet connection is spottier than kid with chicken pox, then that’s definitely a big win.
The only problem is, at the moment it’s a bloody struggle to actually get a hold of them.
While you’re waiting though, you can also start prepping your full set-up with some funky new gear. Thanks to a collaboration between Xbox and Space Jam: A New Legacy, for example, you can pick up a Tune Squad controller. It’s fun, it’s bright, but it’s also only a limited-time offering, so if you want one, you’ll probably want to pre-order.
Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless RGB Gaming Headset
Price: $299.95
Logitech’s Lightspeed line-up has always exuded a bit of flair and the G733 Wireless Headset is no exception. We particularly enjoyed the device’s lilac colour, which creates a stark point of difference from the competition (though should you so desire there’s black, blue and white options as well). Still, sound is the name and the game here and the G733 also excels at that. We tested a wide range of audio and were impressed with how clear everything came across. Similarly, the removable microphone does a fine job during multiplayer sessions with friends or even the odd Zoom call.
Thankfully set-up was also a cinch – easily connecting to the provided wireless USB dongle, making this swish headset an overall winner.
GoPro 30L Weekender
Price: $189.95
Travelling might be a little bit of a crapshoot at the moment, but when the time is right, no matter if you’re planning a short interstate jaunt or weekend road trip you’re going to need a quality bag. Enter GoPro’s 30L Weekender backpack.
What it lacks in fashionista style it more than makes up for with practicality. There’s a collapsible compartment for a pair of shoes, a padded storage section for smaller valuables and a protective pouch that allows for you to slide in a laptop up to 15 inches in size in the side.
It’s even weather resistant and has a built in GoPro shoulder mount, what else could you ask for. During our test walks the backpack was not only comfy with plenty of back support, but fit in much more than we’d usually have been able to manage with a regular bag. Big thumbs up.
SteelSeries Rival 5 Mouse
Price: $119
We reviewed the Rival 5 at the start of the month and at the time said that “the SteelSeries Rival 5 knows what it wants to achieve and does so admirably.” The fact that we’re still using it today means little has changed, so there’s no doubt this is an exceptional device.
The additional buttons provide plenty of flexibility for your desired setup, response time is lighting quick and the sheer number of colour variation with the RGB lighting allows for great personalisation. Perfect if you want to give your gaming or office setup a bit of extra flair.
