Do Not Buy These Products (and What to Get Instead)
Some gadgets look shiny, promise the world, and then… disappoint. Below are device types that usually aren’t worth it because they’re overpriced, underpowered, insecure, or have more cons than pros—plus better alternatives.
Quick gut-check before you buy
If the headline feature is a subscription, ask: does it still work without paying every month?
If specs are vague (“4K supported”, “AI inside”), they’re often hiding something.
If it’s dramatically cheaper than peers, corners were cut—often on safety, storage, or security updates.
If support/updates end soon, you’re buying e-waste.
The “Skip List” (and what to buy instead)
| What to skip | Why it’s a bad buy | What to get instead |
|---|---|---|
| Low-end Android TV boxes from unknown brands | Frequent malware, no updates, poor Wi-Fi, fake specs | A branded streaming stick/box with regular updates (Google/Apple/Amazon/NVIDIA) |
| “4K” mini projectors under 200 AUD | “4K supported” ≠ native 4K; dim, blurry, noisy fans | A projector listing native resolution/ANSI lumens, or a mid-range TV |
| Budget Wi-Fi extenders | Halve throughput, unstable roaming | Entry-level mesh Wi-Fi kit (2–3 nodes) |
| Inkjet printers with “instant ink” lock-in | Costly per page, DRM chips, clogged heads | Laser (mono or colour) with high-yield toner |
| 32 GB/64 GB phones in 2025 | Fills fast, slows down, short OS support | 128 GB+ storage, 6 GB+ RAM, 3+ years OS updates |
| Chromebooks near/after AUE | Auto-Update Expiration = no security patches | Chromebook/Windows device with 5–8 years support |
| Single-bay NAS drives | One disk = one point of failure | 2-bay NAS in RAID-1 + off-site/cloud backup |
| DRAM-less “bargain” SSDs | Slows to HDD speeds on large copies, short life | SSD with DRAM cache, TLC NAND, clear warranty |
| Cheap microSD/USB drives with huge “capacity” | Fake sizes, corrupt data | Buy from reputable brands, test on arrival |
| No-name smart plugs/cameras without RCM | Safety/fire risk, privacy concerns | Australian-certified (RCM) devices with local app & updates |
| Smart locks with cloud-only control | Locked out if service dies; privacy risk | Locks with local control, physical key backup |
| Dashcams with internal batteries | Batteries swell/fail in Aussie heat | Dashcams with supercapacitors |
| Low-cost HDMI capture sticks claiming 4K60 | Most do 1080p30 max, poor color/latency | Capture card with verified 4K60 pass-through & 1080p60 capture |
| Overpriced “gaming” cables & power boards | Marketing fluff, no real performance gain | Certified surge protectors/UPS with joule rating |
| Phone/laptop “cooling” stickers & miracle paste | Pseudoscience, may trap heat | Proper thermal paste from known brands + good airflow |
Categories with more detail
Networking
Avoid ISP-provided combo modem/routers as your forever device—they’re weak and rarely updated. Use bridge mode + your own Wi-Fi 6/6E mesh with security updates.
Watch for: missing WPA3, no auto-updates, no Aussie RCM mark.
Laptops & tablets
Skip models with 4 GB RAM or eMMC storage; they crawl under real workloads. Avoid screens under 300 nits and TN panels.
Minimums: 16 GB RAM (pro use), 8 GB (light use), NVMe SSD, USB-C PD, 3+ years updates.
Printers
Home inkjets sell cheap then sting you on ink. If you print rarely, the heads clog.
Better: mono laser for documents; colour laser for graphics; look for duplex & cheap yield.
Storage & backup
Don’t trust your memories to one drive. SSDs without DRAM caches tank during big copies.
Rule of 3: working copy + local backup + off-site/cloud.
Smart home & IoT
If it requires a third-party cloud to switch a light on, you’re buying a monthly bill and a privacy risk.
Better: devices supporting local control (Matter/Thread, HomeKit, or local APIs) and the RCM safety mark.
Audio/Video gear
“4K” isn’t real if the sensor/panel isn’t 4K. For capture, check native resolution and frame rate.
Tip: look for independent measurements (ANSI lumens for projectors, bit-rate specs for capture).
Red flags & marketing traps
“AI-powered” with no specifics → usually means “regular features with new label.”
“Up to” battery life claims without milliamp-hours or test methodology.
End-of-life firmware or AUE dates within 12–24 months.
No warranty or vague service centre details in Australia.
No RCM mark (Regulatory Compliance Mark) on power products—don’t risk it.
When it might be okay to buy “cheap”
Disposable use (festival, one-off job) where failure isn’t costly.
Lab/playground gear you’ll sandbox (never on your main network).
Second-hand pro gear with verifiable hours and parts availability.
How we can help
Not sure about a device? Send us the model link/spec sheet—we’ll sanity-check it, recommend safer alternatives, and set it up right (backup, security, updates).
Disclaimer: This page is general guidance. Always check the latest specs, update timelines, and local electrical compliance before buying.