I’ve got 3 on my list.

  1. BT-PAN Access Point - Kinda ridiculous, but I’d like to have one. I’ve also found a few BT-PAN-enabled dial-up modems, but I’d have no way to connect those up. Some of those could even be connected to USB printers for wireless printing. Not particularly useful anymore, I just find those devices interesting.
  2. Dot matrix printer - This one isn’t even as ridiculous. I really love that sound and how the text they print looks. Sadly, if I am looking for new ones, a basic 9-pin Epson dot matrix is around €200. But the ribbons are cheap as chips. In fact, often even cheaper. Just imagine casually handing out a document printed on dot matrix to someone nowdays.
  3. Nano pocket drone - Something like FQ777-124. Maybe a toy like that is a bit childish, but it still can be fun. In fact I already tried to order this one. From 4 different sellers, twice on AliExpress, twice on Amazon. I never got it :(
    • golli@lemm.ee
      12·
      1 year ago

      I like the idea, but I fear that I would quickly run out of things to print that I actually need. After then I’d start looking for applications. And the one thing I don’t need in my life are more small (or large) plastic things.

    • 👍Maximum Derek👍@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      9·
      1 year ago

      Fixing and adapting things around the house is what I like most about having a 3d printer.

      I’m pretty sure the first printer is now paid for itself by doing that. Just because of things I haven’t had to pay to replace. As of this summer I’m up to 3 printers and I can’t claim I’ve paid for all 3.

    • z00s@lemmy.world
      4·
      1 year ago

      Me too until I had access to one through work. I’ve found PLA to be quite brittle and not very useful for anything other than items that sit on a shelf

      • stealth_cookies@lemmy.ca
        7·
        1 year ago

        A lot of it is just knowing how to design around the limitations. I 3D print practical parts all the time and usually don’t have any issues with them. If PLA doesn’t work for what you want to print PETG is pretty easy to print as well and is a bit more resilient.

      • Sentientted
        2·
        1 year ago

        Polymaker pla pro is a great pla. I have printed plenty of functional things with it and they all hold up really well. If you really need something more durable nylon 6 would be a good option to look at.

    • kubica@kbin.social
      3·
      1 year ago

      Same, but I would be picky and not want a small one. But still would end up as a decorative object, so…

    • neal33@lemm.eeEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      Do it! I recently purchased one and love it. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.

        • neal33@lemm.eeEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          Great for fixing items around the house. Anything that is plastic or could be replaced with plastic can usually be printed. Also great for hardware and jigs. I’ve had mine for a bit over a month now and have been constantly running it. Check out printables or thingiverse to get an idea of what people are printing. Both are websites people upload models to.

        • Rockslide0482@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
          3·
          1 year ago

          Check your library. Mine has one available to use at many of the branches in my area. If I ever come up with something to print instead of buying one I’m going to try that out. Then if I decide to get really into it, I’ll have practical knowledge to know what I’d actually want to buy.

          Instead, I’ve just never done any 3D printing, which is also fine.

            • Rockslide0482@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
              2·
              1 year ago

              I don’t think it’s necessarily universal in US libraries either. I’m not in a big city, but overall our library system is pretty good. They have a number of branches with “maker labs” so there are things like Cricuts, sewing machines, laser cutters, audio recording/production equipment and 3D printers you can rent. I’d recommend at least checking around.

    • limeaide@lemmy.ml
      2·
      1 year ago

      I want one too but I’m scared I won’t use it. I’m holding off until I meet someone with one and see it in person