Inflation and unfavourable exchange rates make it difficult to find good purchases on a budget, with useful tech products becoming increasingly expensive.

Smartphones and laptops can cost a pretty penny, to the point where Apple’s Phone Xs Max costs more than a seven-night luxury skiing trip.

There are still many gadgets you can buy without breaking the bank, however, without being forced to compromise on quality.

These include everything from DIY electronics and robotics kits to powerful networking systems and recording hardware.

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D Printer – R4,309

While many 3D printers are expensive and difficult to use, the da Vinci Mini is neither.

It has a maximum build volume of 150 x 150 x 150 mm with a resolution of up to 0.1mm.

Filaments for this printer are relatively cheap and are made using PLA plastics, which are biodegradable and non-toxic.

Whether you are building complex scale models or project components, a 3D Printer would be a welcome addition to a workstation.

Kindle Paperwhite Waterproof 8GB Wifi – R3,215

If you enjoy reading and are getting tired of lugging your books around, a Kindle is a no-brainer.

Not only does it allow you to easily access your entire library of novels, but it also allows you to purchase new books on the fly and add them to your collection.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof and boasts exceptional battery life, along with a glare-free E-Ink display.

ASUS Lyra Trio Mesh Wi-Fi – R4,919

If you are willing to invest a bit of money to solve all of your Wi-Fi problems, buying a mesh system is a good choice.

The ASUS Lyra Trio is one of the cheaper options on the market and delivers on its promise of improved wireless connectivity.

The three-hub system features dual-band connectivity and can cover a multi-storey home up to 500 square metres in size.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Starter Kit – R1,615

A Raspberry Pi microcomputer is one of the most useful gadgets any tech enthusiast can own.

Whether you want to set up a streaming server for your smart TV or build an autonomous robot, the Raspberry Pi can be configured to do it.

Various models are available, but the Pi 3 Model B+ is the most powerful and capable of the current line-up – and the starter kit includes everything you need to set up the device and begin coding.

GoPro Hero 7 – R3,989

A GoPro is an invaluable tool for content creators, due to its rugged design and versatility.

You can mount the camera on an instrument, your helmet, a selfie-stick, or a vehicle to record almost any activity in high definition, resting assured that your content will survive.

The GoPro Hero 7 delivers 1440p video recording, 10MP photos, a dust and waterproof design, voice control, and touchscreen navigation.

If you are interested in any type of content creation or video recording, a GoPro camera is one of the most important tools you can buy.