Komputer Tutor: My infomercial from the ’90s

I sold 150,000 tapes at $80 each. You could say, “I blew up!”

Tags: i, Komando, tapes


Unique bag bling

I always pop an AirTag in my checked bag, just in case it doesn’t turn up on the baggage carousel. But I also need a different kind of bag finder for when it does turn up so it’s not lost in a sea of black suitcases.

  • Luggage tag: This silicone bag tag with an initial ($7.99) has 26 letter choices and three color options. Green “K” for me, thanks.
  • Bag belt: A multifunctional bag belt ($9.99) keeps your stuff from spilling onto the tarmac and makes it easy to spot.
  • Strap cover: Another two-for-one luggage identifier, these neoprene bag handle wraps ($9.99) are cushy for carrying and bright for spotting. So smart.

We’re gonna need a pencil over here: Gen Z, who’s now obsessed with all things nostalgic, is bringing back the cassette tape. To play those tapes, new, snazzy portable cassette players are hitting the streets. Break out your tape collection and snag one. Here’s a cheap option, a middle-of-the-road option and a high-end pick.

Multitools are the best

Save money and space with one thing that does many things. Time to feel like Inspector Gadget or maybe MacGyver. These are all Father’s Day home runs, too!

  • “Write” on: This pen ($9.99) is also a stylus, leveler, ruler, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.
  • 12-in-1: A hammer (21% off, $16.75) that’s also pliers, a serrated knife, a saw, a wire cutter, a prying claw, a nail file, a bottle opener, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.
  • Every car needs one: A flashlight ($23.99) that’s also a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker, a red flashing emergency light, a power bank and an alarm.

Every last bit

I hate waste and wasting money. These items help you get every last little drop of the stuff you paid for.

  • For bottles: This bottle-emptying kit ($9.86) has a base cap and three adapters you can use to replace the top on your bottle. Get every last drop of shampoo, dish soap or ketchup.
  • For jars: These skinny spatulas ($4.99) are made of food-grade silicone so you can use them to get the last of your swanky eye cream or fancy truffle hot sauce.
  • For tubes: A good-lookin’ and good-workin’ squeezer ($12.97) to get the last bit of toothpaste, sunscreen and any other tube-based product.

Pretty pearly whites

I’ve used this whitening toothpaste for years to keep my smile sparklin’, but if you’re just getting into the teeth-whitening game, I found some helpers to jumpstart your journey.

Easier in-flight viewing

Your next flight might be BYOS — Bring Your Own Screen — which is fine until your arm starts falling asleep from holding up your phone for so long. I’ve got three options for hands-free watching. Psst, these are also nice for watching videos at home.

  • Secure: This sturdy plastic mount ($13.37) has an adjustable clip and 360-degree rotation for optimal viewing.
  • Flexible: The Flight Flap (41% off, $9.34) folds flat, then bends to create a little stand for your phone. Set it up on the open tray table or clip it to the top when it’s closed.
  • Versatile: This simple clip ($12.98) works with devices of all sizes — including tablets.

Stud muffin

Mike wrote in to ask me for stud finder recommendations. I told him to look in the mirror. Then, I asked around and found three I can confidently recommend.

  • Old reliable: The price is steep (29% off, $52.95), but this one’s 13 sensors track stud locations and 13 LED lights show you the center and edges of your studs. It reads depths up to 1.6 inches and runs on two AA batteries.
  • Cheap: Find the edges of wood and metal studs with this no-frills model from Craftsman. It scans up to a 0.75-inch depth and requires a 9V battery (not included). It’s 9% off ($10.97).
  • Magnetic: Run this little guy ($11.95) along the wall, hit the metal stud, and pop! goes the super magnet. This is the one for me. Maybe for you, too?

Zip up something yummy

When you want to treat yourself to a latte at home, foamy milk is a must. Here are three excellent milk frothers good for coffee, tea or anything else you want to sip.

  • Handheld: The Milk Boss ($9.99) makes quick work of a cup of milk and also works great for mixing up matcha and protein powders.
  • Manual: Do your own milk frothing with “10 to 100” pumps of the plunger in this stainless steel model ($18.97), which, by the way, is pretty enough to sit out on the table.
  • Automatic: All it takes is one button to warm your milk and get it foamy with this electric frother ($33.99). Or skip the heat and make cold foam for iced lattes.

Amazon is having a major book sale

Look at that, back to its roots! We picked out some great reads on sale for great prices.

Plant savers

I have a new plant on my desk at work — a little pothos. I can’t let it sit there parched all weekend, so I went looking for a solution. Found some good ones!

  • Water pots: These ingenious little plastic pots ($13.99 for five) have a water reservoir at the bottom, a cotton wick that sucks up the water and a watering hole for top‑ups.
  • Electric: Be an indoor irrigator with this automatic watering system (40% off). This seemed like overkill for my little pothos, but maybe not for your indoor garden or a big plant!
  • Bulbs: Fill up these pretty hollow glass lollipops ($13.99 for two), flip ‘em over quickly, stab them into the soil, and your plant will slowly siphon out the water. This is the one I got!