This video provides a comprehensive review of six diverse and inexpensive electronic gadgets sourced from AliExpress, aiming to distinguish between genuinely useful products and those that are non-functional or unsafe. The items tested include a €6 single-board Linux computer, a thermoelectric car cup holder for heating and cooling, an alleged ultrasonic mosquito-repelling wristband, a 140W USB-C adapter for Makita power tool batteries, a Wi-Fi enabled SD card adapter, and a PTC heating plate for reflow soldering. The investigation reveals a mixed bag of results. The Linux board is praised for its functionality and excellent documentation despite its low power, and the Makita battery adapter is highlighted as a versatile and well-designed charger and power bank. Conversely, the mosquito wristband is exposed as a fraudulent device lacking any ultrasonic components, the Wi-Fi SD card proves highly unreliable, and the PTC heater is deemed dangerously unsafe due to its lack of proper electrical earthing. The review concludes with a 50/50 split between recommended and non-recommended products.
A Critical Review of Six AliExpress Gadgets
0:02:02 €6 Tiny Linux Computer: A low-cost alternative to the Raspberry Pi built around a Rockchip RV1103 CPU. While significantly less powerful and lacking a display output like HDMI, it features excellent documentation and can be accessed via a serial port or network connection.
Takeaway: Recommended for lightweight Linux projects where cost is a primary concern.
0:04:36 Two-in-One Cup Holder: A €24 device that uses a Peltier module to cool or heat drinks. It functions as described, though its efficiency is very low (under 20%), and the maximum heating temperature is software-locked to 60°C, below the advertised 65°C.
Takeaway: Barely recommended; it works, but with significant performance limitations.
0:06:59 Mosquito Repelling Wristband: This €5 wristband claims to repel mosquitoes using ultrasonic waves. A teardown reveals it contains only a simple microcontroller and an LED display, with no components capable of producing ultrasound.
Takeaway: Not recommended; the product is fraudulent and does not perform its advertised function.
0:08:35 140W Makita Battery Adapter: A compact and versatile €15 adapter that functions as both a 140W USB-C PD charger for Makita batteries and a powerful 140W power bank using the batteries. It is quieter than the original charger and built with quality components and safety protections.
Takeaway: Highly recommended for its dual functionality, compact design, and solid performance.
0:10:46 Wi-Fi SD Card Adapter: A €9 device designed to provide wireless access to a standard microSD card. In testing, it proved to be extremely unreliable, supported only the outdated FAT file system, frequently failed to connect, and even caused the reviewer's computer to crash.
Takeaway: Not recommended due to its instability and lack of functionality.
0:12:19 PTC Heater Plate for Reflow: A cheap €4 aluminum plate that self-regulates its temperature to around 235°C, making it usable for reflow soldering PCBs. While functional, it is deemed extremely unsafe due to exposed mains voltage wires being in close proximity to the metal chassis without any proper earthing.
Takeaway: Not recommended due to critical safety hazards.