By Joel Lee
We live in a world of consumer excess. With hundreds of new products hitting the market every year, it’s hard to believe that every single one of them is necessary — or even useful. In fact, tech is one area where consumers are extremely likely to suffer from buyer’s remorse.
But that doesn’t mean you should ignore all gadgets and devices. Even as gimmicks and pointless ideas abound, there are plenty of things you can buy that are tried, true, and proven to be valuable. Here are a few that won’t lead to disappointment.
1. Solid State Drive
When it comes to boosting PC performance, the first thing you should do is swap out your hard disk drive for a solid state drive (SSD). This change alone can turn a one-minute bootup sequence into one that takes 5 seconds or less. SSDs also help with file transfer and app launch times — whereas Photoshop or Word may normally take a while to open, it happens in a flash with an SSD.
The most commonly cited reason not to use an SSD is the fact that they don’t live as long as hard drives. While that’s technically true, modern SSDs are built well enough that they will last several years before wearing out, even with heavy daily use. So don’t worry about it and upgrade to an SSD soon! 5 Things You Should Consider When Buying An SSDThe world of home computing is moving towards solid state drives for storage. Should you buy one?READ MORE
2. External Data Drive
The importance of data backups cannot be overstated. What makes a drive failure so catastrophic? The fact that you didn’t see it coming. That it happens in the blink of an eye and leaves you devastated before you can even process what happened. And yes, data loss is a catastrophe.
You can use cloud storage as a backup method, but we don’t recommend it for files that are sensitive or large (i.e., music, videos, photos, game development files, and so on). For these, choose an external data drive instead.
There are a few things to look for in a good drive for data backups, but the most important aspects are total capacity, longevity, reliability, and price. Hard drives tend to make better backup drives than SSDs because they’re cheaper, larger, and last longer.
Seagate Expansion 1TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 (STEA1000400)System requirements : Windows 8, Windows 7 Operating System BUY NOW AT AMAZON $52.003. Mechanical Keyboard
Most keyboards are membrane keyboards, which use rubber or silicone membranes under each key that must be depressed to complete a circuit and register the keypress. The keys on a mechanicalkeyboard complete the circuit using a spring-based switch system instead of membranes.
The benefits of this are three-fold. Mechanical keyboards have much better tactile feedback, so typing is more comfortable and pleasing. They last much longer, because switches are significantly more durable than membranes. And membrane keyboards are limited in how many keys can be pressed at once, while mechanical keyboards can register many simultaneous keys.
A lot of users think mechanical keyboards are only for gamers, but I believe they are essential for anyone who does extensive typing on a daily basis. I’ve never met someone who regretted upgrading from membrane to mechanical. Check out these mechanical keyboards to get started. Which Mechanical Keyboard Should You Buy? 6 Keyboards for Typists and GamersWhile CPUs and GPUs remain essential to computer performance, there's an underappreciated peripheral: the keyboard. Everyone uses keyboards, but few people think about them when buying a new PC.READ MORE
4. Second Workstation Monitor
As of this writing, I’m stuck with nothing more than an iMac and a Chromebook, but there was a time in my life when I had a double monitor setup — and not a day goes by where I don’t yearn for that setup again. You won’t believe how much it can boost productivity until you try it out yourself.
Prior to buying a separate monitor, you can try using virtual desktops on Windows 10 or Spaces on Mac — these features allow you to emulate having multiple monitors by allowing you to set up and switch between multiple desktops. You can also use a laptop as an external monitor. 5 Ways to Improve Virtual Desktops in Windows 10Virtual Desktops can help you expand and organize your desktop. Here we show you how to improve and productively use Windows 10's Task View feature.READ MORE
But nothing beats the actual experience of having a second physical monitor. If you regularly do work on a computer and you’ve never gone beyond a single monitor, you must try this as soon as possible.
5. Convertible Standing Desk
A poor workstation setup can kill your productivity. Sitting too long has been linked with serious health issues, which launched the standing desk movement a few years back. But standing desks can be problematic too! So the recommendation now is to take advantage of both worlds: alternate between sitting and standing every hour or so. 7 Hacks to Make Your Work Desk More Efficient for Maximum ProductivityDo you feel sore or fatigue? Do your eyes ache or is your neck killing you? An optimized work desk might cure your ailments and boost your productivity.READ MORE
Obviously it’s impractical to have two workstations (though feel free to do that if you can manage it). The solution is to use a convertible standing desk, such as a FlexiSpot Adjustable Standing Desk (UK). You can find cheaper ones, but this one is built well, ergonomic, and spacious. If you decide to go with another one, get one with a keyboard tray to encourage good posture habits.
FlexiSpot 35" Wide Platform Height Adjustable Standing Desk Riser, Removable Keyboard Tray, Black (M2B-M-SIZE)1.Smooth and Stable Movement: Flexi Spot's gas spring hovering system allows the workstation to smoothly adjust for sitting or standing with just a light squeeze of the handles. BUY NOW AT AMAZON $295.006. Chromebook
Modern Chromebooks are amazing, especially ones labeled “for Work” which are designed for maximum robustness and performance. But even regular Chromebooks, which rarely cost more than $350, are well worth their price. These days, most users would actually be happier with a Chromebook than with a tablet, laptop, or desktop.
There are a few caveats, though. First, Chromebooks only support web apps and cloud-based services, so they become useless when you don’t have an internet connection. Second, you need to plug yourself into Google’s ecosystem to get the most out of a Chromebook. Third, you can’t install regular Windows or Mac apps, so Chromebooks aren’t good for professional use.
But if all you do is check email and browse the web, and if you’re happy enough with Google’s online office suite and the apps available on the Chrome Web Store, then a Chromebook is perfect for you.
7. Streaming Media Device
More people are starting to cut the cord and give up on overpriced cable television packages. Why pay over $100 every month for hundreds of channels you never watch when you can pay anywhere from $10 to $50 for on-demand access to shows you’ll enjoy watching?
We’re talking about services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, and others. And here’s the good news: you can actually stream these shows directly to your TV. All you need is one of these streaming media devices to transform your TV into an all-in-one media center.
I personally recommend a Roku; either the streaming stick (UK) or the full-blown media player. They’ll both serve you well. That being said, you can’t go wrong with a Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV. They all work in the same way: plug into your TV, sit back, and enjoy.
Roku 4 Streaming Media Player 4K UHD (4400R)2,500+ streaming channels. Choose from the biggest selection of streaming entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music, sports, news, international, kids programming and more. BUY NOW AT AMAZON $97.258. Kindle
In retrospect, it’s easy to see how revolutionary the Kindle actually was. Even die-hard book lovers are starting to fall in love with the Kindle’s convenience, and now that there are several different Kindle models available, there’s no excuse to forego it if you like to read.
Obviously, you can skip this if you have no desire to read at all. On the other hand, if you’re an avid reader with a mind for maximum comfort and readability, consider getting a Kindle Oasis. For middle-of-the-road readers, a basic Kindle (UK) or Kindle Paperwhite (UK) will be more than enough.
9. Smart Home Thermostat
Believe it or not, there is a right way to heat and cool your home for maximum savings on energy and money, and most people are doing it wrong. That’s why smart thermostats have exploded in popularity over the last few years: they actually do what they promise!
We previously said that you’ll probably regret smart home gadgets, but this is an exception. A smart thermostat learns your temperature preferences and then adjusts itself to maximize comfort while minimizing waste. (Note that you’ll need to own your home to install one of these. Sorry, apartment dwellers.)
As far as smart thermostats go, you should look into the two main contenders: the Nest Smart Thermostat (UK) and the Ecobee3 Smarter Thermostat. We did a Nest vs. Ecobee3 thermostat comparison in the past, so check that out if you aren’t sure which one to get.
Ecobee3 Thermostat with Sensor, Wi-Fi, 2nd Generation, Works with Amazon AlexaWorks with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately) BUY NOW AT AMAZON $139.9910. Moisture Sensors
If there’s one other smart home device that you buy, let it be a moisture sensor. It goes by different names depending on which smart brand you purchase, but they all operate on the same basic principle: you place the sensor in a leak-prone area and it will alert you when it detects moisture.
Why is this a good buy? Because you can get individual sensors for between $20 to $40, and you can place as many as you want around your house, but most importantly, they can prevent your house from sustaining severe water damage in the case of, say, a broken water pipe.
Water damage can be expensive to repair, so think of these moisture sensors as a form of insurance. Investing just $100 up front for three sensors could save you thousands of dollars in damage later.
Samsung SmartThings Water Leak SensorGet an immediate alert on your smartphone at the first sign of excess water. BUY NOW AT AMAZON $29.9911. Light Therapy Lamp
As of this writing, close to 10 percent of the American population suffers from seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called seasonal depression or winter depression. Symptoms may mimic those of depression or burnout; feelings of emptiness or hopelessness, fatigue, restlessness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, loss of interest in activities, and more.
If that sounds like you, then you may benefit from regular use of a light therapy lamp. Since winter depression is linked to reduced exposure to sunlight, these lamps aim to restore balance by emulating the effects of sunlight. 5 Light Therapy Lamps to Beat Winter DepressionIf your depression only sets in during the winter months, then it's likely seasonal -- and in that case, it may be treatable with something as simple as light therapy.READ MORE
But even if you don’t suffer from this, your mental health may still benefit from a particular gadget called the Philips Wake-Up Light (UK). The Wake-Up Light simulates the gradual brightening of a sunrise and combines it with natural sounds to wake you up as naturally as possible. It’s a shining example of how technology can improve day-to-day life. No more sleep-shattering alarms!
Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light With Colored Sunrise Simulation, WhitePhilips' #1 best-selling Wake-up Light; Only Philips Wake-up Lights clinically proven to work BUY NOW AT AMAZON $89.97Avoiding Disappointment as a Tech Geek
Perhaps the most common source of buyer’s remorse is being an early adopter. We’ve covered several reasons why being an early adopter is a bad idea, including the fact that early adopters often pay the highest price, don’t have the luxury of hearing other users’ experiences, and tend to be victims of marketing hype.
Want to avoid disappointment? Wait, then buy! You may miss out on the social prestige of participating in hot new trends, but you’ll also avert the associated risks and regrets. You’ll end up saving a lot of money on unnecessary items and may even end up happier for it. 7 Tricks That'll Help You Waste Less Money OnlineREAD MORE
What have you purchased in the last few years that you don’t regret one bit? Or, on the flipside, have you bought anything that you intensely regret? Share with us in a comment below!
Image Credits: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock Source: www.makeuseof.com
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