verITableLIFE

IT Gadgets Everyone Should Have

There is no need to explain that technology is here to stay, but with so many new technologies and innovations it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends. As much as we would all love to find a Technology Cockaigne, we will have to make do with what we have available today. In order to avoid being left ‘technology-less’ I have come up with some essential gadgets, in addition to a computer, that everyone should have.

Digital Camera

For all those photographers that were/are against digital cameras, I am sorry but it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Digital cameras have come a long way: they are capable of producing better image quality; you no longer need to keep buying film; storage is unlimited (in general); pictures are instant; pictures can be shared amongst friends and family with ease; and you can create searchable picture galleries to effortlessly find your memories.

Affordable Solution: Nikon CoolPix

MP3 Player

The price of an MP3 player has gone done dramatically which means there are no more excuses for not owning one. One thing to note prior to purchasing an MP3 player is to ensure that you are buying an MP3 player that will fit your needs. Going to your local Best Buy or Circuit City should help make your decision easier, due to the fact that they allow you to play with most of the available models.

Affordable Solution: SanDisk Sansa Clip 1GB

Flash Drive

A flash drive is an essential tool for IT Professionals, we store all our geeky programs and files on them to help assist us when we are on the road or away from our network; however, this doesn’t mean that everyone shouldn’t have a USB Flash Drive. Now that the prices of flash drives are around the price of 2 gallons of gas (Transcend V35 1GB) I can safely say that everyone should have one. One great example to support the purchase of a flash drive is for pictures. Once you put all your pictures from your digital camera on your computer, the easiest way to print them in a hurry, without printing them yourself, is to: 1) copy them to your flash drive, 2) drive to a Target Picture Center (or your preferred store), 3) plug in the flash drive and click print pictures.

Backup Hard Drive

Everyone always hears about computer’s crashing or the famous “I lost all my files.” The easiest way to avoid this is to always have a backup. Backup early, backup often!! I can’t stress that enough. External Hard Drive’s will usually come with backup software for both PC and Mac. In addition, since they connect via a USB port or Firewire port, you can get away with one external hard drive for multiple computers.

Affordable Solution: Western Digital My Passport Essential

GPS

There is a GPS for everyone; there is even a GPS for those of you who know all the back roads and how to get everywhere. Some nice features that are in current GPS units are Points of Interest (POI), turn by turn instructions, estimated time of arrival, traffic reports, easy to use and fastest time or shortest distance directions, just to name a few. Plus you always have the peace of mind that you know where you are.

Affordable Solution: GARMIN nüvi

Final Thoughts

There you have it, gadgets everyone should own. Remember when making a purchase, to identify how you will use the product(s) and avoid overbuying; most people don’t need the latest and greatest. Please look for future posts to help shop for the appropriate gadget for your budget and your capabilities.