As in previous years (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am compiling a new list of my top tech products for 2024. This list encompasses my most preferred discoveries from the past year, regardless of their availability in prior years. By “tech,” I broadly include any novel gadgets, applications, or other useful items that I find captivating and/or practical.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website.
Note: I did a quick video (below), but you can scroll down for the article.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website.
Note: I did a quick video (below), but you can scroll down for the article.
My favorite tech of the year
My personal favorite tech item of 2024 is the 12.9-inch M4 iPad. While I don’t need it for my professional needs, its OLED screen renders exceptional video, as a photo editor it is great..especially with the Apple Pencil Pro, and it has exceptional general usage capabilities. Personally, I paired it with the excellent ESR case that I find more suitable than the Apple keyboard due to its enhanced flexibility and compatibility with various keyboards. The light weight and thin design means that I use it more than any iPad I have owned since the iPad Pro 9.7. It is also getting all of the AI features thanks to its M4 chip.
My Favorite Audio Tech
The Wiim Ultra stands out as one of my most cherished devices of the year. It builds upon Wiim’s exceptional streaming platform, incorporating high-quality DAC performance and additional inputs to enhance its versatility. Notably, they have also added a bright LED display with some limited functionality and for displaying album art or a VU meter. For my needs, it is very versatile and I run a connection to it from several different audio products I have in the room. If it had Airplay built in, it may have topped the iPad as my favorite tech, but not having Airplay in a streamer in 2024 is just too big of a shortfall to put it on top...in principle. Though, I have numerous workarounds, so I still love the Wiim Ultra and I am happy to have it on my list.
Favorite Shoes - yes, I said shoes
While many discussions revolve around “shoe tech” in the context of basketball or other sports, I wish to highlight a different category of shoe technology. After enduring numerous slip-on house shoes over the past few years, particularly due to my current remote work hours, I decided to experiment with a pair of Birkenstock Boston Oiled Leather Habana clogs. After six months of use, these clogs have not only maintained their appearance but they have also begun to break in, becoming progressively more comfortable with each wear rather than just wearing out like most slip on house shoes. The contoured cork-latex footbed is amazing and conforms perfectly to my feet.
Office or Garage Storage
This year, a significant portion of the purchases were for my office, given the substantial time spent there. I opted to remove the double doors from an unused closet and install a 42-inch Huffy tool chest inside. This chest serves as a storage solution for my camera equipment and other technical gear. Its rolling design allows for convenient access to my router and provides ample top space for my camera bag and possibly a larger photo printer in the future. The bonus is its great sturdiness and the ability to lock it when I am away from home.
Inexpensive Photo Prints
Regarding printers, I acquired a Canon Selphy printer this year. This printer specializes in printing small photographs that I have integrated into a series of string lights, displayed on the refrigerator, and I have also incorporated the photos into albums and picture frames. This functionality enables us to enjoy the photographs in various settings, rather than always being locked into a device with a screen
Camera Gear
To capture these photographs, a camera is essential. While I remain satisfied with my Sony A7 RIII and my iPhone, I did make a purchase of a Billingham Hadley 2020 bag that I have long desired. Although it carries a higher price tag, like many photographers, I have accumulated a collection of bags that remain unused, prompting me to invest in a bag that truly resonates with me. Additionally, I acquired a versatile wide-angle 17-28mm Tamron lens and a compact 35mm f/1.8 Rokinon lens, both of which are lightweight and ideal travel companions.
Apple Audio
The AirPods Pro 2 have been added to my extensive collection of headphones, and they have proven to be exceptional. Their great sound quality, coupled with features such as noise cancellation, adaptive mode, and transparent mode, align perfectly with my requirements. I will often spend weekend mornings on the deck with my wife and coffee, but she will disappear to tend to bird feeders, garden, birdbaths, etc. Having earbuds that transition from music to a conversion is really a dream come true for that situation. I also like the fact that they pair with all of my other Apple stuff. Notably, they have recently been enhanced with a hearing aid function which only adds to their versatility, though I am thankfully not in need of this feature yet.
Let's Drink
In an effort to improve my overall well-being, I have been making a conscious effort to consume more water and reduce my intake of soda. However, I recognize that the filtration capabilities of my refrigerator are extermely limited. Consequently, I embarked on a search for a superior water filtration option and came across the Clearly Filtered pitcher. I believe it offers the most effective filtration process, after during a lot of research, and that results in great tasting water, while also enhancing the flavor of my espresso. Note that this pitcher requires a new filter every 3 months, so be aware that there will be an ongoing expense to having filtered water without chemicals. It is my most used tech of the year.
Gaming
While I am not particularly inclined towards gaming, I did acquire a Gamesir G8 Plus controller. This controller is particularly useful when paired with the newly available game ROM applications on iOS. It seamlessly integrates with my iPhone, but what surprised me the most was its ability to be easily opened and used with a 12.9-inch iPad. While this functionality is not explicitly advertised, I encourage users to experiment with it at their own discretion, since this is not an advertised feature.
Wrap Up
Okay, so I went over ten, which isn’t unusual, since I try not to leave out the more useful products that I used over the year. As you can see, I didn’t add a new iPhone or computer this year, which says more about the prior versions I own that are still doing a great job. I do have a few things I purchased this year, that won’t be eligible for the list until next year thanks to the fact that they still haven’t been used, so hard to rate them.
A few other products that didn’t make the list, but deserve two be mentioned:
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock - I have this connected to two small SSD drives (that I often use for vacation photos) and my Samsung thunderbolt monitor. If I want to quickly use an iPad or MacBook Pro, I can plug in one cable and have access to the screen and the drives.
Misting fan for outdoors - This was great to have by our deck in the summer.
Rechargeable Orange Mushroom Lamp, Cordless LED Table Lamp 4000mAh Battery Operated Touch Dimmable Table Lights, Portable Wireless IP44 Waterproof Lamp - Great little companion to have in the office for when power goes out or just to get extra light into a drawer or area. It is also nice to take out to the deck when we have people over after dark.
Apple AirTags - I got a few of these to pop into camera bags and into a wallet. We also bought one to put in a cat collar, but the cat doesn’t seem to like wearing it, so I may find another use case for that one.
A few other products that didn’t make the list, but deserve two be mentioned:
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock - I have this connected to two small SSD drives (that I often use for vacation photos) and my Samsung thunderbolt monitor. If I want to quickly use an iPad or MacBook Pro, I can plug in one cable and have access to the screen and the drives.
Misting fan for outdoors - This was great to have by our deck in the summer.
Rechargeable Orange Mushroom Lamp, Cordless LED Table Lamp 4000mAh Battery Operated Touch Dimmable Table Lights, Portable Wireless IP44 Waterproof Lamp - Great little companion to have in the office for when power goes out or just to get extra light into a drawer or area. It is also nice to take out to the deck when we have people over after dark.
Apple AirTags - I got a few of these to pop into camera bags and into a wallet. We also bought one to put in a cat collar, but the cat doesn’t seem to like wearing it, so I may find another use case for that one.
Products on the horizon for 2025
As I mentioned, I have three items that need review for next year… Jackery 2000 V2, Uplift Slim Drawer, and Rolling Jack Jeep top Lifter. They are all in the queue, so maybe they will make the list next season. Other things on the list for next year is probably a new iPhone, other items to survive when our power is out, possible the Pizza Oven I was going to add this year, and my favorite.. things I have not even considered yet.
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