Top Ten Tech 2021

As in past years (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am putting together a new list of my top tech.  The list contains my favorite things from the last year, even if they were available in prior years.  By "tech" I am basically including any new toys, apps, etc... that I find cool and/or useful and currently own or owned in the last year.

Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).

My Favorite of the Year

Uplift Desk - I added some incredible tech this last year, but nothing was as important as the Uplift Desk.   I started working from home with a desk too short for my 6'5 frame, so I had severe neck and back issues that I couldn't resolve.  I ended up getting the Uplift Desk which allows me to adjust the height to my liking and put it in a standing position when I am so inclined.  It also had the option to add castor wheels which make it easy to get back behind it when I need to.   This had to my my favorite tech this year because it made it easier to do my job without pain.

For the Photographer (and more)

iPad Pro M1 12.9 - I have the first 9.7 inch iPad Pro,  but this one took a convenient media consumption device to a new level.  The bigger, amazing screen and fast processor made it possible to do amazing edits with apps like Pixelmator.  Of course, it works for more than a photographer.  I also use it for music all day, as well...but more about that later.   I also want to mention theLogitech Keyboard that expands the use of the device and makes it a full fledged laptop replacement for many (but not all) people.   With these two things, I rarely use my MBP anymore.

Big things in Little Packages

Mac Mini M1 - While the new MBP laptops are getting all the attention...for good reason...I added the Mac Mini M1 to the stable in the last year.  What an amazing upgrade.   I had the 2018 Mini that I traded in and this was a night and day difference.   It is super quiet and ridiculously fast.   It is probably the best bargain of all of Apple's computers especially if you stick with the capable base version.  I have the version I linked above, though.  I am looking forward to see what Apple does with the "Pro" version, but for my needs this does everything I need...except do bit rate switching on the fly like the iPad/iPhone, but that is the case for all Macs.   

Don't forget PC

Alienware M15 R4 RTX 3070 - While I am mainly known for liking Apple products, people would be surprised by how many computers I have running Windows around the house.  This laptop can be a full computer replacement for someone that wants to dock it and then take it somewhere without feeling like they are making a huge sacrifice.   It also looks snazzy with its LEDs and modern design.  Obviously, the upside is the 300HZ screen and the fact that it is optimized for games.  I have a review here.  With my current workflow, I am still considering selling it.  It doesn't seem fair to just have this awesome machine sitting around.

Massage therapist

I am counting the selections below as one choice because they are for the same purpose.
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Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager - This may be the bargain of the year for me.  My legs are often tight from sitting at my desk for hours on end.  One of the downsides from working at home is spending many more hours a week sitting at my desk.  This little massager is fantastic and even provides heat to the area.  

Power Dots - These are for the same thing as the above and aren't cheap, but may be better therapy for some people.  You can strap them to areas that may be harder to reach with the massager (the back, for example).   They also have a nice app that makes it easy to tailor a program that works for you.  A more professional TENS solution for injured or tight muscular areas.

Digital Loving Audiophile with a touch of home theater 

Apple Music - I sang the praises of Qobuz last year and feel it is still a great choice for many.   However, I dumped it this year and stuck with only Apple Music (which I was also carrying last year).   Their update to allow files up to 24/192 means they matched Qobuz in resolution.  They also carry Dolby Atmos ("Spatial Audio") files that work with my Favorite Tech of 2020, the Denon X3700H.  Of course, Apple Music integration into the Amazon Dots, Homepods, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Airplay 2, made this an amazing service for the money... they didn't even raise their prices for these updates!  I would still recommend Qobuz for a select group, but for someone with Apple devices everywhere, this is a no-brainer.

Budget Friendly Analog 

Angels Horn Turntable - I wrote a review about this turntable that I would recommend reading if you are interested.  I have this in my office and couldn't be happier with its performance. I also love the looks of it.  As of this moment, this specific design isn't available, but I am linking their current players.  Who knows?  It could be back in stock by the time you read this.

For the person that has everything

​Vanity Mirror with Lights by KOHLER, Bathroom Vanity Mirror with Amazon Alexa - Definitely not the cheapest mirror and it has its faults.  However, we put this in when we remodeled our small master bath and it looks amazing.  The built in LEDs can be controlled by voice and it has Bluetooth speakers and Alexa built in (though it has not been updated to support Apple Music directly).  I use it every day for Bluetooth.  The speakers aren't close to audiophile quality, but for a bathroom they are fine.  It saves you from having speakers and wires on your vanity top.  The lights can also be controlled with Alexa.  We love it.

For the blogger/vlogger

VIDEOGEAR Black Mini 5 Inch camera monitor - I like to use my Sony A7 RIII occasionally for videos, but the issue is that it does not have a screen that can articulate enough to see it from the front.  This little 5 inch screen can solve that by allowing you to mount it where your flash would typically go. It looks great and does the Job. I still don't make enough videos, but I know its here when I need it.  Below you can see that it also has the ability to feed a larger display. 

Apple Watch App of the Year

Clockology - I get really tired of using the native Apple Watch apps.  Everyone has the same things!  Clockology is a free (with a premium side I have not used) app that can give you access to numerous watch faces.  It is fun to wear a Rolex (for example) face on my Apple Watch.  No, it isn't the same thing as a real Rolex, but it is a homage to that style.  I have an Omega that I wear on special occasions, but this allows me to keep a similar face on my wrist even when the Omega is on the winder.

The Wrap Up

As you can see, there were definitely some cool stuff the I added this last year.  It was obviously focused on getting my office to a point where I don't mind spending 8 or more hours in it a day.  When we go back to the office, I will still enjoy it more now that I fixed most of the issues I had with the space.

Obviously, the recent big releases were the iPhone 13 and the new MBP Pros.  I wasn't in the market for either.  I got the iPhone 12 Pro Max last year and honestly I don't want to trade out the telephoto lens that is 65mm to 77mm equivalent.  I use this all the time to take photos because it is the only lens with very little (if any) distortion.  The 77mm is just too long for my use.  I hope they come out with two telephoto lenses down the road.  Would be nice to have a 50ish mm and a 100mm without distortion.  

The reason I am not in the market for the new MBPs is that I just don't have a need for it.  My 2016 MBP rarely gets used and I have the powerful Alienware laptop if I need that kind of juice on the go.   I mainly use the Mac Mini M1(when sitting at the desk) and the iPad 12.9 (when I am away from my office) combo.  They get most of the jobs done for me and both are quick enough that I don't feel like I am waiting on the computer most of the time.    

There are also cameras like the Sony a1 out that are compelling for the right person.  I am still more than happy with the Sony A7 RIII.  

I think things are pretty stable as far as tech/hobbies for me at the moment.   I do wonder what next year will bring...besides a new vinyl liner for the pool (already sucking $$$ from my pocket).  I had talked about updating speakers, and I may still do that.  I also wouldn't mind some new Tamron lenses if we do end up leaving the house more, too.   I was all set to update to the new Apple Watch, but then I looked at the colors and I am thinking about holding out another year unless I get stainless steel (which I am considering).      

Have a great 2022!!