Top Ten Tech 2015

As in past years (2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am putting together a new list of my top ten tech.   The list will contain 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.

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

My Favorite Tech Gadget of the Year

1.  iPhone 6s Plus - With the 4k video capabilities, 3D Touch, 12MP photos, and faster everything, it is a worthwhile update to the iconic iPhone.

Most Fun for the Family

2.  Epson 2040 projector - For around $700, you get a portable 1080p, 3D projector.  It is fantastic for games and movies.  It is very bright and the lamps are relatively cheap ($79), so you can actually use this on a daily basis even in rooms that have some light.   Get the family together for a movie or a game and have the time of your life!  

Best for the Cord Cutters

3.  AppleTV / Nvidia Shield - These are a tied depending on what you need.  If you need 4k and play enough games that you are willing to pay $7.99 to stream, the Nvidia Shield may be for you.  If you like Airplay or Airplay Mirroring and own an iOS device, you may prefer the AppleTV.   I would recommend the newest AppleTV for those that want the best experience, but the AppleTV 3 is still a decent device for the money if you just need the basics to work in the Apple ecosystem.  

I should mention that Roku also has a 4k, 60Hz player which will give you native apps for both Vudu (can Cast to the Nvidia Shield) and Amazon Prime (Amazon Prime will Airplay to the AppleTV).  Roku is still the King of content, but it doesn't have the same "next gen" feel as the two above.

Best for the Audiophile

4.  Plugable - This is a USB hub that allows you to use certain USB DACs with your iPhone 6 or iPad Air 2.  I have tested it with a Dragonfly DAC and it is the missing link that makes great sound possible.

Best for the Paranoid (or those that like security)

5.  Arlo Video Cameras - These are small, weather resistant, wifi, completely wireless video cameras.  They have a great picture and you can put them anywhere.  I read a post where one guy put his in a birdhouse in his yard to keep an eye on his property.  I still need to review these, but they are a great way to get cameras in areas without wiring.

Best for the Music Fan

6.  Apple Music - I recommend this for iOS owners.  With Siri and access to your entire library away from home, this service is amazing.  It is also on the AppleTV 4, which is very convenient.   For Android users or for those that don't care about Siri, I would recommend YouTube Red instead.  It combines YouTube without ads with their music service.  

Best for the Traveler

7.  Parrot Zik 2.0 Bluetooth Headphones - They have a great app that gives you tons of audio options and they sound great.  I take them with me anytime I go out of town.  I also like to wear them when I doing yard work.

Best Album (CDs are tech, right?)

8.  Traveller - Chris Stapleton was the surprise winner of New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Traveller at the CMTs.  While that usually means that the album is really pop oriented with a random fiddle thrown in to qualify as country, this album is a throwback to when country music meant something.    I typically don't put albums on this list, but this year, I made an exception.

​Note:  Last year, I did not put a best album on my list, but I would have put War on Drugs "Lost in a Dream" at the top if I would have included my favorite album.

Best for HomeKit

9. iDevices Switch Connected Plug - Control your lamp or any device using Siri, set up schedules, and use as a nightlight with an adjustable LED.  It is cool!

Best Accessory for Mac

10.  Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 -  I got tired of using the Apple wireless keyboard because it doesn't have a number pad and it seemed like I was always changing out batteries.   Personally, I don't like keyboards that need to be plugged in because I often like to kick back with my feet up while using the keyboard in my lap.  This keyboard was the best answer to all of my keyboard needs.

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

Cool stuff that didn't make the top ten

Chromecast Audio, Soundpeats inexpensive bluetooth earbuds, Caselogic Backpack, T-fal Zen Ceramic Chef's Knife, Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock, and Google's Onhub router.

Stuff that looks cool that I don't own, but are worth mentioning

Apple Watch, iPad Pro (I typically don't buy first versions of Apple products), Microsoft Surface Book, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV, Sony a7R II Full-Frame, etc..

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

The Wrap Up

To wrap things up, please let me know if you have a great gadget/tech suggestion that I missed.  I try to keep up with new tech, but there is so much great stuff coming out every day that there is no way I have time to try everything.   Also, I am admittedly more Apple-centric, but I am always interested in what is going on in the areas I am not personally invested in.