As in past years (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.
Note: I receive items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. My reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
Note: I receive items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. My reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
My Favorite Tech of the Year
Samsung 34-Inch CJ791 Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor - After years of using a 27 inch iMac in my office, I decided to get a monitor that has more flexibility for my needs. This fits the bill with USB-C inputs, HDMI input, etc. It works with my Mac mini, Dell PC, and with everything plugged into my Onkyo receiver. I can plug my MBP right into the USB-C and get a great image with power. It is a substantial upgrade, for my needs, from the iMac.
Sony Photography
Tamron 17-75mm lens- I mentioned my Sony camera in a prior top ten list, but this lens takes things to a new level and really makes for a nice compact setup for traveling when I want to get photos with something better than an iPhone. The price for a fast f2.8 lens is really amazing.
As a side note, Tamron now has a wide angle lens available and a 70-180mm on its way to market. Don't be surprised if one or both of these lenses are on my top ten tech list next year.
As a side note, Tamron now has a wide angle lens available and a 70-180mm on its way to market. Don't be surprised if one or both of these lenses are on my top ten tech list next year.
A New Computer
2018 Mac Mini - This Mac Mini made it possible to get rid of my iMac and go with a more useful setup at my desk. I love the size and versatility of this little fella. I guess the one shortfall is the graphics card, but I may update that via an eGPU, if I find I need it down the road. Right now, I am happy with it for doing everything from spreadsheet work to running photo apps like Lightroom and Photoshop.
All around favorite photography accessory
Vanguard VEO2GO235CB Tripod - I can't even explain just how useful a tripod that is light and will fold up and fit in a messenger bag is. However, this has taken my photography up a notch because I can take it anywhere. I took the picture below while using the tripod with my Sony camera and a Canon 100-400mm lens mounted on this tripod.
Lossless Music
Amazon Music HD - While they are still ironing out the kinks in the service, it is just fantastic to finally have a lossless service that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Also, I hope that Amazon's adoption of this format puts pressure on Apple to also put out a lossless music streaming option. With the speed of the internet services getting faster and faster, it is really stupid to continue giving listeners only a lossy option. Don't get me wrong, I would like the option to adjust the bitrate down for cellular, but this is a huge statement from Amazon.
Audio Sound
Topping D10 DAC - With Amazon offering a lossless music service with a bunch of "UltraHD" songs, it has became a great time to upgrade my DAC. For me, this was the best, most economical solution because it accomplished two things: 1. It gave me a path for Hi Res audio out of the USB output of my Mac Mini and 2. It has its own digital out, so I fed that into my Cambridge DAC Magic. This allows me to continue using the DAC Magic's other inputs and filters without spending a fortune on a total replacement.
Wine Drinkers
Secura Electric Bottle 4A Battery Powered Wine Opener with Foil Cutter 4A Battery Powered Wine Opener with Foil Cutter - My kitchen is getting pretty full with all the tech stuff I have received over the years. That being said, this was worth the counter space. It makes opening wine bottles easy and fun.
Expert Cooking Made Easy
Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Anova Precision Cooker - Smaller and more useful than my old Bluetooth model. Not that that model was bad, but this gives me more flexibility to drop something in the water in the morning, then set it to start cooking from work.
Reduce the Clutter
Automax 100M Auto Feed Shredder - When I got a chance to review this shredder, I questioned adding it because of it size. However, it has been awesome! I have been going through a bunch of old bills and documents and shredding them. It is fast and does the job!
Home Cleanliness
BISSELL Cleanview Rewind Pet Deluxe Upright Vacuum Cleaner - Seems like I always have some new vacuum cleaner on my list and this year is no exception. This does a great job of cleaning, but the thing I really love about it is the retractable power cable. My prior vacuum cleaners always had that cord that had to be wrapped around it from top to bottom. You couldn’t use the wand without removing it, either. This makes vacuuming just a little bit less of a chore.
Dongles and Adapters
HyperDrive USB C Hub- I have a lot of adapters, like any good MacBook Pro owner, but this one is my favorite. I mainly like it because it feels like part of the laptop. The adapters that use cables hang off to the side and you never forget they are there.
In case of emergency
First Aid Kit Home Comprehensive 25 Items 131 Piece Soft Case Bag - Right after I got this bag, we had an accident at the house and the bandages came in handy. I mainly got this to keep in my Jeep, but I will have to replenish it before we hit the road!
The Wrap Up
As with past years, there was plenty of great new tech that caught my eye, but I resisted a lot of it. The hardest thing to resist was the new Apple Watch with its always on display (hopefully I can continue to resist it for another year!!) and the new iPhone Pro. I have to admit that the 3 lens configuration would come in handy. However, I am still using my 7 plus and I am happy with it. I prefer it to the new iPhone 11 (non-pro) because I like having a telephoto lens over an ultra-wide. I am very surprised that they felt people would prefer to go even wider versus having a normal length lens. I know I prefer the look of humans in photos with an ordinary length lens.
I also like the 12.9 inch iPads. As I suspected, they marketed this product with Adobe Photoshop, but here we are almost a year later and the app still isn't available to the public. It was definitely worth holding out. I have had time to move most of my photos to Lightroom CC and make them available on my older iPad. I am already using it to edit, but before I shell out that kind of money, I need Photoshop.
Note: I receive items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. My reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
I also like the 12.9 inch iPads. As I suspected, they marketed this product with Adobe Photoshop, but here we are almost a year later and the app still isn't available to the public. It was definitely worth holding out. I have had time to move most of my photos to Lightroom CC and make them available on my older iPad. I am already using it to edit, but before I shell out that kind of money, I need Photoshop.
Note: I receive items for free in exchange for my review and I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this site. My reviews are solely based on my opinion. I have never been asked to to provide only a positive review and I would not participate in any program with that condition.
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