Technology is amazing. If you couldn’t tell by now, I am pretty much obsessed with everything tech-related and gadgets are one of my favorite topics to talk about. But just because technology makes our lives easier doesn’t mean that it will actually improve them… or does it? We’ve compiled a list of 10 gadgets that you really need to have in your life in order to succeed in the modern world. So without further ado, here are our top 10 gadgets you can’t afford to live without!
1) Smartphone
Your smartphone can do just about anything: navigate your way to a new city, let you call friends and family, capture special moments on camera, organize your life in an app—and, of course, tell time. It’s truly a remarkable little tool that offers up many useful features that are easily accessible at all times. In fact, there are so many fun tools built into a phone these days that it may feel overwhelming to pick out just one gadget you couldn’t live without. Don’t worry—we did some digging for you and put together a list of our favorite smartphone apps (pictured above) so you can start using them right away!
2) Laptop
One of life’s greatest luxuries is also one of its most necessary: a laptop. With today’s high-powered, portable and affordable laptops, there’s no excuse for not having one. The key to buying a laptop is to look at what it can do for you, then figure out how much you need it to do those things—and then buy accordingly. Today’s high-end ultraportables are powerful enough for many users to ditch their desktops entirely. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, however, don’t worry—there are plenty of options in that range as well. Just make sure to shop around before making your purchase; just because a manufacturer sells an item at $500 doesn’t mean another vendor won’t sell it for $400 or less.
3) Tablet
As cool as all-in-one PCs are, tablets have gained so much popularity in recent years because they’re just more convenient. And while some have tried to make a case for Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 as a laptop replacement, we don’t quite agree. They might be thinner and lighter than most of today’s laptops, but that doesn’t make them laptop replacements. That said, tablets are awesome—especially if you can afford one of Apple’s iPad Airs or even its cheaper iPad Mini with Retina Display. It’s nice to know that even though computers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, there is still a device out there that doesn’t require you to plug it into an outlet or pair it with other peripherals in order to get stuff done.
4) Headphones
Whether you’re working out, commuting to work or just trying to block out noise, headphones are a must-have gadget. But when it comes to headphones, cheap usually means crappy. Low-quality headphones don’t only make your music sound bad – they can also cause hearing damage in your lifetime. Investing in a pair of high-quality headphones is a small price to pay for keeping your ears safe and enjoying great sound quality. Here’s how to pick a good pair: Look for an over-the-ear design with soft ear pads that allow air circulation. This will keep your ears from getting too hot and sweaty during extended listening sessions. Make sure there’s enough padding on top so that you won’t feel any pressure on your head. If possible, try them on before buying! Also look for volume control on one of the ear cups so that you can easily adjust it without having to dig through your bag or pocket. Some headphones even have built-in microphones so that you can answer calls while wearing them (though if you’re going to be doing lots of talking while listening to music, we recommend getting a headset instead). Most importantly: test out different pairs until you find one that sounds good!
5) Gaming Console
What is gaming if not a form of amusement? Be it video games, classic board games or some other form of fun, they all require a degree of comfort to fully enjoy. Gaming consoles were once primarily used in homes, but with greater connectivity comes greater options. Today’s game systems can be played on smartphones and tablets—allowing for hours of fun from anywhere at any time. Here are three tips for buying console-gaming gadgets 1. Find something that works for you: There are two main types of gaming devices available today: dedicated units like Xbox One and PlayStation 4, which offer high-end graphics and immersive gameplay; and portable devices like Nintendo 3DS XL, which offer more basic graphics but allow you to play while you’re on the go. Consider your needs before making a purchase decision so that you get exactly what you want out of your device. If playing while traveling is important to you, consider an Android tablet or iPad over a PS4 or Xbox One. If gameplay quality matters most, look into an Xbox One S or PS4 Pro instead of Nintendo 3DS XL or 2DS models.
6) Phone Charger
If you can’t live without your smartphone, then having a portable phone charger is a must. That way, you won’t run out of battery life while taking pictures with friends or playing games on your commute. At Mobile Fun, we have an extensive selection of chargers that are compatible with any device and will fit inside your purse or pocket so that you can always stay connected. Most phones get 50-80% more battery life when using one of these chargers compared to only charging via computer or wall outlet, so it’s important to keep them handy! For those who want to go green, our solar powered chargers are also available. They work by converting sunlight into electricity which charges your devices directly through solar power (so no extra batteries needed). And they come in a variety of styles and colors to match just about anyone’s style.
7) Portable Charger
Some of us live in areas where we can walk or ride a bike year-round, but for those who must brave winter weather to get to work, a treadmill desk could be a nice solution. The idea is that you strap on some special shoes and power through emails while walking on a treadmill at 1 mile per hour—fast enough to burn some calories and keep your blood pumping. And unlike most exercise equipment, it’s easy to carry from room to room with you! All kidding aside, if you’re trying to cut back on sitting time at work—and get more activity into your day overall—this might be a good option for you. Just make sure you use it regularly (at least three times a week) so you don’t end up burning fewer calories than you would have otherwise.
8) Smart Watch
The smart watch is not a necessity in your life, but it’s sure nice to have. With a wide range of uses including health and fitness tracking, messaging, emailing and even calling. The best part about having one is that it can make your other gadgets more efficient, such as helping you find your phone or camera if you misplaced them. The biggest downside to having one is that there are so many options available (many of which look very similar) that it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are best for you. If I had to choose just one right now it would have to be Apple Watch because I love my iPhone and everything else they offer! Best of all they have many customizable bands available so you can mix up your look when needed! So far, my favorite feature has been getting messages on my wrist while working on projects so I don’t have to constantly check my phone. They also work with many apps from social media sites like Facebook and Instagram making it easy to see notifications without picking up your phone.
9) Camera
Exercising is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and for most people, it’s almost impossible to get enough exercise just in their day-to-day routine. Enter treadmills, which are rapidly growing in popularity. For busy professionals who want to burn calories and stay fit, treadmills make ideal replacements for stationary bikes or regular treadmills; all you have to do is fit your laptop on top of it and you can walk while typing or even take calls with your headset on. It’s a great way to increase productivity while also staying in shape! Best of all, they cost as little as $500 so they’re well within reach of most people. If you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk, consider getting one—you won’t regret it.
10) Treadmill Desk
The coolest piece of home fitness equipment since the Bowflex, a treadmill desk is both super practical and looks great in an office. Since treadmills use motors to power them, they tend to require less electricity than standing desks. Combine that with a decent enough treadmill and you have something that’s not only an awesome way to burn some calories while doing work—it’s also cheaper to operate! A good treadmill will cost you around $1,000, while a cheap one will run as little as $100. Just think about how much money you could save on your electric bill—not to mention how many more calories you’ll burn each day just by walking at normal pace!