TEAM ARTICLE – Here is part 3 of our on-going series that answers the question: Which gadgets do we enjoy using so much that we would spend our hard-earned money to replace them? Be sure to also check out part 1, part 2, and part 3 as well.
Julie Strietelmeier
Apple Watch
I was given a refurbished series 3 Apple Watch with a review of the Delta fitness system earlier this year. I enjoyed wearing/using this watch so much that I upgraded to a series 6 this fall.
Buy now from Apple
KIKR dual wireless charging stand
I just posted about this charging stand a couple of weeks ago, but in that short time, it’s become my favorite charger. I love that it can charge two devices at once and I also like that it holds my iPhone at the perfect angle to use it for Marco Polo chats while it’s charging.
Buy now on Kickstarter
Logitech MX Master 3 wireless mouse
I use this wireless mouse at home with my 13inch MacBook Pro when I’m working at my desk while it’s docked to my BenQ monitor which has a built-in USB-C dock. I like that I can pair it with 3 different devices and I also like that the scroll wheel is super smooth. I’ve been using Logitech wireless mice for years and they are my favorites.
Buy now: $99.99 on Amazon
Roborock S5 Max robot vacuum
I got hooked on robot vacs with my first Neato Botvac review and since then and MANY reviews later, I still use a Neato Botvac and a Roborock S5 Max robot vacuum in my 2 level home. If something happened to either unit, I’d have to get another to replace it. Neato is too pricey though, so I’d go with a Roborock.
Buy now: $439.00 on Amazon
SHOTBOX photography light box
In addition to writing reviews, I spend a lot of time taking images of products. The SHOTBOX helps those products look great with perfect lighting and cool backdrops. I’ve tried other light boxes and always come back to my SHOTBOX.
Buy now: $129 at shotbox.me
Bill Henderson
Ego mower (or any EGO tool)
Going gas free has been liberating. EGO tools have all the power of gas (or really close) with NO fumes, gas to purchase, oil changes, carburetors, etc. It is the future. EGO products are not cheap, but the savings accumulate when you get into their ecosystem because any EGO battery runs any tool.
Buy now: $399.99 Amazon
XP-Pen Artist Display 24 Pro graphics tablet
A full review is coming soon, but I’ve grown to love this tablet. I can do my Photoshop work on it just by using the pen on the giant 24 incn screen. It also doubles as my main monitor when not being used in drawing mode. How cool is that?
Buy now: $674.99 from XP-PEN
Audioengine HD3 speakers
These little powerhouse speakers are perfect for a computer desktop setup. I like them even better than their bigger brother, the HD6 speakers. Plus they will connect to a subwoofer—which I’ve done. Audio nirvana.
Buy now: $349.00 on Amazon
Maxoak Bluetti AC10 Outlet Power Bank
This little marvel has a permanent spot on my kitchen counter. There is almost nothing it won’t charge. It has both USB and USB-C and an AC outlet! It’s small, lightweight, and really powerful. I like it more now than when I reviewed it.
Buy now: $129.99 on Amazon
Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth speaker
It’s cheap, pairs with another in true stereo, small enough to take anywhere, waterproof, and still sounds great. Yep, that about covers it!
Buy now: $49.99 on Amazon
Guanshan Fix
Buy now: $34.95 on Amazon
Buy now: $31.99 on Amazon
Currently not available for sale
Buy now: $39.99 on Amazon
Kathleen Chapman
I reviewed this product in 2014. I still have it and though it is a bit bulky, it has worked flawlessly for me for six years. In fact, I love it so much that I have purchased two more. The revolving outlets allow me to plug in almost anything – even those gadgets with bulky or awkward AC adapters. Oh my gosh, this is so awesome to me!! I also like having the two USB-A ports (2.4 A) to charge our devices. I highly recommend the 360 Electrical Revolve 2.4 (there are other configurations of this device with and without USB ports). The 4-outlet + 3.4 Amp version is available at Amazon for $24.99.
I reviewed this antenna in 2017. We installed it in our attic and it works so well picking up our free over-the-air (OTA) live channels for all of our TVs, that I forget that I have it (out-of-sight, out-of-mind). This antenna has endured three Texas summers being up in our attic which reaches 130 degrees F or more. I’m hoping it continues to work well for several years to come! But before you run out and purchase one of these, please note that it is a multi-directional antenna (not omnidirectional) and that your experience with it may be drastically different than mine based on your terrain, distance from the towers, interference from buildings, etc. The ANTOP AT-400BV Indoor/Outdoor HDTV antenna is available at Amazon for $143.
I reviewed the Thermacell Mosquito Repellant in 2015. I use this all the time to help ward off those pesky disease vectoring mosquitos. Though it requires you to purchase replacement butane cartridges and insect repellant mats, it’s well worth the cost of the consumables to avoid having to spray ourselves frequently with DEET products. The Thermacell Mosquito Repeller (as it is now called) design has been updated since my review and is available from Amazon for $19.97.
I lumped several of my leather products together because all of them are very well made using high-quality materials. The Garzini wallets have lasted four years of constant use, carry all of our cards and money, and still look great. I even purchased another Garzini wallet for one of my kids. The Col. Littleton Leather Hunt bag has held up beautifully for the past three years, and the Saddleback Drawstring Leather Backpack, while only used for one year so far, is so well-made that I expect it to last at least till I die and then some. I’ve reviewed a few Colonel Littleton and Saddleback products and have loved the quality and workmanship of each product. I highly recommend any of the leather products from any of these companies. You can find the wallets on Amazon.
My husband has used this for the past five years and loves it. It is still his “go-to” measuring tool and it continues to work great. It even survived being submerged in a couple of inches in water overnight after being accidentally left outside in a wheelbarrow during a storm. We removed the batteries and let it dry out for a few weeks, and amazingly, it still works! It is available on Amazon for $99.
Joe Porletto
Nomad Tile Integrated PowerPack
This power pack has been in my EDC bag since the day I reviewed it. My Nomad is almost three years old now and still holds a charge like a champ. The build quality is superb and it has the added bonus of being trackable via the built-in Tile functionality. Knowing that I can charge all of my devices and be able to find my bag if it ever gets misplaced is a great feeling. If I lost this little baby, I guarantee you I’d have a replacement being shipped to me the very next day.
Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NXC
I only recently reviewed the Aegis Secure Key, but it’s become an invaluable part of my cybersecurity plan. It’s easy to set up and use and, like any great piece of hardware, it disappears into the background of my life. I like all of the functionality I get for the price and can’t see a reason not to replace it. Plus, I get great satisfaction knowing that if it is lost, nobody can access my data.
Buy now: $164.50 from Amazon
TruSens Z-2000 Air Purifier
Another device I recently reviewed, this air purifier has done wonders for my quality of life. It’s improved the quality of sleep I’m getting since I run it only in my bedroom at night. It’s a bit pricier than most air purifiers, but I like the design and the fact that it has a separate air quality monitor. If something happened to my TruSens, I would be seriously bummed but I would quickly shell out money for a new one.
Buy now: $249.00 from Amazon
Abode DIY Home Security System
The reason I love this security system so much is that it ALWAYS works. Along with being super dependable, it’s expandable and easy to use as well. I set this system up at my mom’s house to give her some peace of mind and it’s simple enough for her to figure out and set when she leaves and when she goes to bed at night. We’re both so happy with and used to the Abode system, I can’t see me ever switching to a different one.
Buy now: $239.00 from Amazon
Olight H2R Nova Flashlight
This flashlight is bright. I mean REALLY bright. It’s been in my EDC bag for over three years and I reach for it constantly. It’s helped me find tiny screws under my couch, lit up a safe path on treacherous hiking adventures, and scared away countless ghosts on camping trips with little nieces and nephews. The fact that it’s easily rechargeable and works as both a handheld and a headlamp means this will always get replaced if lost.
Buy now: $71.95 on Amazon
Andy Chen
Saddleback Leather Co. Small Wallet
It’s been 10 years and I would replace it in a heartbeat. The current version sold is slightly different, but I’m perfectly happy with mine. It now sports a Wood Badge logo I had branded on in 2018.
Buy one: $41.99 from Saddleback Leather Company
Jacob Haas
Solomon Straps Apple Watch Leather Band
I love the way this watch band compliments my Apple Watch. It’s an affordable and gorgeous band that will last many generations of Apple Watch.
Buy one: $75.99 from Solomon
myGEKOgear GEKO Orbit 530 Dash Cam
Ever since I was in an accident when the other driver ran a red light — and I had this camera recording the whole ordeal — I’m never driving to go without a dash cam again. The Orbit 530 was a fine model that I still have in my car and it continues to work consistently well.
Buy now: $89.98 from Amazon
NITECORE TIP2 Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight
Inexpensive, bright, small and rechargeable are a perfect combo for an EDC flashlight, so much so that I’d buy up a replacement, maybe even two, to keep in my car and pocket.
Buy one: $44.95 on Amazon
Turtle Beach Stealth 300 Headset
This was the first set of over-the-ear gaming headphones that were comfortable to use while wearing glasses. They sound great, but more important, they don’t hurt the top or side of my head for an extended period. I love these things.
Buy now on Amazon
Audew 12V DC Digital Tire Inflator / Air Compressor
This is the second car-related device I’m mentioning, but this might just be my most-used review item. I’ve used it to fill up bike tires, inflatable pools and car tires on cold mornings. It’s small and runs right off the 12V port in any car. I feel like this is an invaluable addition to anyone’s trunk.
Buy now on Amazon
Be sure to also check out part 1, part 2, and part 3 as well.
