I’m a Tech Writer and These are My 5 Non-Negotiable Gadgets
Pro PicksYou can have these items when you pry them out of my cold, dead fingers. Probably not even then.
I’m a tech writer with over 35 years under my gadget belt, so it should come as no surprise I have my favorites — my ride-or-die, can’t-live-without gear. You know the expression, “You can have it when you pry it out of my cold, dead fingers”? Yeah, that kind of stuff.
These are mostly practical products, designed to make life easier in one way or another. But there’s also one item that just plain makes me happy every time I look at it.
Best of all, most of these are really affordable — though there’s one that’s something of a splurge. Let’s run down the list.
Pebblebee Clip 5
What it is: A Bluetooth item tracker similar to an Apple AirTag (but better in nearly every way)
Why I love it: True to its name, the Clip 5 can clip to your keychain (unlike an AirTag, ahem, which requires a sold-separately case) or something like a purse or backpack. If the item goes missing, your phone can help find it — even if it’s miles away. That’s because the Clip 5 employs the same Find My network as AirTags, though it also works with Google’s Find Hub, something AirTags don’t do.
Other perks include super-loud locator chimes, embedded flashing LEDs, a rechargeable battery (good for around a year), built-in safety features, and my favorite of all: two-way finding. That means you can use the Clip 5 to locate your misplaced phone, even if it’s set to silent. AirTags can’t do that.
What it costs: The Clip 5 sells for $35 from Amazon. (There’s also a card version that can ride inside your wallet.)
Bee Pioneer
What it is: An AI wearable that records, transcribes, and summarizes conversations, builds to-do lists, and more.
Why I love it: This inexpensive, innocuous wristband is arguably the most slept-on gadget of 2026. I use it whenever I need my memory to be much better than it is: business meetings, visits to the doctor, even the mechanic explaining what’s wrong with my car. Basically, if there’s a conversation I want to preserve, I push the Pioneer’s solitary button and that’s it.
After the recording syncs to my phone, the Bee app provides not only a full transcription, but also a summary, a bulleted list of key insights, even a description of the conversation’s atmosphere: “The interaction was professional, collaborative, and encouraging.” It’s all incredibly useful information to have.
And the Pioneer works amazingly well given its paltry price tag. But here’s the best part: no subscription required. Pay once and you’re done.
What it costs: The Pioneer sells for $50 direct from Bee.
Pexar 11-Inch Wi-Fi Photo Frame
What it is: A digital picture frame that displays a running slideshow.
Why I love it: What’s the point of taking all those pictures if they’re just going to live on your phone? Send them to this frame, where you can enjoy happy memories all day, every day. This particular model has a much higher-resolution screen than most, which makes for better viewing, plus it comes with 32GB of storage — enough for literally thousands of pix.
By the way, you can also invite friends and family to share photos to the frame; they just need the Frameo app (which is admirably easy to use).
What it costs: The Pexar Frame is currently on sale for $150 from Amazon.
Kasa Smart Plugs
What it is: A 4-pack pack of smart AC outlets
Why I love it: Automation! I have these distributed throughout my house, with lamps set to go on and off at designated times. That’s good not only for security, like when we’re away from home, but also for convenience: I don’t have to walk around flipping switches as it starts to get dark out, and don’t have to reverse the process when it’s time for bed.
These plugs can also be controlled via voice commands (Alexa or Google), provided you have a compatible smart device connected to your home Wi-Fi. Trust me, once you’ve grown accustomed to saying, “Alexa, turn on the living room,” you can’t go back.
What it costs: The Kasa Smart Plug 4-pack sells for $30 at Amazon, though it’s often discounted to $24 or less.
Ember Mug
What it is: A mug that keeps your drink at a consistent temperature.
Why I love it: This is the splurge, because no one in their right mind would spend this much on a mug — but it’s also one of the first things I’d grab if the house was on fire.
See, I tend to drink one big cup per day, and I nurse it. The Ember Mug (controlled via app) keeps the java at the same temperature from first taste to last gulp. It’s a small thing, but it means no more tepid sips, no more running to the microwave, no more burning your mouth because you nuked it too long.
What it costs: The 14-ounce Ember Mug 2 sells for $100 at Amazon.
