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Miss one of my Daily Gadget Picks? Check here.

I often receive emails asking about past gadget picks since My Daily Pick changes every morning. I thought it might be a good idea to create this “archive” page to make it easy to find a “pick” that you saw a while back (or even catch up on the ones you missed).

Please be aware that things sell out at times so there’s no guarantee that an item will still be in stock when you click on it.


Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

 

May 1, 2026 – Amazon eero 6 Mesh WiFi System

Do you have places in your home or office where your WiFi signal is too weak to reliably use? This will fix that.


April 30, 2026 – GMKtec G11 Mini PC

This mini PC packs the power of a full-size midrange tower PC into an attractive case that’s actually smaller than an extra-thick hardback book. These little gems never cease to amaze me, and this is a really good one.


April 29, 2026 – Anker Soundcore P31i Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Hi-Res Sound, Translation Earbuds

These little gems have everything you could ever want in a quality set of earbuds, yet they are extremely affordable.


April 28, 2026 – Qinlianf 5 Outlet Extender & Surge Protector w/ 4 USB Charging Ports

This little gem instantly converts one regular 120VAC wall outlet into 5 surge-protected outlets, plus four USB charging ports. Simply plug it into an existing outlet and you’re all set!


April 27, 2026 – 14″ Dual-Monitor Laptop Screen Extender

This adds not just one, but two additional screens to your laptop. Get more done with less app switching and scrolling.


April 26 6, 2026 – Universal TV Remote Control

Has your TV’s remote control stopped working? Is it nowhere to be found?

This little gem works with virtually all major brands, and it’s extremely affordable.


April 25, 2026 – Ashdol External 8-in-1 CD/DVD Drive

Do you still have a stack of beloved CDs and/or DVDs that you’d love to enjoy again? Connect this gem to your computer and you’re all set!


April 24, 2026 – FS140 Whole House Surge Protector

Storm season is here! Have this little gem installed at your breaker panel and it will help protect virtually everything in your home from strong power surges and lightning strikes, even your major appliances that can’t easily be connected to a stand-alone surge protector.


April 23, 2026 – Ugreen USB Bluetooth 6.0 Adapter for PC

Looking for the easiest way to add Bluetooth to a PC that doesn’t already have it built-in? Here you go!


April 22, 2026 – Pastigio 15.6 Inch Digital Picture Frame w/ WiFi

Looking for a digital picture frame with a screen large enough to really see the details in your photos? This one is literally as large as most laptop screens.


April 21, 2026 – Philips New 24″ Frameless Full HD 100Hz Monitor

Looking to replace an older monitor with a really good one while working with a tight budget? This one right here is well worth your consideration.


April 20, 2026 – Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+

This is my favorite Android tablet, bar none.


April 19, 2026 – Vimose Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick w/ Remote

Do you enjoy taking lots of photos with your smartphone? If so, this can come in real handy.


April 18, 2026 – eRapta Wireless Backup Camera w/ 7” DVR Monitor

Looking for an easy way to add a high quality backup camera to your car or truck? It doesn’t get any easier than this since there are no wires to run.


April 17, 2026 – Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch Laptop

This is Apple’s lowest priced MacBook ever and they are flying off the shelves.


April 16, 2026 – Zobirez 750W 10-Port Fast Charging Station

Have multiple devices that you often need to charge at once? If so, you need this.


April 15, 2026 – macOS Reference & Cheat Sheet

Do you love working with your Mac but have trouble remembering how to perform all the important, but infrequently used features? Keep this on your desk and you’ll always have a quick reference available whenever you need it.


April 14, 2026 – Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive

This little gem will work with both USB-C and USB-A devices without having to use an adapter.


April 13, 2026 – Large Print Backlit USB Wired Keyboard

Do you have trouble seeing the small letters and numbers on your existing PC keyboard?

Or perhaps you’d like to be able to use your PC under low light conditions?

Either way, this can be a big help!


April 12, 2026 – “Windows 11 Made Easy For Seniors”

Although this book was written for seniors, it’s actually a great tutorial for anyone needing to learn how to use Windows 11 for the first time.


April 11, 2026 – 4-in-1 USB-C 4-Port 90W Super Fast Charging Car Charger

This powerful fast charging car charger will keep all of your portable devices charged up and always ready to use.


April 10, 2026 – Anker 100W Max Ultra-Compact 3-Port GaN USB-C Wall Charger

This powerful fast charger will keep all of your portable devices charged up and always ready to use.


April 9, 2026 – FS140 Whole House Surge Protector

Well, the spring storm season is here. Are your expensive appliances and electronic gear protected against damaging lightning strikes? This little gem will help protect everything in your home in one fell swoop.


April 8, 2026 – Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope

Has the Artemis II mission to the moon given you a newfound interest in astronomy?

If so, this will bring the moon and many other heavenly bodies into much clearer view. You can even view the images on your smartphone screen and snap celestial photos with your phone.


April 7, 2026 – Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station w/ WiFi Remote Monitoring and Alerts

Do you enjoy keeping up with the latest weather conditions? Well, you can’t get any more up to date than the real-time data you’ll receive from this.


April 6, 2026 – Kaiweets Non-Contact Voltage Tester w/ Signal Percentage

Does that wire you’re about to touch have dangerous voltage on it? Did you remember to turn off the right circuit breaker? This little gem will tell you in an instant. No more guessing and playing with virtual fire.


April 5, 2026 – 5X Magnifying Glass with Light

I bought this to help me read the ridiculously tiny print on the instruction manuals that come with tech products today but it quickly became one of my favorite tools.

If you have difficulty reading fine print or working with small, intricate items this will help you out (a lot)!


April 4, 2026 – HeroSet Ergonomic Big and Tall Computer/Office Chair

Are you tired of trying to squeeze into a tiny office chair? You won’t have that problem with this.


April 3, 2026 – Bestek 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter / Car Plug in Charger

Need to power one or two low-power 110V AC small appliances from your car’s accessory/cigarette lighter port? If so, you need this.


April 2, 2026 – Ytonet 15.6 inch TSA Laptop Sleeve / Case

Looking for an easy and convenient way to carry your laptop from place to place while you’re traveling? Well, here it is.


April 1, 2026 – Roku Ultra LT (2023) HD/4K/HDR Streaming Player

Cut the cable/satellite cord and save some cash by switching to streaming.


March 31, 2026 – Vanmass 2026 Ultimate Car Phone Mount

This mount will hold your phone in place even when traveling the roughest terrain.


March 30, 2026 – Gianteye 2K WiFI 6 Outdoor Light Bulb Camera (2 pack)

Don’t you wish installing a security camera was as easy as screwing in a light bulb? Well, with this little gem, it is!


March 29, 2026 – Firsting 4-in-1 Multi Charging Cable (5ft)

Do you sometimes go to charge one of your devices only to find out that you don’t have a cable that matches the device? Well, get one of these little gems and you’ll never have that problem again.


March 28, 2026 – RoamWiFi 5G WiFi 6 Mobile Hotspot

Want to take your own secure WiFi network along with you when you travel? With this little gem you’ll have Internet connectivity most anywhere you go as long as there’s a cell signal available.


March 26, 2026 – Philips New 24 inch Frameless Full HD 100Hz Monitor

Are you looking to replace an aging monitor on a strict budget, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks? If so, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.


March 25, 2026 – Qinlianf Outlet Extender and Surge Protector w/ 4 USB Charging Ports

I have featured this little gem many times and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

This thing is simply amazing. It basically converts a single 120V electrical outlet into a comprehensive, surge protected power distribution system.


March 24, 2026 – Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick w/ Remote

Do you love taking photos with your smartphone? If so, this will surely come in handy.


March 23, 2026 – CPR V5000 Call Blocker for Landline Phones

If you happen to still use a landline telephone you’re probably wishing there was an easy way to block unwanted callers. Well, there is. Simply connect this to your phone line and then press the big red button to instantly block a caller!


March 22, 2026 – Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch Laptop with A18 Pro chip

There’s finally a low-cost MacBook that competes directly with Windows laptops and most everyone who gets one ends up loving it.


March 21, 2026 – Western Digital WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

If you’re looking for an external drive that’s very dependable and spacious enough to hold several backups, this is an excellent choice.


March 19, 2026 – Battery Tender Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger & 1200 Amp Jump Starter Combo

Both summer highs and winter low temps are hard on a car battery. Keep yours topped off with this little gem. It will also jump-start your car to prevent you from being stranded due to a dead battery. Keep it in your trunk and you’ll always be prepared.


March 18, 2026 – Frameo 10.1″ Wood WiFi Digital Picture Frame w/ 32GB Memory

Digital picture frames are awesome because they let you display thousands of precious photos in a never-ending slideshow.

If you’re looking for a really good one but you don’t want to pay a small fortune for it, this is an excellent choice.


March 17, 2026 – Hyangin Triple Laptop Screen Extender

This is an easy way to add not one, but two additional screens to your laptop.


March 15, 2026 – TinyShield Wireless Baby Backseat Car Camera

Do you frequently turn around in your car to check on your baby or toddler in the back seat?

This will help you and your child stay safe by allowing you to check on them at any time with just a quick glance. You probably won’t need to turn your head at all.


March 14, 2026 – HeroSet Ergonomic Big & Tall 500lbs Computer/Office Desk Chair

Are you tired of wasting money on office chairs that fall apart within a year or two? If so, you might want to invest in one of these.


March 13, 2026 – Roku 55-Inch Select Series Smart TV

Want to cut the cord and switch to streaming while also upgrading to a newer and better TV? If so, this is a great option because you can do both with just one device.


March 12, 2026 – BELTTT 1000Watt 12V DC to 120V AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter

Connect this little gem to your car battery, a stand-alone LifePo4 battery or any other high capacity 12 volt battery and you’ll be able to run your 120V appliances (up to 1,000 watts) just as if you had plugged them into one of your home’s AC electrical outlets.


March 11, 2026 – Aceup Energy 4000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Generators sure come in handy when the power goes out for an extended period of time, but most of them are quite noisy. This one isn’t.

My next-door neighbor used one of these during our recent ice storm outage and I couldn’t even hear it running unless I happened to be outside.

Click here to check out the Aceup Energy 4000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator at Amazon.


March 10, 2026 – VTpower 5W USB LED Light Bulb w/ Cord and On/Off Switch

I have two of these and they sure came in handy after our recent ice storm knocked out the power grid for several days.

These little gems put out quite a bit of light considering they only sip a miniscule 5 watts of power. You can plug them into a power station like I did or connect them to most any other source of USB power that you might have available.


March 9, 2026 – Azmall Bluetooth Wireless Mouse

Do you wish you could use a wireless mouse with your smartphone or tablet?

Well, this one works perfectly with virtually any Bluetooth-equipped device, including mobile devices. Just pair it with your phone, tablet, Mac, Windows PC or Linux machine and you’ll be all set and ready to go!


March 8, 2026 – C98 Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo w/ Palm Rest

This is another excellent lighted keyboard that I recently discovered. It works amazingly well and so does the included mouse.

Note: As with most any backlit keyboard, this keyboard and mouse are both corded, not cordless.


March 7, 2026 – Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer

This is the printer I use in my home office every day, and I love it.


March 6, 2026 – MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for Apple Devices

Wireless chargers make it easy and convenient to charge your devices without having to bother with a nest of irritating cables. This little gem will charge three of your Apple devices at the same time.


March 5, 2026 – FS140 Whole House Surge Protector

Are you prepared for the upcoming storm season? This little gem will help protect everything in your house, including your appliances that can’t be plugged into a regular surge protector.


March 4, 2026 –  AI Smart Watch with Standalone GPS & Offline Maps

This is a great option if you’re looking for a really good, but affordable smart watch and GPS device.


March 3, 2026 – Goldenmate 1000VA/800W LifePo4 Pure Sine Wave UPS / Surge Protector

Modern UPS/battery backup devices are now starting to use advanced LifePo4 batteries, and this one provides superior Pure Sine Wave output as well. Highly recommended!


March 2, 2026 – AstroAI TRMS 6000 Digital Multimeter and Analyzer

I own (and use) several digital multimeters. This is one of my favorites for taking fast and accurate measurements. I really like the large, easy to see readout. It makes it easy to see the numbers at a quick glance.


March 1, 2026 – 34 in 1 Magnetic Ratchet Screwdriver Set

Don’t you hate it when you drop a screw and it goes rolling under something like your refrigerator (or even worse, your car)?

Or maybe you sometimes find it difficult to break a screw loose if it’s locked in real tight?

This nifty kit solves both of those problems.


February 28, 2026 – Maxi Clean Screen and Lens Cleaning Wipes

Many popular cleaning solutions can damage specially coated lenses and screens. You can safely and quickly clean yours with these.


February 27, 2026 – Rainsmore Waterproof Vintage Canvas Computer Shoulder Bag

Do you do frequently travel with a laptop? If so, you could probably use this.


February 26, 2026 – Novsight 6250 Amp Jump Starter w/ Air Compressor

Don’t get stuck at home with a dead battery.

This little gem will jump start your car multiple times on a single charge. It will also inflate your tires when you need to top off the air in them.

Every vehicle needs one of these tucked away in the trunk.


February 25, 2026 – Monai AI-Powered Baby Monitor w/ Wake & Cry Alerts / Potential Risks Alert

This little gem will let you keep a close eye on your baby while it’s sleeping in another room. It will even alert you via your phone if your baby’s face ends up getting covered. And of course it will let you know when he/she wakes up or starts crying.


February 24, 2026 – Large Print Backlit Computer Keyboard

Do you have difficulty seeing the letters on your PC’s keyboard?

Or perhaps you’re a “hunt-and-peck” typist who often uses your computer in a darkened room?

Either way, this gem of a keyboard can really help.


February 23, 2026 – Scosche FoundIT 32W Multi-Port Car Charger w/built-in Locator

There are plenty of great car chargers on the market these days, but this little gem will tell your smartphone where your parked car is located.

If your car is ever stolen you can track its location with your phone. It’s also a great way to keep tabs on a teen driver. To an unsuspecting driver it just looks like a normal charger.


February 22, 2026 – Coiwai Adjustable Lap Desk w/ Cushion

This can really come in handy when you have to use your laptop in places where there is no table or desk to rest it on. And it will REALLY come in handy if you use a mouse with your laptop.


February 20, 2026 – Gskyer 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope

Are you fascinated by the night sky? This super-functional entry-level telescope will let you see the moon, the constellations and several planets with your very own eyes.

This is a great way for kids and beginner adults to get started in astronomy with a decent telescope without having to spend a fortune.


February 19, 2026 – Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip

This is one of the best deals going right now for a 15 inch MacBook.


February 18, 2026 – Todamu Mini Camera Drone w/ Dual Batteries

Have you been wanting to try your hand at drone photography and videography without spending a fortune to get started? If so, you’ll love this.


February 17, 2026 – Idison 3-in-1 USB Multi Charging Cable (2-Pack)

Don’t you hate having to carry along a separate charging cable for every device you own? Well, this little gem will work virtually all of them.


February 15, 2026 – SentrySafe Black Fireproof Safe with Digital Push Button Keypad

This will do a great job at protecting your valuables, your computer backup drive and your important papers from loss or theft. While no home safe is perfect, this is one of the best you’ll find for the money. If it’s important, it needs to be protected.


February 14, 2026 – Skylight WiFi 10 inch Digital Picture Frame

This is the perfect way to display ALL of your favorite photos as a slideshow.


February 13, 2026 – Magsafe Magnetic 26800mAh 20W Wireless Portable Charger/Power Bank

Looking for a really good wireless charger for your iPhone? This one is good for multiple charges, either wirelessly or via USB –  whichever method your device(s) supports. And by the way, it works with most Android devices that support wireless charging as well.


February 12, 2026 – MotoPower MP69040 Car OBD2 Scanner

Wouldn’t it be nice to know what’s causing your vehicle’s “Check Engine” light to glow before you take your car in for repairs?

This little gem will tell you (or at least give you a rough idea).


February 11, 2026 – Gtplayer 73″ L Shaped Gaming / Computer Desk with Power Outlets & LED Lights

This desk is the perfect size and layout for most any room. It’s plenty spacious for the things that need to go on it, yet it’s unobtrusive in a small room. The bonus power outlets and LED lights are a real plus.


February 10, 2026 – Zobirez 750W 10-Port Fast Charging Station for Multiple Devices

Do you have several devices that frequently need to be charged at the same time?

This little gem will charge pretty much every device you have. And it will charge up to 10 of them at the same time.


February 9, 2026 – Hyangin Triple Laptop Screen Extender

Do you wish there was a simple way to give your laptop a lot more screen space? Well, you can almost triple it with this!


February 8, 2026 – Alton Mobility Kano Foldable Travel Size Electric Wheelchair

Do you (or someone you love) have difficulty walking? This electric wheelchair can help. It only weighs 35 pounds and it folds up, making it convenient to take along on trips to the grocery store, to church or even on vacations.


February 7, 2026 – Wolfbox MF200 Compressed Air Duster w, Removable Battery & 4 Nozzles

You probably know how important it is to keep the dust and debris blown out of your sensitive electronic devices. You probably also know how expensive cans of compressed air are these days.

This little gem provides a virtually endless supply of powerful forced air, saving you lots of money in the long run.


February 6, 2026 – Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer

I’ve been using Brother laser printers for years and I recommend them every chance I get. This one is my go-to office printer and I love it.

If you need a very dependable and laser printer and you only need to print in black-and-white, I don’t believe you can go wrong with it.


February 5, 2026 – Sabrent USB 3.0 to SATA External Hard Drive Enclosure

This is a great way to convert virtually and 2.5″ or 3.5″ bare hard drive or SSD into an external USB drive. It makes recovering photos and files from a broken PC very easy.


February 4, 2026 – WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

This is a great drive for storing your precious family photos, your important files and/or your computer backups.


February 3, 2026 – Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15″ Laptop w/ M4 chip

In my humble opinion this is one of the best deals going for a 15″ MacBook.


February 1, 2026 – Aneng Pen Type Digital Multimeter AC/DC Voltage Tester

If you’ve ever tried to use a multimeter while juggling both probes along with the meter itself, you’ll love this little gem.

The positive probe IS the meter, making it very easy to take your measurements and read the meter without having to juggle three items in your two hands.

I love mine and I believe you’ll love it too.


January 31, 2026 – Osoeri Bird Feeder with Camera

Do you (or someone you love) enjoy watching birds dine at a bird feeder? If so, this will add an entirely new dimension to that experience.


January 29, 2026 – Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+Android Tablet

If you’re looking for a really good Android tablet this is one of my favorites. I love the huge screen and snappy performance.


January 28, 2026 – APC 600VA UPS/Battery Backup & Surge Protector

I’ve had three of these gems protecting and powering my computers for over two years and they’re still working like champs. Highly recommended!


January 26, 2026 – TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System

Are poor WiFi connectivity and dead spots driving you up the wall?

Replace your old router with this three-node Deco X55 mesh Wi-Fi system and eliminate those headaches for good.

I’ve been using a previous generation of these for over two years, and I love it.


January 25, 2026 – Anker Soundcore P20i True Wireless Earbuds

I’ve used expensive earbuds, cheap earbuds, and several others that fall somewhere in between. I’ve never used a pair that I like better than these. The sound quality is excellent and they feel really comfortable in my ears.

If you’re looking for a good set of earbuds but you don’t want to spend a fortune on them, give these little gems a try.


January 24 – 2026 – Skylight 10 inch WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Do you have tons of cherished photos on your phone or computer? This little gem will display thousands of them as a slideshow right alongside your regular printed photos.


January 23 – 2026 – Ecoflow Delta 3 Max 2048Wh Portable Power Station

Looking for a convenient way to keep your computer, TV, CPAP machine and other essential gear powered up during power outages? It just doesn’t get any more convenient (or any simpler) than this.


January 22, 2026 – Acer KB272-27 – 27″ FHD IPS Monitor

Looking to add a second screen to your laptop? Or replace you want to upgrade an older or smaller monitor to a larger 27″ screen.

Amazon has sold thousands of these and the user reviews are a good indication of why this one is so popular.


January 21, 2026 – Kasa HS103P4 Smart Outlet Plug (4-pack)

These little gems will let you turn your small appliances on or off from virtually anywhere using your smartphone. These things truly have a million and one uses.

For example, did you forget to turn the coffee pot off before you left for work this morning? If it’s plugged into one of these you can turn it off remotely using your phone.

Or perhaps you hate returning home to a dark house. With this you can turn on a lamp in your living room before you even get out of your car.


January 20, 2026 – MaxRenard USB 3.0 to SATA/IDE Hard Drive / SSD Adapter

This little gem will let you connect virtually any hard drive or 2.5″ SATA SSD to your computer as an external USB drive.

This is a great tool for retrieving the files from a drive that was removed from an older or non-working computer.

 


Q&A: Why do Windows PCs slow down over time?

Posted on April 5, 2026

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Question from Michael:  I’ve noticed that every Windows computer I’ve ever owned runs lightning fast when I first take it out of the box, but before long they always seem to start slowing down.

Why do they do that? Do the parts just wear out or what?

Is there anything that can be done to reverse the slowdown and get the PC running like new again?  [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I replace a 3 year old SSD just to be safe?

Posted on April 1, 2026

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Sign up for my daily Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter!


Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Kendra:  Hi, Rick. I really love your blog, especially the section where you answer questions from your readers.

If you don’t mind I’d like to ask a question of my own.

Back in March of 2023 the tech guy I used at the time installed a Crucial 500GB SSD in my Acer laptop and it really made it run a lot faster.  [Read more…]

Computer gear and tech gadgets I recommend

Note: All the links in this page are affiliate links.

I’m frequently asked to recommend a specific tech item that I trust and feel comfortable recommending to others.

Since I receive so many of these requests I thought it might be a good idea to create a page featuring the products I recommend most often.

Note 1:  If you click on a product link and find that the item is sold out, please let me know so I can update it. Thanks a bunch!

Note 2:  Amazon’s user reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to choosing the best item in its category, but only if you know how to properly evaluate the reviews. I strongly recommend that you read this before making a buying decision based upon competing reviews.

 

Windows laptops

Budget Windows laptop – Lenovo V15 Business Laptop

This laptop is very affordable, yet well suited for typical home/student/Internet use.

It comes with Windows 11 Pro instead of Windows 11 in S mode (that’s a huge plus). It also comes with a 15.6″ screen, which is larger than the screens you’ll find on many budget laptops.

Midrange Windows laptop – Dell Inspiron 3530 15’6″ Laptop

This nice Dell is for those who need a little more horsepower than you typically find in a budget laptop, but in a machine that won’t break the bank.

It has a great combination of RAM and fast SSD storage to go along with its very capable Intel i5 CPU. I believe it’s a really good deal for the money.

High-End Windows laptop – ASUS Vivobook 16 Laptop

If you’re looking for a machine with speed and power to spare, this could well be the best value you’ll find in its price range.

Its ultrafast AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 Processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM and spacious 1TB SSD and other advanced features make this a fantastic choice for a less-than $1,000 laptop.

Gaming laptop – ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop

This quickly became my favorite gaming laptop after it was introduced – and it still is.

ASUS ROG machines are quite popular with gamers thanks to their reputation for high quality and power at a very reasonable price. This particular model is fantastic.

 

Windows desktop PCs

Budget Windows desktop – GMKtec M3 Mini Desktop Computer

This is an excellent machine for everyday Internet, social media, home and business use.

Mid/High range Windows desktop – GMKtec M5 Plus Gaming Mini PC

If you’re looking for a good, but very affordable desktop PC that’s capable of most any typical home computing task, this is it.

This little gem is about the size of a brick, but it has about as much processing power, RAM and SSD storage capacity as some mid-range laptops.

Mid/High range Windows desktop – Geekom A8 Max AI Mini PC

This tiny PC is roughly the same size as the brick-sized GMKtec machine above, but it’s packed with tons of computing power.

If you want a desktop PC that doesn’t take up a lot of desk space but is absolutely packed with computing power, storage and general awesomeness, this is the one.

 

MacBooks

Budget MacBook – Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip

This laptop is perfect for students or most anyone else who wants to move into the Apple world without spending a ton of cash.

It comes with all the usual advantages found in Apple products and it’s quite fast when performing most every tasks.

Midrange MacBook – Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip

This machine fits into what I consider to be sweet spot when it comes to Apple MacBook laptops, providing a great balance between price and performance.

High-End MacBook – Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro chip

High performance rules the day with this high-end MacBook Pro. This is a top-seller for Apple, for good reason.

 

Mac Desktop Computers

Budget Mac desktop – Apple 2024 24-inch iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 chip / 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU

Like it’s MacBook Air cousin, this popular iMac is an excellent machine for anyone wanting to move to the Mac world.

It’s compact all-in-one design is a real space saver, and it packs plenty of punch for the price.

High-End Mac desktop – Apple 2024 24-inch iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 chip / 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU

If you’re looking for top performance in a desktop Mac, you can’t go wrong with this gem.

 

Chromebooks

ASUS 15.6″ Chromebook CX15 Laptop

I believe this is the best Chromebook deal going at the moment and it’s the only one I’m currently recommending.

 

Apple tablets (iPads)

Budget iPad – Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip

This little gem is still an excellent value for the money!

Mid-range iPad – Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip

More power and speed. Well worth the upgrade.

High-end iPad – Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4)

If you’re looking for a tablet that rivals the power of a laptop, this one is fairly close.

 

Android tablets

Budget Android tablet – Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus 11”

I’ve used more expensive Android tablets but I really like this one for an everyday tablet.

Mid-range Android tablet – Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE AI 10.9″

If you need something a bit faster and more responsive, this is a great choice.

High-end Android tablet – N/A

I don’t have a recommendation for this because I really can’t justify the extra expense for an Android tablet that costs more than $500.

 

Computer monitors

Budget monitor – Philips 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor

One of my most frequent recommendation requests is for a really cheap monitor that’s still dependable and gets the job done. This is it.

Large screen monitor – ViewSonic VA3209M 32 Inch IPS Full HD 1080p Monitor

This is my primary work monitor. I love it!

Gaming monitor – ASUS TUF 32″ 1440P HDR Curved Gaming Monitor

This is one of the best-selling gaming monitors on Amazon. Try it for 15 minutes and you’ll find out why.

 

Laser printers

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer

I have used Brother printers for years, with great success. This is the laser printer that one I use on a daily basis and I love it.


Inkjet printers

Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer

Again, I have to go with Brother… This is a really good one.

 

External Hard Drives & SSDs

External USB Hard Drive – WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

This could well be the best value for a reliable backup storage drive, period.

External USB Solid State Drive (SSD) – SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD

I believe this is the best deal going right now for a really good, and really fast external SSD.

 

Battery Backup / UPS

APC BE600M1 600VA/330 Watts UPS/Battery Backup and Surge Protector

I have had three of the units protecting my work computers and TV for quite some time. They work flawlessly.

 

Mesh WiFi Systems

Budget mesh WiFi system – TP-Link Deco S4 Deco Mesh AC1900 WiFi System

Unlike a typical WiFi extender, this three-node mesh system provides much better coverage even though it’s very close in price to what you would pay for a quality extender.

Midrange mesh WiFi system – Amazon eero 6+ mesh wifi system

This system supports Gigabit speeds and great coverage, without the premium price tag.

Premium mesh WiFi system – Amazon eero Pro 7

This kit features the latest WiFi 7 technology with support for up to 5 Gbps speeds and expanded coverage (up to 6,000 sq. ft.).

 

Solar Generators

ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA 2 Max 2048Wh with 2x220W Solar Panel

This system provides reliable backup power for extended power outages (or when you’re camping). It will keep your CPAP machine, your refrigerator and your other essential gear powered up any time you don’t have available grid power.

 

Solar Portable Battery Banks

GOODaaa 42800mAh Portable Charger 4 Built-in Cables

If you only need to keep your phone and other small gadgets powered up during power outages or when you’re on the go, you don’t really need a full-blown solar generator. This little gem is all you really need.

 

Digital Picture Frames

Skylight WiFi 1- Inch Digital Picture Frame

This is probably the easiest digital picture frame to use, period. And it works like a champ.

 

Wireless Home Weather Stations

Sainlogic SA9 Plus Smart WiFi Weather Station

This little gem will keep you updated right to the very second with what’s going on weatherwise in your very own neighborhood (indeed, in your very own back yard).

 

Surge Protectors

Qinlianf 5 Outlet Extender & Surge Protector with 4 USB Charging Ports

This thing is simply amazing. Plug it into any existing 120V electrical outlet and you’ll have the equivalent of a 5 outlet surge protector and 4 USB charging ports in one very compact unit. I have three of them and I absolutely love them.

FS140 Whole House Surge Protector

This will protect everything in your entire home from power surges and lightning strikes., including your major appliances that cannot be plugged into a standard surge protector.

 


5 simple ways to clean up your messy cloud storage

Posted on February 20, 2026

As businesses grow, data naturally accumulates. But when that accumulation turns into “data sprawl,” it stops being an asset and starts becoming a liability. You aren’t just paying for storage you need; you are paying to store redundant, obsolete, and trivial data that no one has touched in years.

This isn’t just a housekeeping issue—it is a significant financial drain. According to Security Magazine, most organizations are spending 30% or more of their IT budget on data storage. That is nearly a third of your resources tied up in maintaining digital clutter rather than driving innovation.

Cleaning up your cloud environment is about more than just tidying up folders. It is about recovering your budget, securing your infrastructure, and turning your storage into a streamlined, strategic asset.  

[Read more…]

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– Ad –
 
Frameo 10.1″ Wood WiFi Digital Picture Frame w/ 32GB Memory

Digital picture frames are awesome because they let you display thousands of precious photos in a never-ending slideshow.

If you’re looking for a really good one but you don’t want to pay a small fortune for it, this is an excellent choice.

Click here to check it out at Amazon.




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