Julie’s favorite gear

Updated on 03/28/23

Hello friends, here’s my ever-evolving listing of the gear (and other favorite things) that I use on a daily basis. The category lists are in no particular order. I also try to post regular gadget diary posts and EDC updates where I talk about the gadgets I’m using and the adventures I’m having on any particular day.

Smartphone and related accessories:

• iPhone 13 Pro Max – Right now I have the iPhone 13 Pro Max. I didn’t upgrade to the 14 Pro Max because it just didn’t feel like a worthy update. I use the iPhone for all my review product photography and until very recently, I have been using it for my YouTube Gadgeteer Podcasts too.
• Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 – I love Pitaka’s products and this case is a must-have for my super slippy iPhone. It’s not bulky and the matte texture adds just the right amount of grip.
• Apple Watch Series 6 – Yes, I’m even wearing an Apple Watch these days and am enjoying it quite a bit. I started wearing the Apple Watch that was included with the Delta Trainer service that I reviewed earlier this year and then when the series 6 watches came out, I bought one mainly for the always-on display. I am really surprised by how much I love this watch!
• Moshi 3-in-1 Universal USB Cable – Since switching to the iPhone from Android, I have been using this braided cable. I like it because it easily transforms from micro USB to USB-C to Lightning.

Computers and accessories:

• TMobile Home Internet – After paying almost $400/mo. for over 10yrs, I finally found an alternative broadband solution with TMobile Home Internet. I’ve now been using this wireless internet router for over a year now and it’s great. For only $50/mo. I have unlimited internet. I get around 30mbps which might not sound crazy fast, but compared to the T1’s 1.5mbps, it’s a screecher! I can surf and stream, so I’ve been beyond happy.
• Apple 13″ MacBook Pro M1 (2020) – I finally replaced my little 12″ MacBook with a brand new Apple silicon 13in MacBook Pro and love it. It’s so much faster than my previous laptop that I feel like I’m flying when I work and the battery life is amazing. Zero buyer’s regret.
• Logitech MX Mechanical Mini keyboard – I’ve embarked on a quest to find the perfect mechanical keyboard to use with my 13″ MacBook Pro. I’ve tried several so far, but I’ve moved back to this one due to the footprint and look.
• Logitech MX Master 3S – I am a diehard MX Master mouse fan and so far, I’ve yet to find a wireless mouse that I prefer. I will say that I wish I had the dark version of this mouse instead of the white version. I’ve not had this one that long and it’s already starting to show some discoloration in the thumb rest area.
• iPad Pro 11in (2022) – I sold the 2021 version of this tablet and then turned around and bought the 2022 version. It was a mistake because the updates/improvements were minimal. That said, I’m now actually using my iPad on a daily basis. I’ve been using it to read comics AND draw comics which is really a blast. For more about that, check out this episode of my Gadgeteer Video Podcast where I talk about comics and using the iPad.
• PITAKA PitaFlow MagEZ Charging Stand – I like this stand because it can wirelessly charge my iPad Pro when it’s in the Pitaka case and it also has a 2nd wireless charger in the base that can charge my iPhone or Airpods.

Other office equipment:

• • Dell Ultrasharp curved 49in monitor –  This was one of my recent work-from-home upgrades. I had been using two BenQ monitors, one for my MacBook Pro and one for my Cummins day job Dell laptop. I decided to simply with this crazy huge monitor that can display both computers in side-by-side windows. It’s pretty awesome!
  • Brother HL-3170CDW laser printer – This is my first laser printer and so far I’m very happy with it. The print quality / speed are both excellent.
  • Yeslamp Evo lamp – I put this lamp in my upstairs craft room and it’s perfect for that task. I also like that it has a built-in clock so I don’t lose track of time while I’m working on my leathercraft projects [NEW]
  • I recently updated my office – Check out the drama that I had with this three-part video series. Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. [NEW]

Photography gear:

• Sony ZV-E10 mirrorless camera – I bought this camera as a Christmas present for myself. Since I started my Gadgeteer Video Podcast series, I found that I wanted a little better video quality than what the iPhone could do and it is more convenient to have a dedicated camera, so I splurged on this one. So far, I really like it. Check out episodes 1-11 of my podcast and compare it to episode 12 to let me know if you can see an improvement.

• Manfrotto tripod (not pictured) – I’m not sure if they still sell the one I have, but I’ve been happy with Manfrotto products.
• SHOTBOX portable photography light box – This light box is GREAT. I love it and all the backdrops make my review images look excellent.
• MeFoto Sidekick360 Smartphone Tripod Adapter – I bought this tripod because I like to use my phone to record video clips demonstrating things for reviews. This small holder works great with my Manfrotto tripod and holds my phone securely.
• MeFoto Backpacker Air tripod – I really like this tripod because it comes with everything I need to use for my smartphone. It can even be converted into a selfie stick.
• Joby Wavo Plus Microphone – I had been using the Joby Wavo and have updated to the Plus! I use this microphone with the Sony ZV-E10 and even my iPhone for my video podcast episodes. [NEW]

Audio / video / home theater gear:

• Samsung QN85 TV – I recently upgraded from the VIZIO V705x-H1 4K HDR Smart TV which was having all sorts of weird input problems. I can’t believe how great the Samsung is. The picture is AMAZING and so much better than the Vizio! It was expensive but I have zero buyer’s remorse.
• ClearStream 2MAX antenna – After I cut the cord with DirecTV in January, I installed this antenna to bring in local stations for weather and news info. It works great.
• Apple TV 4K – As a recent cord cutter, the Apple TV is a must-have for me. We have been streaming using apps like Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, ParamountTV, Philo, and Amazon Prime video.
• Apple AirPods Pro earbuds – These are my first Apple AirPods and I am really loving them. They aren’t the most comfortable earbuds that I’ve used, but the noise-canceling feature and the fact that they pair perfectly with my iPhone and MacBook Pro make them so convenient to use.

Car gear:

• VicTsing Portable USB Bluetooth Audio Music Streaming Receiver Adapter – I am using this adapter to stream audio from my LG G3 to my MINI Cooper stereo. It works great and doesn’t require a 12V power adapter. I can plug it into the USB port in my car.
• 70mai Dash Cam Omni dash cam – This dashcam has all the bells and whistles but it’s kind of bulky and conspicuous. I’ll probably be switching at some point this year.

Health gadgets and gear

• Withings Sleep tracking mat – I’ve tried several sleep tracking devices and this one is the easiest and most comfortable because you don’t have to wear it or even charge it. It fits under your mattress to automatically track your sleep patterns.
• FreeStyle Libre CGM – I’ve been a pre-diabetic since 2004. I don’t take any medications for it and just use the Keto diet, regular exercise, and the FreeStyle Libre wearable glucose sensor. I am 100% sure that this sensor has helped me go from a 5.9 A1C to a 5.4.

Miscellaneous gear:

• Midori 5th Anniversary TRAVELER’s Notebook – I reviewed this cover back in 2011 but didn’t continue to use it. Now over 10 years later, I’m using it again and loving it.
• Pilot Juice Up 0.4 gel pens – These are my latest favorite inexpensive gel ink pens. I use the black ones to write and draw in my journal every day.
• Denik pocket notebooks – I really love these 3.5 x 5 inch pocket notebooks. The paper is bright white, and is available in dot grid (my favorite) and the Pilot Juice Up pens and other gel pen ink pops on the page.
• Polaroid Hi-Print photo printer – I’m using this portable printer to print peel and stick pics for my journal. I like to take it with me when I travel to help me remember my adventures. The photo paper/stickers are more expensive than the HP Sprocket portable photo printer I was using before (and gave to my sister), but the quality is noticeably better!

Flashlights and other EDC tools:

• Olight Warrior Mini Seasons flashlight – I was previously using an Olight S2R Baton flashlight and just recently switched over to this new one which I am enjoying because it has 2 switches. one in the tail and one on the grip. I also like that it’s rechargeable.
• Gerber MP800 multi-tool – I reviewed this multi-tool back in 2003 and am still using it! I love it because it has spring-loaded pliers and easy to extend Philips screwdriver. Those are the 2 most used tools.

Gear bags, pouches, cases, wallets, and other items of holding:

• Bolstr Small Carry 3.0 shoulder bag – This is the small shoulder bag that I like to use when I need more than the Bolstr Aux Pocket can hold.
• Bolstr Aux Pocket – I like this super minimal shoulder bag because it doesn’t get in the way while holding my bare essentials. It’s great for use while on vacation.
• Pakt One Carry On Travel bag – My travel bag for road trips.
• Open Sea Leather Topsider Mini wallet – I still like the AKEENi XSTO wallet (below), but I’ve switched to the Open Sea Leather wallet for now because I want to see how it wears (patinas) with time.
• AKEENi XSTO wallet – This is my new favorite minimalist wallet because it’s small, lightweight, and it’s easy to remove and reinsert cards. It also can hold several folded bills under the cards.

Outdoor gear:

• OROS Discovery Jacket – I like this jacket because it’s comfortable and has a special lining that keeps you warm while still remaining lightweight.
• Mujjo Touchscreen Gloves – I just upgraded to their 2018 gloves and love them because they are lightweight but still keep my hands warm while letting me interact with my phone.
• RoboReel Power Cord System – Power driven retractable extension cord holder.
• Litheli 40V leaf blower – I love this thing. It seems to hold a charge forever.

Home and kitchen:

• Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum – I used Neato Botvacs for years until I started reviewing Roborock vacs. Now I’m switching over to Roborocks because they work better. I use this one on my main floor which is all laminate. I like that it keeps the floors clean and clear of dust without any effort from me
• Roborock S7 Max robot vacuum – I use this one in my basement and like the other Roborock, I am currently running the cleaning sessions manually because I’m home and it gives me something to do 😉
• Nutr nut milk machine – I was using the ChefWave Milkmade which is great, but I like the Nutr because it takes up way less counter space in my kitchen. It can quickly and easily make almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and more with absolutely no mess and only the ingredients that I want in it.
• Snap Power SnapRays Guidelight – I have one of these outlet covers in my kitchen and one in the bathroom which provides just enough light to see to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night without having to turn on the ceiling light.
• SnapPower ConnectLight – I like these motion detection lights because they are incredibly easy to install and they are connected without using Bluetooth or WiFi. They are great for lighting a path to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
• Greentech PureAir air purifier – I really liked this air purifier because it’s quiet and small.

My most used apps:

• Marco Polo – I’ve been using this app every single day to video chat with my sister and niece. It’s an awesome way to stay in touch.
• Gmail – Duh!
• Amazon Prime Music – I’ve gotten tired of the ads on Spotify, so I’ve been using Amazon a lot more to listen to music.
• Netflix – I mainly use Netflix built into my smart TV, but every so often I watch some content on my phone.
• Google Keep – Great little basic note and list making app that syncs across devices and allows for real-time collaboration. Jeanne and I use to collaborate on grocery lists.
• Bitwarden Password Manager – I ditched LastPass because they suck at security and switched to Bitwarden. So far so good.
• OpenSignal – 4G and WiFi signal finder and speed test app.
• Google Play Books – This is the app that I use to read all my eBooks.
• Libby – I use Libby to check out eBooks and audiobooks from my local library.