Apple, Apricorn, KeySmart, Rolling Square, and YubiKey.
I get to handle and review a lot of gadgets over the course of a year. Some good (this is the stuff you get to read about), a lot of it entirely forgettable (you don’t get to hear about this).
But many people are curious about the tech that I use and find invaluable in my day-to-day life.
I’m leaving my iPhone 14 Pro Max and my Apple Watch Ultra out of this list. While these are my most-used bits of tech by far, they’re rather dull.
So, this is the other stuff that I use. Most of what I’m listing here is platform-agnostic, but if anything is specifically Apple-centered, I’ll offer an alternative.
Also: These are my 5 must-have devices for work travel now
So, let me empty out my pockets and take you on a quick tour of the gadgets that have been the most useful to me in 2022.
YubiKey 5 NFC
YubiKey
If you’re not using hardware two-factor authentication (also known as multi-factor authentication or two-step verification), then you should. This combined USB-A and NFC security key replaces getting sent SMS messages by online services to authenticate that you, are indeed, you.
I keep a USB-A to USB-C adapter handy, so I can attach this to more modern devices. Since it has both USB-C and NFC, the key works with a whole host of devices, from iPhone to Android, to Windows and Mac systems.
Also: Using the wrong USB-C cable can damage your tech
This key can be used for hundreds of online services, from Facebook, Google, and Twitter to more specific services, such as Coinbase, Salesforce, and Login.gov. Your YubiKey can also be used to secure password storage services such as Bitwarden, Password Safe, and LastPass.
Highly recommended.
Apple AirTags
Apple
I have these on everything — on my keys, my luggage, my laptop bag, my e-bike, and even my car.
They take all the stress out of misplacing …….