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Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I handle and review a bewildering array of gadgets throughout the year, from cables to satellite communicators. However, I feel that the real test for any product is whether it can make the shift from something I reviewed into something that I use long-term.
That is what this list represents -- gadgets that transitioned from mere review assignments to become essential parts of my kit. These are the things that live in my pocket or laptop bag, or accompany me on my travels, both on-grid and completely off-grid.
Also: The best drones you can buy: Expert tested
One caveat here is that I've deliberately left out any and all Apple gadgets for the simple reason that the top slots of my list would consist of my iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook Pro, AirPods Pro, and all the AirTags that prevent me from losing my belongings. I want this list to move beyond Apple!
So, without any further ado, and in no particular order, here are my top 7 gadgets of 2024, along with a bonus "gadget" that is constantly in a state of flux but is also irreplaceable.
1. Klarus K5 waterproof power bank
Klarus K5
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I've lost quite a few power banks to water damage, either because of accidental exposure or because I used them as an external power source for an action camera. I've been looking for a waterproof power bank for years, and I've finally found one that can survive the rigors of living with me.
Read the review: My favorite power bank for traveling is waterproof and surprisingly lightweight
The Klarus K5 is a small, thin, incredibly light power bank clad in carbon fiber and designed to shrug off water. And, bottom line, it does what it says it does on the box.
2. DJI Mini 4 Pro drone
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I have a number of drones in my fleet, but the one that I find myself turning to more often than not is my sub-250g DJI Mini 4 Pro. It ticks so many boxes -- highly portable, easy to fly, great photo and video output, and doesn't draw too much government scrutiny in most countries.
Read the review: DJI Mini 4 Pro hands-on: What a time to be alive
I've flown hundreds of hours with my Mini 4 Pro, and while it isn't as impressive as the Mavic 3 Pro or as tiny as the Neo, for me, it's as close to perfect as a drone can get.
3. Rolling Square's InCharge XS 4-in-1 keychain charge cable
Rolling Square InCharge XS
Rolling Square
Whether to charge a device or to transfer some data, I'm always in need of a cable. The problem is, it's not convenient to carry rolls of them in my pockets. This is why I have turned to a keychain cable. And when it comes to multi-purpose keychain cables, no one makes a better cable than Rolling Square.
Read the review: This clever 4-in-1 keychain charger has made traveling with devices much easier for me
After months of being carried about, crushed in my pocket or bag, accidentally trodden on, and put through the laundry, my Rolling Square InCharge XS is still going strong.
4. Bluetti AC60P
The Bluetti AC60P
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I spend a fair bit of time every year off-grid, but I still need power to charge my laptops, drones, and cameras. Power stations have become a must-have for me, but until recently, these did not enjoy being exposed to the worst Mother Nature could dish out.
Until recently. The Bluetti AC60P is one of the first to be given the IP65 badge of honor.
Read the review: The most durable power station I've tested dares Mother Nature to do her worst
Come rain, snow, or even a dust storm, my adventures didn't have to end. I've had my AC60P out in absolutely horrible weather, and it's still working like new.
5. InfiRay P2 Pro
InfiRay P2 Pro
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
A thermal camera has become a go-to tool in my repair toolbox. I use it to find overheating electrical components (faulty components usually run hotter) and diagnose automotive problems. Saying that they're worth their weight in gold is an understatement when you consider that my favorite -- the InfiRay P2 Pro -- weighs in at only 9 grams!
Read the review: This tiny accessory gives your phone thermal vision superpowers
I like this one in particular because it has a macro lens that allows me to get in really close to circuit boards and components to take a thorough look at things, which is a must when dealing with densely packed electronic components.
6. Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3.0
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Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I hate carrying around data on unencrypted flash drives, so I've adopted something that James Bond would be proud of -- an encrypted flash drive with a built-in keypad.
Read the review:This flash drive will self-destruct (if you want it to)
The Aegis Secure Key 3.0 is as secure as they get: It offers cutting-edge hardware encryption and will even wipe the data automatically should someone try to access it without the correct passcode.
7. 240W magnetic breakaway USB-C connectors
The magnetic breakaway USB-C connector is perfect for laptops, smartphones, power banks, and anywhere where you might damage the fragile USB-C connector.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
How many times have you tripped over a cable and almost sent your laptop tumbling to the ground? If you're anything like me, a lot! If you have devices without a safety feature like Apple's MagSafe, these are a must-have for you -- 240W magnetic breakaway USB-C connectors.
Read the review: This tiny USB-C accessory has a game-changing magnetic feature
These connectors are fully rated for power transfer up to 240W, data transfer up to 40Gb/s, and video output to 8K@60Hz.
Bonus: My keychain essentials
A selection of tools on a keychain
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
From flashlight to bottle opener to multitool, I carry a lot of bits and bobs on my keychain. And to let you in on a little secret, these are the tools I use the most.
I've made my keychain quite bulky, and the items are always in a state of flux as I find and test something new, but you can make yours as big or as subtle as you want!
Read the review: 10 tiny tools I always keep on my keychain - and how they each make my life easier
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