As a passionate technology enthusiast, I've experimented with a variety of gadgets, but there are five particular items that I believe have profoundly impacted my life. This post is dedicated to sharing my personal experiences with these devices and how they have influenced my daily routine.

Here are five technology products that have significantly changed my life, listed in no specific order:

1. My 6th Generation iPad

The 6th generation iPad was pivotal for me, aiding not just in my academic journey but also allowing me to transition to a paperless lifestyle. Interestingly, this wasn’t my first tablet; I previously owned a 1st generation iPad Mini that I acquired second-hand. However, I opted for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 as a replacement, which was excellent but lacked the iOS experience I missed. Eventually, I returned to Apple with the 6th generation iPad.

Accompanying my iPad, I invested in the 1st generation Apple Pencil and a Logitech keyboard case, which transformed it into a powerful tool for research and handwritten notes. The convenience of having all my materials in one location, accessible via iCloud from any device, was a game-changer. I no longer needed to lug around textbooks or stationery, as everything was digitized on my iPad, and I could annotate documents with the Apple Pencil.

Today, the iPad remains central to my productivity, though I have since upgraded to the 2020 11” iPad Pro.

2. Sony WH-H900N Active Noise Canceling Headphones

Once you experience a quality pair of active noise-canceling headphones, it's challenging to go back. The Sony WH-H900N was my first decent set and remains exceptional even after five years. These headphones are invaluable, especially for a hybrid worker like me, who travels by train and needs to focus amidst noise.

While I now use Google Pixel Buds Pro for daily activities and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 for work, the Sony headphones set the standard for sound quality and comfort.

3. Apple Watch Series 1

The Apple Watch Series 1 was a significant upgrade from my previous smartwatches, including the Sony SM 2 and Smartwatch 3. This model, paired with my iPhone 6, allowed me to integrate seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, igniting my passion for their products. The Apple Watch offered a superior app experience compared to my earlier devices.

Since then, I have owned several Apple Watches and currently use a combination of Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Google Pixel Watch. While Android smartwatches have improved, I still find the Apple Watch experience more satisfying due to broader app support.

4. Apple iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 marked my deeper journey into the Apple ecosystem, following my experience with the less satisfactory iPhone 5C. The iPhone 6’s 32 GB of storage was a significant upgrade and, more importantly, the interface felt intuitive and cohesive compared to Android devices. This phone led me to invest in various Apple products, including an Apple Watch and AirPods.

5. Building My First PC

My journey with computers began with a second-hand Windows 95 machine, but the transformative moment came when I built my first PC eight years ago. This experience sparked my interest in IT and hardware tinkering, enhancing my technical knowledge. The thrill of powering on a computer I assembled myself was unforgettable.

That first custom-built PC featured a 4th Generation Intel i5 CPU and an ASUS GTX 720 Ti graphics card, and it lasted five years before I built another. I’m currently on my third custom system and am contemplating an upgrade to an M2 Mac Mini.

Summary The five gadgets discussed here have undeniably shaped my life. Of them all, building my first computer was the most transformative, as it laid the groundwork for my IT career. Without that pivotal moment, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What three tech items have made a difference in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Originally published at https://techwithdom.com on February 26, 2023.