My Everyday Tech Carry – June 2024
Should I make any changes?
It’s been a while since I last shared my everyday tech, and there’s a lot to talk about.
For starters, I’ve decided to return to the Apple ecosystem, primarily because of the available apps, but also because I feel more productive when using Apple products.
So far, my decision has proven to have a positive impact on my tech life and productivity, but I have a feeling that I may be upgrading some items on this list pretty soon.
Allow me to explain…
iPhone 14 Pro Max
My main sim is inside an iPhone 14 Pro Max, which, in all fairness, still is a great phone.
The one noticeable difference between the iPhone 14 Pro Max and my previous phone, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, is that the battery on the iPhone lasts a lot longer. I don’t know if it’s due to the way I use the phone or if it’s a better-optimised system.
On a normal day of my life, I charge my phone in the morning before heading out to the office, which is around an hour’s commute by train. With the Google Pixel 7 Pro, I would have had to charge it on most days before leaving the office at 5:30 PM, I don’t need to do that on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and it often comfortably lasts until the evening, sometimes the morning on the following day.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a great camera, especially when it comes to recording videos, and I think that there is a noticeable difference when comparing other phones I had over the years.
The phone also feels great to use, and I love the idea of Focus modes, which is something I will write about in a separate post.
However, the one issue I have with the iPhone 14 Pro Max is that it won’t run Apple Intelligence, which is disappointing. But we need to remember that the iPhone 14 Pro Max was released almost 2 years ago and that even the base model iPhone 15 isn’t supported.
I’m not sure if I will be upgrading just to receive Apple Intelligence, especially as I have the iPhone 14 Pro Max on a contract. However, I guess I will need to wait and see.
At present, I use the Mous Limitless 5.0 case, which is a great case that I used with other phones in the past, and it helped them survive all sorts of things, including a mountain bike crash.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
My work sim is currently inside a Samsung Galaxy A34 5G and I have nothing but good things to say about this phone.
The battery lasts a long time, and the phone feels comfortable to use thanks to the curved edges. The camera is also pretty good.
In terms of performance, the phone feels very snappy, and I am able to achieve everything I need to do, such as running Microsoft Teams and responding to emails.
Based on my experience with the phone so far, I think that the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a great phone for anyone who is looking for a basic smartphone for a reasonable price.
Apple Watch SE (1st generation)
I’ve always been a big fan of the Apple Watch and when I started using the iPhone 14 Pro Max, I just knew I needed to buy an Apple Watch.
I purchased a second-hand Apple Watch SE 44 mm 1st generation from a local CeX store for £120 in a superb condition (Not sponsored by CeX).
The funny thing was that I wasn’t even planning to buy the watch when I went in, but I guess CeX can be one of those stores that can pull you in, especially when there are good deals.
I’ve now been daily-driving the watch daily for around 6 months, and I honestly couldn’t be happier, it does everything I need it to do.
The only issue I have with it is that the battery capacity has degraded to 88%, but it still lasts me throughout the day and night, which is perfectly acceptable.
The Apple Watch SE 1st generation isn’t the newest model out there, in fact, it’s quite old now, and it won’t see watchOS 11, which is a real shame.
I already have a replacement watch which is the Garmin Forerunner 255, as my primary use of the watch is its health features, but it’s not the same, especially as I don’t class the Forerunner 255 as a traditional smartwatch.
I primarily use two straps with the Apple Watch, I use the Pitaka Poetry of Things Moon strap and a generic nylon elastic band.
Furthermore, I think that Pitaka manufactures some remarkable watch bands that not only offer quality but also look great, that is why I am leaving my affiliate link if you want to buy one for yourself.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
I’ve tested many wireless earbuds over the years at various price ranges, but I think it’s fair to say that my favourites are the AirPods Pro 2nd generation, which also happens to be my daily drivers.
I have 3 requirements when it comes to earbuds, I need them to have decent active noise cancellation, I want them to have decent bass and clear audio. The AirPods Pro 2nd generation fits those needs perfectly.
I use the AirPods Pro for absolutely everything, and they turn out to be great for online meetings, audiobooks, podcasts, and, most importantly of all, music.
They are great for blocking out the surrounding noise, which allows me to sit down and focus on work, whether it’s working in an open-plan office, a café, or even when commuting using public transport.
AirTag
As someone who often misplaces things, I’m a big fan of the AirTag, and I own several.
I have one attached to my keys with the help of the Pitaka Pita!Tag, which is a great multi-tool keychain which I tend to use a lot at work. I am leaving my affiliate link, if you are interested in buying one of these.
I also have one in my wallet and my bicycle. I also like to put them inside my suitcases when I travel, especially by plane.
I’ve used many tracking keychains over the years, such as the Tile Mate, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag and Chipolo, but based on my experience I don’t think anything comes close to the AirTag. No pun intended.
ESR Magnetic Wallet (HaloLock)
I don’t tend to carry a big wallet with me frequently, mainly because it’s bulky but also because I mainly use Apple Pay. That’s where this ESR Magnetic Wallet (Affiliate link) comes in handy.
With the help of the magnet, I can attach it to the back of my phone and carry the cards I need to carry with me, such as my driver’s licence and a single payment card.
The one thing that sets this wallet apart from others is the fact that I can turn it into a stand for my phone. I think that this works great for when I travel by public transport and I want to watch a video on my phone.
The wallet features a quick access pocket at the front, and you gain access to two additional slots when you open the wallet. I can comfortably fit 3 cards and a few business cards in this wallet, which, I think, is fantastic.
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo)
The last item I wanted to mention in this article is the Anker 622 Magnetic battery (Affiliate link). I don’t tend to carry the Anker 622 everywhere I go, but I do take it on longer trips just in case I need to top up the battery on my phone.
So far, the Anker 622 has proven to be extremely useful in those circumstances, and I love the fact that I don’t need to worry about carrying cables with me everywhere I go.
The one thing that sets this battery apart from others is that it can turn into a charging stand which is compatible with the Apple Standby feature when you flip your phone horizontally.
My only issue is that it doesn’t charge as fast as a cable can, which is something I expected when buying this product.
Final Thoughts
So those are the tech items I carry with me most days, and I think it’s fair to say that I am extremely happy with them.
However, there may be a few changes later this year, but I am still deciding on what to do and whether Apple Intelligence is a feature I can live without on my iPhone 14 Pro Max.
I guess I will need to try it myself first, but looking at some go the features that were announced, I can already do many of them with the help of other apps. Therefore, this may not be a big deal for me. But, I’ll have to wait and see.
I’m a big fan of discovering new gadgets and accessories and EDC content, which is why I would love to hear what items you carry with you daily, so…
What are the top items in your everyday carry? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer:This article contains affiliate links.