I’ve been very stressed lately and have been doing some window shopping to calm down. I’m interested in gadgets, but a lot of things can just be replaced with apps. I realize a phone won’t replace very large appliances like refrigerators or washing machines so I’m trying to scope my question to portable devices. So what are some portable devices or gadgets that their specialization hasn’t been replaced by smart phone apps? Extra points if they’re super useful and reliable.

  • talEnglish
    3·
    7 days ago

    Mobile phones get especially crippled when you’re days out without a chance to charge.

    For some reason, US options for large-battery smartphones are limited, but there are a number of manufacturers in China that make very-large-battery smartphones. These are sometimes described as “ruggedized” and also have a large, durable case. There’s a class of “ruggedized” laptops, like the Toughbook, that fill a similar role for laptops (though those are pretty pricey).

    https://www.amazon.com/DOOGEE-MAX-Smartphone-22000mAh-Unlocked/dp/B0BRQ3KKQK

    https://chinagadgetsreviews.com/oukitel-wp100-titan-rugged-smartphone-with-built-in-projector.html

    These have batteries maybe four or more times the capacity of a typical smartphone.

    It’s also possible to carry a USB powerstation. That’s a little obnoxious for day-to-day carry, but if you’re going to be away from electricity for days on end, you’re probably going to be carrying some kind of gear anyway, and there aren’t any limits on how much capacity you haul that way.