Gadgets
Gadgets for the desk, car and home network. Options include USB hubs and USB-C docks, card readers, HDMI 2.1 8K cables, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, Wi-Fi 6 routers, power banks, car chargers, dash cams and monitor arms.
You will also find wireless earbuds, a 16GB MP3 player, portable SSDs and a 4-bay RAID drive enclosure.
Which gadget suits my setup?
Start with the problem: too few ports, a flat phone, a messy desk or a weak home network.
| Gadget | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C dock (7 to 15-in-1) | Laptops with few ports | Number of screens it can drive |
| Power bank | Travel and long days out | mAh and PD wattage |
| Dash cam | Recording drives and parking | Viewing angle, parking mode |
| Monitor arm | Freeing desk space | Single or dual screen |
| Wi-Fi 6 router | Busy homes with many devices | Dual band support |
| Car charger | Charging on the road | USB-C PD ports |
How many mAh should a power bank have?
For one phone charge, 5,000mAh is enough; 20,000mAh or more suits weekends away and multiple devices.
Sizes here run from a 3,000mAh mini bank to 40,000mAh with a digital display. Solar power banks at 10,000 and 20,000mAh can top up from sunlight when camping.
What should I look for in a dash cam?
Look for at least 1080P recording, a wide viewing angle and parking monitoring.
Options include a single 1080P camera with a 170-degree lens, a model with 24-hour parking monitoring, and a dual camera unit with a 5.5-inch IPS touch screen.
Which USB-C dock should I choose?
Count the ports you use every day, then pick a dock with those plus one or two spare.
Smaller 7-in-1 hubs add HDMI, USB and card slots. The 15-in-1 dock drives three displays, which suits a home office with multiple monitors.
Will an 8K HDMI cable work with my 4K TV?
Yes. HDMI 2.1 cables work with older HDMI ports and still carry 4K signals.
Lengths run from 1m to 10m in HDMI 2.0 and 2.1. Longer runs suit wall-mounted TVs with the source on the other side of the room.
Can I pay it off?
Yes. Pay with Afterpay or Zip, or check out with PayPal. A $50.75 15W gravity car charger holder is four fortnightly Afterpay payments of $12.69.
Pair it with
- Chargers & Power – wall chargers and UPS units
- Mobile Accessories – cases, screen protectors and earbuds
- Home Office – desks to pair with monitor arms
