this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2025
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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 So what are some portable devices or gadgets that their specialization hasn't been replaced by smart phone apps?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.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago

Not electronic, but definitely a (set of) gadgets: a compact set of tools. Specifically, I carry a Wera Tool Check, but most any multi-tool with bits and adapters will do, e.g. the old Gerber Diesel with the bit set and carrier.

Regarding useful and reliable, it's Wera, so high quality, and I've saved so much bacon (including my own) with this kit.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago (8 children)

I’ve been very stressed lately and have been doing some window shopping to calm down

Not to minimize your distress but surely there are less wasteful ways of letting off steam than buying a gadget that you didn't know you needed.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago

Life is short and it's also a balance. It's ok to buy yourself something fun from time to time. :) The key to anything is moderation.

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[–] [email protected] 60 points 1 week ago (18 children)

Cameras. You can take pictures with your phone, but despite Apple's advertisements, a phone camera will never produce anywhere near the same quality a dedicated digital camera with interchangeable lenses. And neither are as good as film.

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[–] [email protected] 51 points 1 week ago (13 children)

Flashlights. Again, in an emergency, you can use your phone. But it's not as good as a real flashlight, and I always carry and use a flashlight.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago

Depends though, you need to buy a pretty good one. My phone has a better than average phone torch, CatB40. It's better than most cheap torches so you would need a decent torch to do better than the phone.

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 1 week ago (4 children)

I'm posting these separately so people can argue about specific devices.

A calculator is still better than a phone in a lot of cases. I haven't yet met a financial advisor who uses their phone instead of a calculator. It's often the same issue as with keyboards: touch screens are simply vastly inferior to tactile keys. Few people are willing to carry keyboards around with them, but for those who use calculators a lot, for many it's worth having a portable, dedicated device.

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