Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy being productive. Since I’m still the gadget junkie that I was before my little nerd was born, I’ve pulled together five indispensable pieces of technology that can aid any mom or dad with the challenge of getting things done.
I’ve learned that it’s a lot easier to accomplish tasks with technology even with a toddler smacking me in the head and attempting to con me out of snacks. Hopefully these gadgets will work for you as much as they’ve helped me out.
Unfortunately, technology hasn’t gotten to the point where there’s a device for neutralizing the stench of a dirty diaper, but in another few years, who knows?
Razer Chroma Tournament Edition
Price: $139.99
The Razer brand is best known for making products catering to professional video game players, but in the past few years they’ve been putting out stuff for us everyday Janes and Joes. The Chroma is a keyboard that can satisfy the needs of both by combining the quality of a pro-gamer device with ease of use.
For parents, it can get the job done but it can also be incredibly attractive to kids as well. The Chroma has a cool function where the keys can all light up in individual colors and can also flash in patterns or react when you press them. If you have a kid that likes to jump on your computer, the included software allows you to create separate profiles. This way, you can change the keys to your child’s favorite color and special affect.
Zolt All-In-One Gadget Charger
Price: $79.99
These days, the average person lugs around two to three devices at a time and in such a portable powered world, the thing that matters the most is cutting loose the extra weight. The Zolt Charger Plus is a pocket-sized outlet power pack that allows you to charge a laptop and three other gadgets at the same time. It comes with a number of interchangeable tips that fits most laptops and has three USB ports for phones, tablets, cameras or anything else that needs a boost.
The Zolt also swivels to move all of your attached cords out the way of other electrical outlets. No more dirty looks from other people when you’re leeching power from an outlet you found in a corner at Starbucks. The biggest bonus, however, is being able to leave the ball of tangled AC adapter phone cords and giant laptop power bricks at home. That will save a ton of space in your bag for snacks or whatever the little one picks up along the way and refuses to part with.
MoFi
Price: $349.98
Beats by Dre headphones have held on to the crown for the longest for their rich sound and unique design but what a lot of people don’t know is that there are a lot of headphones out there that can compete on the same level.
The MoFi is just that. For less than what you’d pay for a pair of Dr. Dre’s highly celebrated cans, you can get the same sound (personally, I think these are better). The set comes with two cords; one for hooking up to a computer or stereo and the other for phones and tablets. The latter has a mic and controller to skip forward, backward and pause the music.
There’s also a built in mini-amplifier to boost every sound you’d otherwise miss. You hear everything with these and the ear cushions can be adjusted to your preferred fit. You may want to keep these away from your younger kids, and buy extra pairs for your older kids so they don’t steal yours.
Logitech K480 Tablet and Smartphone Keyboard
Price: $49.99
It’s amazing that the Logitech K480 isn’t in the hands of everyone at this point since it’s such a versatile and unobtrusive piece of gear. It allows you to connect to a computer, smartphone and tablet all at the same time. A dial switches between all three, so if you’re knocking out some work on the Mac and you get a text, all you have to do is turn to the assigned slot (1,2 or 3) and answer. It’s great for multi–taskers and it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
UE Boom
Price: $199.99
It seems like every electronics company is putting out a wireless speaker like the Jambox or the Pill but just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t mean they’re doing it right. Ultimate Ears has a line of portable speakers that can take a physical beating and not sound like someone playing music through a cellphone speaker over a Skype audio chat.
The UE Boom’s sound quality is better than anything else you’ll get in it’s price range. It’s about as tall as a can of Monster Energy drink and can shoot music in 360 degrees of itself. There’s a speakerphone feature, it’s water resistant and it can be linked with other UE speakers to create the coveted audio sweet spot. The UE Boom’s colorful design will surely attract kids and the mystery liquids that come with them. It’s a good thing that it’s also built for rugged use and can take the abuse of being tossed around.
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