Tech Recommendations

I don't know if it's because I worked at a college bookstore's computer department, or just that people I know see me as kind of techy, but I often get asked what my technology recommendations are … so I put together this list.

Computers

Laptops

  • Framework Laptop - I'm really intrigued by the reparability of these computers
  • Apple MacBook Pro - I've used an intel MacBook Pro and an M1 MacBook Pro and both have been incredible computers. I'd suggest getting them refurbished to save some money.
  • Asus Zenbook - a varity of models available, some of the least expensive models are what I'd recommend as an affordable alternative to high-end
  • Dell XPS
  • Lenovo Think Pad

Desktops

  • Dell XPS or Optiplex

General Tips:

  • Buy used/certified-refurbished
  • Apple refurbished can sometimes be literally unsold never used new hardware. (One way you can know this is if Apple will not let you have it shipped to one of their retail stores. This is because it may be the exact same product sold cheaper as "refurbished" on their website but sold as current new inventory in their stores. A previous coworker clued me into this practice and referred to this phenomenon as "the old new stock")
  • Other places you can look for good refurbished deals is directly from vendors like Lenovo and Dell.

Keyboards

  • Code Keyboard from WASD

Mouse

I've been using a BenQ FK2 for years but I don't think they are available any longer.

Printers

Printer recommendations are tough because a lot can go wrong with a printer, and they seem to operate by their own set of IT rules. I tend to think the simpler the better and shy away from suggesting a multi-purpose device. I like black and white laser printers because can get by replacing the toner cartridge (especially if you find an off-brand replacement on Amazon) a couple times a decade, for a fraction of the cost that it takes to replace ink-jet cartridges. When I worked in the computer store the EPSON brand was what we always recommended for their reputation with photographic quality in color ink printing.

  • EPSON for color printing
  • HP for black and white laser printing - I rarely need to print in color. I've gotten more than a decade of use from my HP laser jet and only needed to replace the toner cartridge about 3 times.

Monitors

Dell UltraSharp has consistently been a great choice for me. It seems that LG, HP and BenQ also make excellent monitors.

Televisions

Traditionally my rule has if the company starts with the letter 'S' (as in Sony, Sharp, or Samsung) then it's probably a good Television. But LG is another good brand.

  • The Sony Bravia line of TVs are top of the line. I have a 32 inch Sony Bravia that has been working great for over a decade. Before that I had a 27 inch Sharp very heavy CRT that was amazing.

Streaming Devices

I prefer streaming devices to smart TVs because they generally are supported longer, and are more affordable to replace than a while TV. Roku is probably the most affordable option, however the experience on Apple TV and the Nvidia Shield is a lot better.