Favorite things in 2018

For the third year running, I am writing a favorite things post. 2018 has been an exciting and interesting year in terms of discoveries, and I have found a number of new toys and tools that help me in my pursuits. This year they fall neatly into two categories; those related to my video and photo pursuits, and those that improve my day to day.

• Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L
  • For those days when I don’t need the space offered by my everyday backpack, yet need to bring more than I can comfortably fit in my pockets, this is my go-to. With similar design sensibilities as found in the everyday backpack, a spacious interior with good adjustment options, this has quickly become a go-to for both work and leisure.
• DJI Osmo Mobile 2
  • I reviewed the Osmo back in June, and my conclusions back then still hold true. Though I would have liked to have a way of stowing it when on the go with the previous entry on this list (it’s a bit too long for that), it has performed very nicely for me, and remains a neat addition to my videography kit.
• Belkin Valet Charger
  • When I reviewed the Apple Watch, I mentioned not seeing the need to pick up a charger dock. When I did so a few months later anyway, it was because my bedroom doesn’t currently have a power outlet to let me charge my watch (or phone for that matter). The Valet Charger lets me charge it without futzing about with locating charging cables, and ensures I can charge it quickly and easily when travelling, too.
• Magnet App for Mac
  • The Magnet App for Mac is a simple thing, which lets you quickly align windows on your desktop. It is very intuitive in use, and using it was particularly useful when I wrote my End of Module assignment last year.
• Kindle Paperwhite
  • The Paperwhite is my fourth Kindle, and fifth dedicated e-book reader total, and I remain a fan. The best Kindle yet, its touch display with backlighting has been a real game changer for me, though it does make for a heavier device than previous offerings. With 3+ GB of memory it is, for all intents and purposes, capable of holding all of my library at one time, and though I will never get rid of all of my paper books, the ability to jump between books regardless of where I am is very nice indeed.

There you go; five entries this year, all varied, all things that add something to my day to day life. There is, however, one honorable mention which I got too late for it to be a favorite (though it might well rate a listing next year), the Peak Design Travel Line; expect a review of that early next year.