Here is a list of must-have devices so you will never be caught off guard and always have the convenience of access to your data and information during critical times.

For transferring and copying data, pictures, music and information between your memory cards and personal computer, you need a USB card reader. There are a variety of choices on the market, but you will want an “all-in-one” card reader. This is the kind that can read all the different types of cards out there, as you never know when you will need to move data from an old card.

Please note, the most important cards to support should be Secure Digital (SD), Micro SD, Memory Stick Pro Duo, M2, Compact Flash and xD. Look for the USB card reader that can read more than one card at the same time, for there are some that can read four or five cards simultaneously. This is handy when you want to move data from one card to another as you can copy data directly between cards.

There are also cards on the market with two slots for SD and micro SD so you can plug two of the same cards and copy data directly between them. Some card readers also come with a SIM card slot. The accompanying SIM management software will allow you to edit and delete contacts and messages.

Have you ever been in a rush at 7 a.m. to get to the airport but haven’t printed your e-ticket for the flight yet? Meanwhile, the two USB slots on your PC are being used, one by an external hard drive and the other by the funky mouse you’ve been using since your touchpad has been misbehaving.

Talk about an inconvenient setup. If this has happened to you, a USB hub will be mighty handy. A hub can expand a USB port into four, seven, 10 and even 13 ports. A good hub is the kind that will let you use all the ports at the same time.

Some even come with on/off switches so plugging it in to your PC doesn’t automatically use all the resources the hub needs to support all its ports.

For the seven-port hubs and above, you usually have the option to purchase a power adaptor in case you need to use all seven of the ports for power hungry devices like modems, printers, large hard drives, etc. Invest in a good hub and it will pay for itself within a short period of time, best of all no more missed flights.

For data backup and portability, an external hard drive is a must. They are USB driven and come in handy for a variety of reasons. Some of the better ones are built to be carried around in your laptop bag and are tough enough to endure the daily grind of life.

The better ones have one-touch backup that allow you to specify certain files and folders you want constantly backed up at the press of a button. Certain models come with additional security and protection by password protecting your drive and encrypting your data. In case of theft, the new proprietor of your external drive would have no access to your data.

If you are planning on purchasing an external hard drive, the rule of thumb if money is no object is to buy the biggest drive available capacity-wise. You can never have enough space in this day and age and you’ll be surprised how an external drive fills up once you start hanging out with your tech-inclined friends. Opt for at least a 1 terabyte (TB) drive, or better yet 2 TBs.

If you are a broadband subscriber and are currently paying for cable or DSL service, a router is essential. A router allows you to convert your wire-based Internet signal from your modem into a wireless signal (Wi-Fi) that is then transmitted all over your house and workplace and can then can be accessed by your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Splash some cash for a good router as you will need this to work for longer periods of time the more you get spoiled by Wi-Fi. Your router and modem should be durable enough to work 24/7, 365 days a year.

When purchasing a router, go with an N series type which is optimized for maximum speed and good signal range. Some routers now come with a USB port to manage your downloads, thereby freeing up your poor laptop from being turned on for days. Note that placement of these routers is critical for maximum coverage at your home or business.

Another handy device to own is a DC to AC inverter. This is a palm-sized device that plugs into the cigarette lighter of your car and converts the power from DC electricity sources such as your car battery to power AC devices such as laptops, mini TVs, gaming devices, cell phones and tablets.

So, instead of individually purchasing a specialty car charger for your laptop, smartphone or tablet, simply use your regular charger for your home with this inverter to use those devices in your car. Think of all its applications in Jakarta’s infamous traffic.

Inverters support different power capacities ranging from 150 watts to 1200 watts. If you are planning on charging your laptop in your car, a 150 watt unit should suffice.

The better ones come with USB ports to charge your USB devices and have circuit protection features as well as alarms for car battery level indicators. When your car battery has a chance of dying, this unit will sound an alarm and won’t let you play FIFA on that 30-inch TV screen in your sports utility vehicle.

Popular

Tension grows between North Sumatra, Aceh over disputed border

Planned MRT extension to South Tangerang to cost $1.25b

The greenwashing of destruction: Legal action as Raja Ampat’s last hope