Here’s a list of my favourite tech tools and toys. I’ve split it between hardware and software.

Hardware

iPhone 7 Plus – Apple – http://www.apple.com/iphone/

This crucial tool keeps me organised. This is my first ever touch-screen only smart phone. Learning to type on a screen took some getting used. I love the integration between this and the iPad. Now, if only the battery lasted a little longer. Apple’s iCloud service keeps contacts and everything else synced across everything.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ – Apple – http://www.apple.com/ipad/

I use this fantastic gadget everyday to surf the web, watch YouTube, read and update Facebook, and even write a little. In spite of some recent competition, it’s still the best and simplest tablet you can buy today.

Apple MacBook Pro Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015- Apple – http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

My daily use machine. It’s replaced the PC desktop for most tasks. The backlit keyboard and incredible battery life are favourite features.

Software

PureText – Steve Miller http://www.stevemiller.net/puretext/

This small Windows utility sits in your Windows notification area and allows you to paste clipboard text as plain text with an assigned hotkey. I do this everyday and it beats trying to find the option in every program you use to “Paste Special”. I use the default, Windows Key + V. It’s a huge time saver.

Outlook – Microsoft http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/

Outlook, it’s the ubiquitous e-mail client that I’ve used since Office 97. With a few minor hiccoughs it’s gotten better and better with each version.

Mozilla Firefox – http://www.getfirefox.com

This is the best browser I’ve used yet. Its’ plug-ins make for a smooth and enjoyable  surfing experience, allowing me to filter out annoying ads, block browser side scripting by default, screen out troll YouTube comments, share bookmarks across multiple computers, and so much more. I’ll list my favourite plug-ins on a different page. It’s a bit of a memory hog though.

Dropbox – http://www.dropbox.com/

This handy utility installs on multiple computers and devices enabling you to share files between all of them. This includes PC, Mac, iPhone, and iPad.