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Looking for something that works well with your Mac or iPhone? Start with what you want to do, then open a guide for the choices and tradeoffs.
I look for Apple compatibility, ease of use, and value, drawing on my own use, client support, and research. Read how I choose recommendations.
Find a guide for what you need
Print and scan
- Printers for Mac
Compare black-and-white laser and color options, with scanning needs and running costs in mind.
Back up my Mac
- Time Machine backup drives
Choose a drive for your Mac’s backups.
Set up my Mac desk
Improve my home network
- Home Wi-Fi routers
Explore router and mesh options for coverage around your home.
- Ethernet adapters for Mac
Compare wired-network options and check connection requirements.
- Cable modems
See what to consider if you use cable internet.
Travel with my iPhone
- Bluetooth trackers
Compare ways to keep track of keys, bags, and other belongings.
- Portable battery packs
Find a way to charge your devices when you are away from an outlet.
- Headphones
Explore options for listening at home or on the go.
Choose a new Apple device
- Mac buying guide
Work out which Mac fits the things you do.
- iPhone buying guide
Think through the model and storage choices before you buy.
- iPad buying guide
Compare the choices for your next iPad.
Apps, software, and services
Password manager: Apple Passwords for people in the Apple ecosystem, 1Password for power users and people who need cross-platform compatibility (PC, Android, Firefox, Chrome)
Web browser: My recommendation and why
Safari ad blocker: Wipr 2, my favorite for keeping ads and trackers out of Safari
Word processor, spreadsheet, etc.: Do you actually need Microsoft Office?
Domain Registrar: need a .com name? I recommend you buy from Namecheap.
Cell phone plans: Things to consider when choosing a plan for your iPhone.
How I choose recommendations
One of the most common questions I get from clients is what product they should buy. Whether it's computers, iPhones, mice, monitors, printers, hard drives, cables, or smart bulbs, I try to narrow it down to one or two choices.
What factors do I consider when evaluating products?
A product that I own or have used often. A lot of the time, when a client asks for advice on a product, I end up at some point needing to help them with it. It's much easier when I know that product well.
Ease of use. Some products have lots of bells and whistles. I don't mind when the bells and whistles stay out of the way when you don't need them, but all too often, products push these features on you whether you need them or not. If there is a simpler option out there, I'll often go with that.
Works well with Mac and iPhone. Being in the Apple ecosystem myself, it would not make sense for me to recommend products that don't work well with Apple devices. Some products I overlook, no matter how great they are, if they won't play nicely with your existing setup.
Recommended by review websites. In particular, I am a fan of the New York Times Wirecutter. While I don't always go with their top recommendation, I find that their articles guide me in discovering what considerations to make for a particular product. Their recommendations are usually the best for "most people," but Mac users aren't always most people.
A recommendation may come from personal use, helping clients, or research. Check the individual guide for its reasoning and limitations; not every product has been personally tested.
Affiliate availability does not decide which product I recommend.
Not sure what you need?
If you want help choosing something for the way you use your devices, I can talk through the options during a one-on-one tutoring session. I offer in-person help in San Francisco, during my Washington, DC visits, and over Zoom.