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Print and scan
Printer: HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 for most home and small office users
Back up my Mac
Backup drive: What to get for Time Machine backups
Set up my Mac desk
Improve my home network
WiFi router: Eero mesh systems for reliable whole-home coverage
Ethernet adapter: what to buy if you need hardwired networking
Cable modem: What to buy if you have cable internet
Travel with my iPhone
Bluetooth tracker: AirTag and alternatives for finding lost items
Portable battery pack: For keeping your devices charged on the go
Headphones: My favorites for different budgets and use cases
iPhone case: There are lots of great cases out there, and you should get what feels right to you. I do recommend something with MagSafe compatibility.
Choose a new Apple device
Mac buying guide: Which Mac is right for you, with current pricing and specs
iPhone buying guide: Which model is right for you
iPad buying guide: How to decide between models
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 provider: My pick can save you hundreds or even thousands every year.
About my 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.
I keep this page updated as products change.
Not sure what you need?
Picking the right product is one of the things I help with most often during one-on-one tutoring sessions. I can walk you through the options based on how you actually use your devices. I'm available for in-person sessions in San Francisco or via Zoom anywhere.