By Jurica Dujmovic
A carefully curated list of products to improve your productivity and creativity
‘We’re not rich enough to buy cheap things.’ Unboxing a bargain brings its momentary thrill, but true satisfaction comes from devices that delight for many years.
Typically I focus on market trends, tech stocks, and how innovations impact your investment portfolio. But with Cyber Monday approaching, I want to offer something different – a carefully curated list of tech products that I’ve bought myself and tested extensively, and now can confidently recommend.
This isn’t another “best deals” list of trendy impulse purchases; each one is a proven performer, chosen for its ability to meaningfully improve some aspect of your work and personal life. I have no financial interest or affiliation with any of the six products mentioned here or their manufacturers. Some of these products help my productivity and some boost my creativity; perhaps they will do the same for you.
1. Secretlab MAGNUS Pro
If you’ve ever spent a full day at your desk, you know that your workspace can either boost your productivity or tank it completely. While Secretlab MAGNUS Pro was a serious investment, it has proven to be a sound one regarding my productivity.
The integrated power management system, which cleverly routes cables through the desk’s legs and provides a built-in power outlet, has eliminated the nest of wires that used to clutter my workspace. The desk’s magnetic ecosystem is particularly clever, and has transformed the way I organize my desk – everything from the desk mat to cable holders snaps perfectly into place, and the full-length cable management tray keeps even my most complex setups neat. With a weight capacity of 265 pounds and height adjustment from 25.6 to 49.2 inches, the desk can easily handle my multi-monitor setup while allowing me to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.
One bit of advice: Setting up this powerhouse is definitely not a solo mission. Get a helper.
2. Meta Quest 3
From the moment I strapped on an original Oculus Rift, through years of covering every major VR development, I’ve watched virtual reality evolve from an awkward, wired technology into something genuinely transformative. Meta Quest 3, from Meta Platforms (META), represents what I consider the most significant milestone in that evolution.
What makes it special? For starters, the pancake lenses – a leap forward in VR optics that delivers unprecedented clarity. If you’re deciding between Quest 3 and the budget-friendly 3S model, this is where the difference becomes stark. While both devices share the same powerful processor, Quest 3’s higher resolution display (2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, compared to 3S’s 1832 x 1920) and larger field of view (110 vs 96 degrees in 3S model) combined with these advanced lenses creates the clearest, most natural virtual reality experience I’ve seen in a consumer device.
The result isn’t just better gaming – though Quest 3 certainly excels at that. For the first time in all my years of VR coverage, I’ve witnessed virtual reality become truly practical for everyday use. The text is crisp enough for comfortable reading, using Virtual Desktop for work is actually possible – even preferable – and everything looks dramatically better. While the 3S model might save you some money upfront, Quest 3’s superior visual experience makes it the obvious choice.
3. Synology DS1621+ storage solution
In an era of increasing cybersecurity threats and rising cloud storage costs, Synology DS1621+ represents a shrewd investment in data independence. I regularly cover tech security and cloud computing stocks, and I appreciate how this device offers enterprise-grade features in a home/small business package.
What’s particularly impressive is Synology’s software ecosystem. Its DiskStation Manager operating system makes traditionally complex tasks feel intuitive and simple – whether you’re setting up basic file sharing or diving into more advanced features like running servers and virtual machines. DS1621+’s six drive bays and expandable storage options ensure I never have to worry about running out of space, while its multiple network ports ensure fast access to all my data across my home office network.
4. Nintendo Pro Controller
I have a confession to make: after decades of being a keyboard-and-mouse purist, Nintendo’s (JP:7974) Pro Controller has completely changed the way I game. Back in my early PC gaming days, I would have scoffed at the idea of using a controller for anything besides racing games. But Pro Controller has proven me wrong in the best possible way.
After a long day of writing code, analyzing tech trends and market movements, I find myself increasingly drawn to gaming for relaxation. That’s where Nintendo’s Pro Controller truly shines. Its chunky-yet-balanced design, with textured grips and perfectly spaced buttons, makes those evening gaming sessions feel natural and comfortable. Whether I’m exploring the latest console ports or diving into arcade-style games, it just feels right.
5. reMarkable Paper Pro
I’ve long been skeptical of devices that claim to replicate the feeling of pen on paper. I’ve used my fair share of Wacom (JP:6727) tablets and various iPad solutions, but nothing quite captured that natural feel until the reMarkable Paper Pro came along. This device isn’t just another tablet/e-reader; it’s the first digital solution that truly understands what artists and note-takers need.
The 11.8-inch Canvas Color e-ink display, with its matte finish and crisp resolution, creates an almost uncanny paper-like experience. But it’s not just the display but also the way Paper Pro’s stylus interacts with it. The precision and low latency make my sketches feel natural and immediate, without that disconnected feeling I often get from other digital drawing solutions. Even after years of using Wacom tablets for fun and professional work, I find myself consistently amazed by how the reMarkable captures the subtle nuances of my drawing style.
But what truly sets Paper Pro apart is its focused approach. In a world of multi-purpose tablets screaming for your attention with notifications and apps, Paper Pro offers something different: a distraction-free environment where you can just create. And after a day filled with back-to-back meetings and calls, it’s a breath of fresh air to simply sit down with what feels like a blank piece of paper and let your thoughts flow freely.
6. Marshall Woburn III
As an audiophile and amateur composer, I’ve cycled through my fair share of premium speakers. Woburn III replaced my trusted Harman Kardon setup, and that’s saying something. What sets it apart isn’t just its iconic design (though the classic Marshall aesthetic certainly turns heads); it’s how it handles everything from the subtlest acoustic recordings to the most demanding bass lines. Each note comes through with remarkable clarity, and the bass response is nothing short of impressive for a speaker of this size.
Like with most Bluetooth speakers, you can’t avoid some latency when you play video games or watch videos or movies. But in a market flooded with cheaper alternatives promising premium sound, Woburn III reminds us why established audio brands maintain their position. It’s not about specifications on paper, but rather the moment your favorite song plays and you hear details you’ve never noticed before. Between its room-filling sound, versatile connectivity options, and that unmistakable Marshall character, it’s a premium speaker that completely justifies its price tag.
As I’ve matured in my approach to technology, I’ve come to embrace this simple yet timeless wisdom: “We’re not rich enough to buy cheap things.” It’s a paradox that cuts straight to the heart of value – especially in today’s dizzying tech marketplace.
Unboxing a bargain brings its momentary thrill, but true satisfaction often comes from devices that delight for many years. Each item on this list represents not just a purchase, but a conscious decision I’ve made to invest in quality over compromise, in longevity over immediacy. This Cyber Monday, as retailers compete for your attention with lightning deals and doorbuster savings, consider that the most valuable discount isn’t always the deepest, but the one that makes life easier.
More: Here’s your investing guide to retail stocks after Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Plus: Trump’s tariffs and holiday shopping – here’s what you need to know
-Jurica Dujmovic
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12-01-24 0825ET
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