Hey,
Some accessories are worth every penny. Others are just expensive wire.
This one’s for anyone buying phone, laptop or desk extras. You’ll learn what to buy cheap, what to spend on, and what’s down to personal preference.
But first, quick question:
What’s the accessory you always overspend on?
The Accessories You Can Buy Cheap (And the Ones You Shouldn’t)
🛡️ Screen protectors: cheap is fine
I’ve never noticed a difference between expensive screen protectors and cheap ones.
We mentioned one in a recent video: the Mothca matte screen protector from Amazon. It’s under a tenner and it’s a great option.
🔌 Cables: the longer they get, the slower they go
USB cables come in different flavours. Some are built for fast charging, some for fast data transfer. And the longer the cable, the slower the speeds tend to get.
So check what the cable is actually rated for before you buy.
Charging speed: make sure it matches what your device can take
Data speed: matters if you’re moving big files
Length: longer usually means slower, so buy the shortest one that works for you
📺 HDMI cables: please don’t buy gold-plated
A cheap Amazon Basics one normally does just as good a job, as long as it’s rated for what you’re running:
4K or 8K
120Hz (or whatever refresh rate you want)
For 4K at 120Hz or 8K, look for the official Ultra High Speed label on the box. “8K ready” printed in big letters isn’t the same thing.
📱 Cases: this is where I’d spend
I always feel like cases are where you need to spend a reasonable amount.
(Full disclosure: MagBak is a huge channel sponsor and we work with them a lot. But they make great cases, which is why we work together.)
I’d also look at Pitaka. Very, very slim cases, but still very well made.
⚡ A good fast charger: get one that does everything
Get one good fast charger that can charge all of your devices.
One charger. Phone, laptop, tablet, the lot. That’s worth paying for, and it means fewer bricks in your bag.
💻 A good dock: spend here if you plug in a lot
If you’re plugging a MacBook or laptop into a desk setup, get a good dock.
Look for one with fast connectivity. If you need it, that includes something like a 10 gig ethernet port.
The thing is, a cheap dock is the kind of thing that quietly makes everything feel slower. It’s worth getting right.
🤷 It Depends: Keyboards
Keyboards are very much a personal preference.
I’ve actually gone back to a basic Apple Magic Keyboard. It’s slim, basic, and does the job. It also has the Touch ID button on it, which I use all the time.
It works well. Whatever you like typing on is the right answer here.
Spend It or Save It: The Short Version
If you’re buying… | My verdict |
|---|---|
Screen protector | Save: Mothca matte is plenty |
USB cable | Save: just check the ratings |
HDMI cable | Save: Amazon Basics, rated for your resolution and Hz |
Phone case | Spend: MagBak or Pitaka |
Charger | Spend: one that charges everything |
Dock | Spend: fast connectivity, 10GbE if you need it |
Keyboard | Your call: I’m happy with the Magic Keyboard |
📱 Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend who’s as obsessed with tech as you are:
In this video, I get into how I’d actually prepare for the worst: digital security, backups and power.
Some of it is more practical than you’d expect.
How AI is making hacking easier
Password managers, email aliases and why I use both
What to do with old devices, credit locks and Brave
Whether paid verification for social accounts is worth it
Non-AI appliances and smart home VLANs
UniFi CyberSecure and region blocking
Why you should back up your content locally
Home batteries, UPS units and power banks
Portable power stations, torches and long-life phones
Emergency and two-way radios
and more…
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to you.
