With all the gadgets coming out, it’s hard to figure out which ones you should invest your hard earned money into. My personal advice to people asking me this question has always centered on the following 3 points:

• Will it allow you to be more productive or make more money?
• Are you sure that it’s not just a fad that you’re jumping on?
• Beyond specs, what can it make you do better?

If a gadget puts a check on those three things, it’s a potential good buy in my book. That said, here are a couple of gadgets that you might want to check out for 2017:

DJI MAVIC PRO

The DJI Mavic Pro is the best drone you can get today! It’s so easy to use, fly, and bring around. It’s crazy portable compared to it’s older brother, the Phantom 4. Heck it’s so portable that you can actually stuff it in your back pocket (though it will leave a big bulge).

So why buy one? If you want to start (or you’re currently in) a business centered on creating digital content, a drone is simply a must-have. It can be a great competitive advantage if you’re up against other people in the business who don’t have one. Just tack it on your services as an add-on and put a fee. I wouldn’t be surprised if you can make back the money in 3-4 months.

As for the video quality? All the drone shots in the video below are taken with the DJI Mavic Pro.

Click here for more information on where to get one here in the Philippines.

OSMO MOBILE

You want to become a Vlogger but you only have your smartphone? If you want the ultimate vlogger accessory to your smartphone, you have got to check out the Osmo Mobile. It’s a smart 3-axis gimbal which allows you to mount your phone on it for smooth cinematic, jitter-free shots.

To understand better, watch this video:

Amazing how much mobile technology has advanced in the last few years! Anyway, this one is available at Digital Walker and Beyond the Box stores. I forget the exact SRP but it should be around Php14,000-Php16,000.

FITBIT OR ANY FITNESS TRACKER

In the last year I’ve lost over 130 lbs. I credit it to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and making the most out of my FitBit. If there’s one gadget I use more than my smartphone it’s this one. I just make it a point to hit 10,000 steps everyday and now that I’m into circuit training and DDP Yoga, I monitor my heart rate a lot during workouts.

Take note that just wearing it won’t make you lose weight, haha. You gotta move brother.

Fitbit devices are available at Digital Walker and Beyond the Box stores. Of all of their models I’d recommend the Charge 2.

A CUSTOM GADGET KIT WITH ESSENTIALS

Last is for you to build your own gadget kit with daily essentials and emergency electronics. Get a pouch or nice pack and then stuff it with various gadgets that will help make life easier. For me it’s a mix of cables, power banks, presentation clickers, cables, and dongles. You can see my full gadget kit in the video below.

Remember, an investment should always have a return. Keep that in mind when you buy gadgets. They’re not supposed to be just expensive toys. Make them work for you and not the other way around. Use gadgets to help you make a better living or have a better (and healthier) life.

Happy New Year everyone!