Check out my favorite tech tools & gadgets of 2013 that made writing easier or more fun for me this year. Note: Superstition dictates that I can’t have a list of 13 items, so mine will include 13.5.
The ultimate research and entertainment tool for novelists — this was my top gadget of 2013 (read more on CNET). This ingenious USB-sized device allows you to stream video, music, shows, movies, and more from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone directly to your TV (for $35). Now you can watch Supernatural or Game of Thrones for “research” once you hit your word count.
2. Eye-Fi
This must-have SD card enables you to automatically transfer photos from your camera to your smartphone or laptop (as long as you’re connected to a wi-fi network). If you’re anything like me, you can take gorgeous photos on your Canon 7D (Rebel XT or 5D), enhance them with editing apps on your smartphone, and share them on your social network of choice in moments.
Protecting data is a serious business for anyone who works on the go, especially if one of those files happens to be the manuscript you are writing. Even if this USB is lost or stolen, no one can access your files unless they know your PIN code. It definitely takes the stress out of writing in coffee shops and airports.
4. Trakdot
This new gadget is helpful for people who travel a lot and worry about losing their luggage (me). While Trakdot can’t teleport misplaced baggage to you, it will let you know if your bags landed with your flight (or where they ended up if they didn’t) when your plane touches down, via a smartphone app. This was one of my must-haves during the YA Legion Tour for my novel UNBREAKABLE this fall.
As awesome as iPads are, sometimes I miss the simplicity of 8-bit animation and joysticks. With the iCADE, you can turn your iPad into a desktop-sized arcade machine loaded with classic Atari games. PacMan or Frogger anyone?
With this portable virtual keyboard, any tablet or smartphone can become as functional as your laptop or desktop. The red lasers make it look like something from Star Wars (definitely a plus in my book).
This is something you’ll always find in my bag, especially at events where I’m taking a lot of pictures. The Mophie Juice Pack is a slim, protective battery case that gives your iPhone up to 80% extra battery life. It’s sleek, functional, and lightweight, which earns it extra points in my book.
These tiny speakers plug into any electrical outlet, making it easy to take your music anywhere. They are perfect for tour and anywhere you need to take your writing playlist.
9. MacBook Air
While the MacBook Air has been around for a while, it’s still one of my all-time favorite tech items. It’s fast, lightweight, and it has incredible battery life, making it great for both writing and watching Buffy.
10. Sony MDR-NC60 Noise Canceling Headphones
My Sony headphones are definitely one of my writing essentials. I listen to music before and after working on a scene and use them for noise canceling while I’m actually writing. If they ever stop making these, I’ll switch to Beats, which are a close second.
This back-up charger gives your phone just enough extra power to make a short phone call or send a few last text messages in a low-battery emergency. Instead of having to charge your extra power supply, you turn a crank on this portable generator for extra juice when you need it most (like when your eBay auction is about to end or you need to touch base with your editor).
I can unlock and even start my car with just one push of a button, but I still have to deal with multiple keys to get into my house. The August Smart Lock can change that. Once you’ve installed the base, you can issue encrypted “keys” — permanent or short-term — to family and friends using August’s app, eliminating the hassle of searching for the right key.
13. The Four iPhone/iPad Charging Hub
When you live in a house with multiple smartphone and tablet owners, charging is a mess. I love this gadget because it organizes the chaos of all those white cords into a compact charging hub that I don’t mind having on my counter.
13.5 TripIt
Finally, the TripIt app is a must-have for travelers. You can input your flight & hotel details and any extra plans you make, either manually or by forwarding confirmation emails to TripIt, and the app organizes everything into itineraries. It also alerts you of gate changes or flight delays, so you don’t miss a flight.
What were the top gadgets on your list for 2013? Are there any tech gadgets that I should check out in 2014? Let me know in the comments.
a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author and comic book writer. As an award-winning, Bram Stoker Award-nominated young adult author of 12 novels and graphic novels, she has been published in 51 countries and 38 languages and her books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Kami’s best known works include the Beautiful Creatures series, Teen Titans: Raven, The X-Files: Agent of Chaos, The Lovely Reckless, Broken Beautiful Hearts, and the DC Black Label comic Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity. She is also a cofounder of the Kid Lit book festival YALLFest.
