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If you're a programmer/developer/gamer/etc then there's a good chance that you have a desk full of random gadgets lying around. At least I do. Maybe a few flash drives, an old heavy hard drive and maybe even a satisfying finger twirling toy to distract yourself with when not working.
If you're a programmer that travels alot though, such as myself, there are certain things that you must carry around with you to be prepared. You won't find leather wallets and pocket knives here in this list. Those are cool too. But this list is reserved for essentials that any programmer could use in their day to day lives as they move around the world.
Here are the 5 items that I usually carry around my backpack when I'm on the go.
5. iFixit Mako Driver Kit
I don't always have a need to open up my laptop and to explore what's going on in there, but when I do, I use the iFixit Mako Driver Kit.
It's got everything you need to pretty much open up anything with screws and most importantly, it's pretty pocketable.
This precision bit set includes 64 of the most essential precision bits, a premium 4mm aluminum screwdriver handle with magnetic socket, knurled grip and it doesn't break the bank.
Solid enough for a laptop or a gaming console, but also a very decent home DYI companion. And the magnetic cover makes opening and closing it as satisfying as you could imagine it could be.
Purchase on Amazon
4. Rolling Square inCharge X Portable Cable
It's tiny and assuming as it dangles in your keychain, but deceptively so as this thing packs a surprising number of connectivity options once opened up.
The Rolling Square inCharge X allows for all the following combinations: USB to USB-C, USB to Lightning, USB to Micro USB, USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning and USB-C to Micro USB. And again, it does it all in the most compact form-factor.
And to top it all off, it also allows for 100W ultra-fast charging and Apple's fast charging up to 18W.
Definitely a true every day carry, as there probably isn't any reason to not carry it with you wherever you go.
Purchase on Amazon
3. Anker Prime 67W USB C Charger, Anker GaN Wall Charger
Whether I'm travelling or just going to the local coffee shop to finish up some work, I tend to just carry one charger, and it's this one. This 67W charger can pretty much handle all of my devices without any hiccup.
And with the latest GanPrime technology, it's substantially smaller than other chargers with the same rating on the market. If you like portability, as I do, this charger is a must.
This has been my go to charger for when travelling abroad as well and paired with the inCharge X cable above, you can literally have your power needs met in the palm of your hands.
Purchase on Amazon
2. Anker 2-in-1 USB 3.0 SD Card Reader
It's an unfortunate thing that most modern laptops today don't include built-in card readers. Particularly if you're using some kind of ultrabook where space is limited.
And if you're like me, that means that reading a microSD card either becomes a chore that you have to figure out, or that you just never do it and let your data go unorganized.
Which is why I recommend this 2-in-1 card reader. It's cost affective, usually coming under $20, it fits anywhere pretty much, handles pretty much all varieties of SD cards and, the most important part, allows for either USB-C or USB-A.
Not something that I use on the daily. But definitely something that comes in handy more often than not.
Purchase on Amazon
1. 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro
Not quite a software developer tool, but definitely worthy enough to be on this list. Because this thing does travel with me wherever I go. The Sn30 is a wireless, rechargeable Bluetooth controller that connects to iPhone's, iPad's, macOS, Switch, PC, Android and even Steam Deck's.
And it is solidly built and can handle even your most intense gaming sessions.
But the main reason that I'm a fan is because of how easy it is to use. You can connect multiple devices to it and connect to each one with a single button press. The battery, for me personally, lasts for weeks before I need to top it off with a charge. And if I'm out of juice but still want to use it, I can simply connect a USB-C cable and continue on.
And because this isn't your modern "elite" competitive gaming controller, it doesn't break the bank.
And did I mention that it also has a rumble feature? Because of course it does.
This one is definitely a fun gift for whoever you end up purchasing it for.
Purchase on Amazon
Walter Guevara is a software engineer, startup founder and currently teaches programming for a coding bootcamp. He is currently building things that don't yet exist.
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