7 bits of tech you think you need but never use

When you’re a tech geek or looking through a list of cool gadgets, it’s easy to get excited about the possibilities of a brand new technology. But the reality is that a lot of tech items that seem essential can end up gathering dust in a drawer.

1 High refresh rate monitor

A high refresh rate monitor might sound like the ultimate technology upgrade, especially with the promise of ultra-smooth images. For gamers and graphics professionals, yes, it can be a game changer. But unless you play fast-paced video games or do visual design work, a monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher may be overkill. For the average user—someone checking email, watching Netflix, or working on a spreadsheet—a standard 60Hz monitor will do the job.

Would a high refresh rate monitor look nice? Absolutely. But if your daily routine doesn’t require it, there are other ways to spend your money more efficiently.

2 A tablet without a purpose

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Tablets have their appeal—they’re portable, versatile, and packed with apps for everything from note-taking to gaming. But if you don’t have a specific use in mind, they can become an expensive paperweight. Many people buy a tablet expecting it to replace their laptop, only to find that it doesn’t quite fit into their daily workflow or ends up duplicating what their phone already does.

Before buying a tablet, ask yourself what specific tasks it can handle. If the answer is unclear, it might be worth reconsidering. Tablets are great, but only if they serve a real function in your life.

3 USB Mixer/Audio interface

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If you’ve ever been inspired by a YouTube tutorial or dreamed of starting a podcast, you may have thought about getting a USB mixer or audio interface. These devices promise high-quality audio inputs, ideal for musicians, streamers and podcasters. But for anyone just dabbling in audio or planning the occasional Zoom call, getting one of these might be too much tech with too few practical applications.

If you don’t plan to commit to regular audio projects, this USB mixer could easily go from an exciting new purchase to just another dust collector on your desk.

4 Laptop cooling pad

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Laptop cooling pads may seem like a handy fix for anyone worried about their device overheating. These gadgets often have built-in fans to increase airflow, which promises to keep your laptop cooler and extend its life. However, unless you’re using resource-intensive programs like video editing software or graphics-intensive games, most modern laptops are designed to handle everyday tasks without additional cooling.

If you use your laptop primarily for browsing, streaming, or word processing, you probably won’t notice much of a difference in temperature. Additionally, cooling pads usually require a USB port, which can lead to faster battery drain.

5 Phone stand

Phone stands may seem practical. I mean, think of the many potential benefits: adjustable angles, portability, and even cable routing. However, the reality is a little different. A dedicated stand often becomes redundant – especially when so many other things around you can serve as phone stands. Books, cups, or even just the edge of your laptop can hold your phone at a decent angle without the need for a separate gadget.

Unless you’re someone who regularly takes calls or doesn’t need your phone at eye level for extended periods of time, you’ll probably find that a phone stand isn’t as necessary as it seems.

6 Ring light

Ring lights are another technology that seems essential, especially with the rise of video calling and content creation. They promise professional lighting for everything from Zoom meetings to TikTok videos, and it’s easy to see the appeal. But for most people, this gadget is used much less than expected.

Ring Light is great for dedicated content creators who require consistent, professional-looking lighting. But for most of us, the occasional selfie or virtual meeting can be just as well lit by a desk lamp or natural light from a window.

7 VR headset

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A virtual reality headset is one of those tech gadgets that people think they need until they get one and realize how rarely they use it. Playing games on an infinite screen, exploring virtual worlds or even exercising in VR sounds exciting. But this expensive gadget is often not commonly used unless you are a serious gamer or VR enthusiast.

Popular standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 offer immersive experiences. However, the novelty can wear off quickly if you’re not a dedicated gamer or someone deeply interested in VR. VR headsets also require space to move around, can cause motion sickness in some users, and can make them sit idle after the initial excitement wears off.

It’s easy to get excited about the latest gadgets. However, some technologies are not as essential as they seem. Things that we believe will improve our daily routines often turn out to be of occasional use at best. And while some gadgets, like a tablet or a ring light, will serve specific needs well, they’ll only shine if they fit your lifestyle.