2021 will be a historic year in some ways as the world embarks on the greatest vaccination campaign ever. It’s impossible to say how well this process will go and how many of us will be vaccinated by the end of this year, but given the size of the goal, it currently looks like we’ll be spending most of the time indoors in 2021, as we did for most of 2020. And that means an even greater reliance on the devices that support, entertain, and sometimes isolate us. Gadgets 360 employees hope to find new gadgets in 2021 that will make their lives easier, both at and outside of work. These include better laptops, faster graphics cards, office chairs, and home offices – or game consoles, cordless vacuums, and guitar gear. Many of us are from the Apple ecosystem, and no, this piece wasn’t sponsored by Apple as we promise. What gadgets do you have on your New Years wish list? Let us know in the comments.
Abhinav Lal: nothing
After the year that has passed, I am writing down my wishes for 2021. I have things I originally didn’t plan or desire in 2020, and maybe next year I’ll deduce every ounce of value from these purchases. While I could name previous wishlist gadgets I haven’t invested in yet – like a VR headset – I have no plans to spend on something that doesn’t matter in 2021.
Aditya Shenoy: MacBook Air M1
I’ve been using the MacBook Air since 2017 and it has made my life a lot easier. I did a lot of work on it and the battery life was impressive too. But now it’s slowing down and showing its age. Maybe I’ll be in the market for a new laptop soon. I’m used to macOS now, so the upgrade needs to be a MacBook. The recently introduced M1 MacBook Air seems like the perfect upgrade to me. It’s much more powerful than my machine, and it also offers improved battery life. I find the current price is a bit higher so I may be waiting for some great deals on ecommerce sites before taking the plunge.
Read: MacBook Air M1 Review
Buy: MacBook Air
Akhil Arora: PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
Last year, I said I would love to pick up the Xbox Series X when Microsoft released Forza Horizon 5 as a next-generation exclusive product. Well, that didn’t happen, Microsoft hasn’t even announced Forza Horizon 5 yet. In such a scenario, I was (more than) happy to pick up the PlayStation 5 as well, not just as a safer bet, but as a replacement for the older PlayStation 4 Slim. (Context: I have an Xbox One X, so it should take a little longer.) But that didn’t happen either because the PS5 hasn’t launched in India yet.
My third (and most reasonable) option was to save the money on an upcoming vacation. And I did. I had also bought tickets to the Euro 2020 lottery but then stupid COVID-19 happened. And these plans evaporated overnight. I ended up using the money to upgrade my home theater system, which improved my experience watching movies – and laid the foundation for getting the most out of next-generation consoles. Now I only need the PlayStation 5 to actually start here.
Ali Pardiwala: iPhone 12 Mini
I’ve spent much of the last decade building an ecosystem of Apple products backed by my access to test equipment and my office-released MacBook Air. The only Apple line of products I’ve deliberately stayed away from is the iPhone. Instead, I want to stick to the familiarity and openness of Android. It seems that 2021 could finally change that; I want to get an iPhone 12 mini next year.
A number of factors contribute to my decision to finally take the plunge, including getting the right devices for the iPhone like AirPods Pro, MacBook Air, iPad mini (2019), and HomePod mini. Another important aspect is the size of the iPhone 12 mini. A lot of people suggest that it might be too small, but I don’t think I would have a problem with that at all.
As I get older, I even see the simplicity of the iPhone as a huge benefit for the ecosystem. Though I’d probably be on Android via a second connection as well, I think 2021 will finally be the year I transition to iPhone life, and the 12 mini seems like the way to get started.
Read: iPhone 12 Mini Review
Buy: iPhone 12 mini
Aman Rashid: iPhone 13 Pro max
After introducing the iPhone 12 Pro earlier this year, I was sure I would put this one off. I’m currently using the iPhone 11 Pro, then why should I have almost the same phone? This brings me to the tech buy I’m aiming for in 2021, the iPhone 13 Pro Max or whatever Apple decides to call its biggest and baddest.
I am someone who appreciates the little details more than the general things you get in every phone. And I may sound silly when I say this, but the only reason I didn’t buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max is because of the 60Hz screen. I know it has great cameras, great features, great battery life, etc .; Basically, it’s spot on, but the only reason I’ll buy the next-gen iPhone Pro Max is simply to wait for Apple to put the 120Hz high-refresh-rate Pro Motion screen on it coming iPhone brings advantages.
Don’t get me wrong, but almost every other flagship out there these days is pretty darn good and if you put your hard earned money on it you will most likely be satisfied. It’s just that the little details are very important to me. So, iPhone 13 Pro Max with a 120 Hz display, see you soon!
Gopal Sathe: gaming desktop
I have managed not to own a desktop for many years, but working endlessly from home made me realize that this wasn’t the best move for my back and eyes. A 13-inch laptop is ideal when you have to travel to work. However, if you are stuck at home, it makes sense to have a computer to sit in front of. Plus, I can dip my toes back into Steam.
I was planning on assembling a pc, but an article on custom pc maker gave me a handy shortcut. I’m not looking at a high-end rig, but something mid-range that can double up for both work and some fun would be great to have again.
Buy: Desktop Gaming PC
Jagmeet Singh: A high-tech workstation setup
The trend to work from home, which was widespread due to the coronavirus outbreak, is likely to continue for some time. Instead of looking for a new phone or tablet, I have a few thoughts about upgrading my existing home office in 2021. I initially decided on a new desk and chair for my room, but these probably won’t help me sit comfortably during my work hours. Some research also suggests “sitting sickness” due to a poor sedentary lifestyle. So I’m thinking of an advanced workstation setup with a height adjustable desk.
Ecommerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart are showing off some of the existing electric workstation desks that I can choose from today. However, their prices are too high to buy right now. However, the rapid growth of work from home should make this part affordable. I’m optimistic that I’ll get what I could call a high tech home office setup in at least 2021.
Photo credit: Ikea
Jamshed Avari: A Good Office Chair (Suggestions Welcome)
Even after the post-traumatic stress of 2020 subsides, I don’t think I’ll be spending a lot of money on upgrades unless something I’m using breaks down. I could extend the life of my primary phone and laptop by replacing the batteries, but let’s face it – it doesn’t look like either of us is spending that much time outdoors and wirelessly anyway.
While we can’t say when or to what extent the world will return to normal, I know that I need to set up a better workspace at home and the main need is a good office chair. I’m not going to be super high end with a Herman Miller model or super flashy with a gaming chair, but I think I should be spending a fair amount of money on something I’ll use for a large part of every day. Ikea and Featherlite seem to have some suitable options.
Buy: Ikea Langfjaell or something the readers suggest
Jasmin Jose: iPhone 13
I’ve waited a very long time for the iPhone 13 to launch (years of reading). The reason in particular has nothing to do with technology. It’s just that 13 is my favorite number and I always knew I would put my hands on the iPhone 13 when it was released.
The rumored ultra-wide camera lens for the iPhone 13 only increased my anticipation for the launch of the new model. The last iPhone I owned was an iPhone 7 Plus and I’m currently running on Android so the new iPhone will be a welcome change.
If all goes well and I get an iPhone 13, I’ll be listing it in my favorite tech purchases by the end of 2021. Until then we keep our fingers crossed!
Pranay Parab: MacBook Air
I’ve read the Gadgets 360 Reviews for the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and Mac mini (M1, 2020) and I am now convinced that these machines are worth the hype. I need a laptop upgrade in 2021 and have my eye on the MacBook Air M1. It offers great performance for the price as well as great battery life.
I am aware of the risks of buying a first-generation product, but like the HomePod and AirPods, Apple seems to have found a successful strategy for the new Macs in the M1 SoC. Even so, I’m still not sure I can save enough to buy the MacBook Air from MRP. So I’ll start by looking at good deals on older models or even used MacBooks. If I can’t find these, I’ll be looking at Diwali deals on M1 devices with great interest.
Read: MacBook Air M1 Review
Buy: MacBook Air
Photo credit: Roydon Cerejo / Gadgets 360
Pankaj Rawat: iMac
I want to buy a new iMac so that Adobe Premiere Pro software can run properly. That’s all.
Buy: iMac
Robin John: Nvidia graphics card
Ever since building my own rig, my eyes have been on updating the GPU as well as my storage options. This year I’ll be focusing on getting my hands on an Nvidia GeForce 2000 series card for my rig. For the context, I’m currently using the Nvidia GeForce 1660 Super. Since gaming and editing are the basics for me from now on, I think the 2060 Super should be enough. Hopefully this helps me cut export times and say hello to the cute, cute ray tracing. And yes, maybe I’ll get more kills on Apex Legends this time around (screams). I might as well upgrade my RAM to a 32GB kit. Let’s see, 2021, please be good to us.
Read: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super Founders Edition Review
Buy: Galax GeForce RTX 2060 6GB
Roydon Cerejo: Apple One
Last year I had plans to do a few things in 2020. While I definitely bought more PS4 games, I didn’t end up buying new TWS headphones or any more wireless chargers. The reason for this was that I just didn’t need them, especially since most of us worked from home for most of 2020.
I don’t have any extravagant purchases on my mind for 2021, but I’m deeply thinking about getting an Apple One subscription. In addition to Apple Music, I’ve played many Apple Arcade games since testing the iPhone 12 Pro and paid Apple Rs Rs for them instead of a separate subscription. A basic plan of 195 per month seems to be better value for money. In addition to Apple Music and Apple Arcade, you also get access to Apple TV + and 50GB of cloud storage. I don’t really need these latter two services, but it doesn’t hurt to have them.
Buy: Apple One
Shayak Majumder: PlayStation 5
I’ve waited long enough with bated breath. If everything had gone smoothly, I probably could have written this as a proud owner of the next generation PlayStation. But unfortunately Sony doesn’t still announced when the PS5 will launch in India. Rumor houses suggest the shiny new consoles could be in stock in January, but there’s no confirmation yet.
And no, I’m not going to go for an Xbox Series S available through Amazon and Flipkart, or the premium Xbox Series X.
Sure, the PS5 might not have any drooling exclusives at launch, but we’re talking about a whole new generation, humans. The PS4 was launched back in 2013 and since then there have been quite a few iterations and several critically acclaimed exclusive titles that make Sony’s PlayStation the sensible platform. And given the early reviews of the feel and adaptive triggers of the new DualSense controller, the new PS5 definitely makes me weak in the knees.
So we hope for quick availability in India and a large generation of games.
Buy: PlayStation 5 whenever it comes up.
Shubham Raheja: guitar interface and studio monitors
Strangely enough, I’m in a place where I’ve done almost everything technical – smartphone, PC, and even software. So I have to think outside the box. This may be a bit low tech, but I really want to buy a guitar interface so that I can plug my guitar into my laptop and have high quality output. I’m looking at the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, a USB audio interface that also comes with Pro Tools. A bit expensive, but that’s on the wish list right now. Ooh, and the JBL Professional NANO K5 studio monitors would be great too.
Buy: Focusrite Scarlett Solo and JBL Professional NANO K5
Srishti Manak: Apple Watch SE
I recently bought an iPhone XR and I’m having a pretty good time on my new phone. That also means buying a new phone in 2021 is out of the question. But if there’s one device I’d like to do without this New Year, it will be the Apple Watch SE. From the looks to the technical data, there is nothing I don’t like about this new Apple Watch. As we mentioned in our review, the Apple Watch SE is an affordable Apple Watch with most of the software features you would find in the new Apple Watch Series 6, which gives me another reason to choose this one.
The lower price makes it all the more attractive and since this is my first time being a user, I believe the Apple Watch SE may be the perfect device for me.
Read: Apple Watch SE Review
Buy: Apple Watch SE
Tasneem Akolawala: Dyson V11 Absolute Pro
I’ve just changed homes and this constant urge to keep things extremely clean (given the times we live in) is becoming an issue. After work, I often clean nooks and crannies or get up much earlier to give myself a head start. To help with this new obsession, I’d love to buy a Dyson vacuum cleaner for the house. The Dyson V11 Absolute Pro should help thoroughly clean sofas and thick carpets, which are usually breeding grounds for dust and small particles.
Because of the price involved, I haven’t bought it impulsively so far. I still marinate over the thought and really think about whether I need it or not. While the practical side of my brain is telling me to go for other affordable options, I’ve longed to have a Dyson vacuum for some time.
Buy: Dyson V11 Absolute Pro
Veer Arjun Singh: nothing
2020 was an expensive year. At least it was for me. It is true that we have moved much less (save fuel), eat much less (save exorbitant taxes) and wear much less (pants at home? No). Even planning a vacation was like a daydream. But I was a victim of what could be called revenge shopping. I just call it shopping. (Virtual gold = check)
I upgraded from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 11 this year, but not without an Apple Watch SE and a pair of AirPods Pro. Music, they say, is a way of life. And we have a little Marshall Kilburn II at home to calmly kill and burn this wretched time. The old VU TV survived and so did the PlayStation 4 Slim. I have a subscription to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney + Hotstar and SonyLIV (some family money was lost in Scam 1992), but also to Audible and Kindle Unlimited.
What else could a person want? Sure, I had somehow thought of getting the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset (cheap), but two top-rated shots of the vaccine and a trip to the wild Oktoberfest sound more like what I would be spending this year. My technical wish list? I might buy another Philips Hue light for the living room. But dare I say I feel like I have it all now.
Vineet Washington: New CPU, GPU, motherboard, PlayStation 5 and 4K TV
As with technology, there is always an upgrade just around the corner. While I’ve been using my Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super since July last year, the 3000-series GPUs are already here, and it is suspected that more will be added in the next year. I have come to the conclusion that hopefully this year I’ll upgrade my CPU to the Core i7-10700K and motherboard (Z490) and wait for the Ti version of the GeForce RTX 3070 to come out early next year. While this is still out of budget, it can lower the cost of the GeForce RTX 3070.
A PS5 is definitely on my list too. Regardless of when it starts in India, I’ll try to get one through someone traveling from outside the country where it’s cheaper. And also a 4K TV!
Buy: Intel Core i7-10700K and Z490 motherboard
Yousuf Jawed: iPhone 12 Mini
In 2021 I expect to change the iPhone. The iPhone 12 Mini is a very tempting product. My selection of larger phones was not voluntary, but no smaller Android phones were available. Now iOS has arrived and the Apple A14 Bionic is very powerful and ahead of its Qualcomm counterpart. In terms of the camera, I am very intrigued by the ultra wide angle camera and its uses. The image processing and camera functions of iPhones hit the sweet spot. Yeah the only problem is battery life and typing comes to mind. Well, the battery life can’t do much and it will be good enough and the typing problem will take some time to get used to with this form factor.
Read: iPhone 12 Mini Review
Buy: iPhone 12 Mini
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