Ditch the Old, Embrace the New: A 2025 Tech Declutter Guide

As the new year approaches, many individuals contemplate resolutions to create a more efficient and fulfilling work life. A great way to initiate this positive change is by decluttering tech gadgets that may have been holding us back. While some devices have advanced over the years, others remain in our possession due to nostalgia.  

This article highlights gadgets that should be considered for disposal in 2025 and recommends more efficient alternatives. Let’s focus on letting go of the old and welcoming the new for a more streamlined and productive year ahead. 

Bulky projectors 

If you’re still using bulky wired projectors for your meetings, it might be time to consider an upgrade to mini ultra-short-throw projectors. Traditional projectors require a significant distance to project images, which can be impractical for small rooms, particularly in urban settings with limited space. The mini ultra-short-throw projectors solve this problem by being compact and capable of projecting large images from a short distance. 

A standout example is the ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus Projector. This lightweight, 4-inch projector is perfectly portable, easily fitting into a bag for on-the-go presentations. Its user-friendly design requires no extensive setup—simply open the lens cover that works as a stand, and you’re ready to present. The projector has a small remote for easy control and offers a comprehensive audio-visual experience with multiple connectivity options (HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi). Additionally, it features a built-in 2-watt JBL speaker and a battery that supports power bank compatibility, allowing for hours of use without the need for a power cord. 

LED Table Lamps 

It’s time to replace that outdated LED desk lamp you’ve had for years with a sleek monitor light bar to enhance your workspace without cluttering it. These modern solutions enhance workspace aesthetics, combat eye strain, and improve productivity. 

When it comes to premium monitor light bars, the BenQ ScreenBar Pro stands out. Its downward-facing LED light illuminates your workspace directly without disturbing others. The ScreenBar Pro features user-friendly touch controls and an impressive motion sensor that automatically turns off the light after you leave your desk, turning it back on when you return. Additionally, you can easily customise the colour temperature and brightness to suit your preferences or enable its auto-brightness feature to adapt to the ambient light in your space. Powered by a USB-C connection, the ScreenBar Pro is a versatile and stylish addition to any desk setup. 

Outdated webcams 

Gone are the days of clunky webcams that confined us to one spot during meetings. With the rise of remote work, there’s a growing demand for high-quality webcams that deliver clear audio and video. The Insta360 Link webcam meets these needs with its impressive specifications and smart AI features. Instead of traditional buttons, the Insta360 Link lets you switch between modes using gestures. It also includes an automatic privacy mode that activates after ten seconds of inactivity, ensuring privacy if you step away during a call. 

Moreover, the lightweight webcam supports 4K resolution and 1080p at 60 frames per second. It features a three-axis gimbal that provides nearly 360-degree horizontal rotation and some vertical movement, allowing for versatile positioning without adding bulk to your laptop screen. This makes it ideal for presentations or dance routines. It can also detect and automatically track faces, zooming in and out to keep you perfectly framed. 

The Insta360 Link features four distinct modes: Portrait for vertical video, Whiteboard mode that focuses on rectangular surfaces like whiteboards and chalkboards, DeskView which allows users to alternate between their own image and their desktop, and Overhead for an overhead perspective when mounted on a tripod. It can be easily connected to your PC via the included USB-C cable. 

Hard Drive 

In today’s digital age, ample storage is crucial. While traditional hard drives (HDDs) can be bulky, solid-state drives (SSDs) offer a faster, quieter, and more durable solution. By leveraging flash memory, SSDs provide rapid data access, quick boot times, and efficient application loading. 

For a sleek and secure portable SSD, consider the Samsung T7 Touch, which is credit card-sized. Its fingerprint-based security system provides easy access to your data, while its durable aluminium casing ensures protection. Users can register up to four fingerprints directly on the device, which requires initial setup through Samsung’s software. After that, unlocking the drive is as simple as touching your finger. In addition to its capacitive fingerprint scanner, the T7 Touch incorporates robust hardware encryption and a password option to enhance security.  

It features a USB-C port that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, providing significantly faster performance than traditional hard drives, although it may not always reach its theoretical maximum speed. The T7 Touch is compatible with most modern devices and comes in three storage capacities—500GB, 1TB, and 2TB—along with two sleek colour options: black and silver. 

Distilled 

As the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new.” We hope this guide has helped you identify outdated tech and inspired you to declutter your digital life. By letting go of outdated gadgets and adopting modern solutions, you’ll enhance your productivity and create a more efficient workspace. So, get ready to transform your environment and enjoy the benefits of a streamlined, tech-savvy lifestyle!