When it comes to the gear computer professionals use, there are a ton of different tools they swear by—many of which you might not have heard of. With that in mind, today we'll be looking at the underrated tools pros swear by and how those tools can help improve and enhance your workflow.
Xcellon Pro Hub 10
I like to start out with a few devices like hubs! They are great for all sorts of scenarios like trying to expand the utility of your device. If you have a laptop with only USB-C ports, a hub would be great especially if you have USB-A peripherals. Devices like the Xcellon Pro Hub 10 is a great tool to always keep on you! It’s light, compact, and has a strong construction to withstand travel from one location to another. There are three USB-A ports, one operating on the USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 interface with the remaining two running USB-A 3.2 Gen 2. There is also an additional USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for some added utility. You also get SD and microSD card slots, a 3.5mm audio jack, an ethernet port, and an HDMI port. There is also a dedicated USB-C port for power passthrough, which enables you to plug in an external charger, so all devices get power including the host device! This way you’ll never lose power in the middle of use.
Pearstone Cable Management Tools
Pearstone has a ton of devices out there from cables to adapters, but how do you manage all of these? Understanding that cable management is critical to keeping a nice-looking space, I personally use Pearstone’s Touch Fastener Straps. They are available in many lengths as well as singular colors to help keep each cable section neat and organized! Plus, they beat standard wire ties, which need cutters to remove. Pearstone also makes the Elastic Cable Wrap Kit, which can be used in many different environments aside from your computer setup.
Pearstone also helps with cable organization on your desktop with the convenient Plastic Cable Organizer. The great thing about this particular set is how there are multiple types of organizers, allowing you to us the best one for the right desk setup. And if you don’t need them all, just save them for when you really do need to replace one.
Auray CBH-19 Cable Hanger
If your cable management is getting a bit unruly, I would suggest something like the Auray CBH-19 Wall Mount Cable Hanger, which helps you organize all your cables by hanging them up on the wall for easy access. Ever been in a pinch where you’re looking for a specific cable intended for just one device? Hang it up! There is even some room where you can label spots for specific cables.
Pearstone Anti-Static Wrist Strap
There is still a lot of debate on the topic, but for me, I always err on the side of caution. The Pearstone Anti-Static Wrist Strap is one of the most important tools in my kit. When I am working on a computer, I wear this to prevent static from potentially damaging any parts. The elastic strap is fairly comfortable, and the alligator clip can rest easily on any part of the case without scratching it.
Kopul CBT-MF Cable Tester
You need help with troubleshooting a cable? The Kopul CBT-MF Cable Tester can help. It can assist with audio cables as well as ethernet cables, giving you XLR, TRS, Speakon, RJ45, RCA, BNC, and more in one single package. The interesting part is how the body can be detached and separated for long runs.
Auray ERS-12U Equipment Rack
On-set production sometimes requires some major equipment. From live music to video production, equipment like the Auray ERS-12U become increasingly important. It features enough room to store various pieces of networking, server, and even audio gear! It also has several locking casters to help with moving your equipment from one location to another. It also features vented side panels, reliable steel construction, and more! We have multiple options available up to 22 RU spaces.
Auray Locking Rack Drawer
While we are on racks, Auray also developed the Locking Rack Drawer, which comes in 2, 3, and 4 RU configurations. These allow you to store important items and keep them secure! Each drawer is constructed from rugged steel, can hold up to 40 pounds, and can extend fully for easy access to your equipment.
Arco CT-TM45B Display Transport Case
Whether you are a live producer who is shooting on site or a video editor who likes to bring their entire rig with them, the Arco CT-TM45B is there for you! This particular bag holds displays between the 27 to 45” range, but smaller sizes are also available. The case itself is padded, weather resistant, and has a waterproof bottom! There is a large exterior accessory pocket for cables and other important devices and there is a clear window panel for ID or business cards.
Ruggard EPP-CCL Cable Case
Listen, if you are a professional like myself or simply a guy with too many cables that you just can’t let go of, the Ruggard EPP-CCL Cable Case is there for you. The clear window shows the full interior of the contents of the case so you can make sure that you have the right cable or tool for the job. The 12 elastic cable dividers can hold multiple items like screwdrivers, USB hubs, adapters, and more.
APC Battery Back Up Systems
You built a computer and assembled an entire system which costs a lot of money. To safeguard your latest personal investment, you should absolutely invest in a battery backup system. APC is one of the few companies that offers a wide range of Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) systems that uses an internal battery system to give you just enough power to save and shut down your system, so you don’t lose anything while also preventing potential damage.
APC’s BR1500MS2 is a great example of a real solid UPS that can fit a variety of setups. You get ten total outlets with surge protection, six of which are designated to the battery backup. This particular model I really adore thanks to the front-facing display which gives you important information at a mere glance, telling you internal battery power levels, how much wattage is flowing through the system, and more! There are also two USB ports at the front, one USB-C and the other USB-A, great for charging devices like smartphones and tablets.
Nomatic Backpack
When you have a lot of gear that you must travel with, you’re going to want a backpack that can withstand not just the outdoors, but all these other facets of life. This is where the Nomatic Backpack comes into play. Whether you are just traveling for a quick weekend away or performing some on-site IT work, you’re going to want something with ample organization options, feels comfortable, and also has a strong build quality.
I personally own this backpack, purchasing it two years ago and it has been a complete lifesaver for me. It has a dedicated laptop sleeve that holds my MacBook Pro alongside a tablet sleeve for my iPad Air. This area is expandable, giving you extra room to fit clothes, other devices, books, and so much more! The front pouch is packed with a litany of mesh pockets that allows me to organize my cables, devices like battery packs, computer peripherals, and so much more! There is also an exterior zippered pocket towards the top which I use for tissues, earbuds, and other small tools. There are two exterior side pockets that can fit my small umbrella and a water bottle.
OWC Advanced Toolkit
Seeing that this is an article that mentions tools in the title, we might as well include a few toolkits like the OWC Advanced Toolkit. This 72-piece arrangement includes a 58-piece screwdriver set, 6-piece nut driver set, ESD-safe tweezers, anti-static wrist strap, plastic and metal spudgers, and a flexible shaft extension. Together, you can easily fix a slew of devices from the average computer to controllers and beyond! A neat nylon canvas carrying case is included as well and offers additional pouches, so you can bring other pieces of equipment with you.
SmallRig EDC Multi-Tool
A solid multi-tool can go a long way and makes a perfect companion for the pro on the move. SmallRig’s EDC Multi-Tool is a fantastic piece of equipment that gives you a ton of utility within a single package. Not only do you have a pair of built-in pliers, but the handles house a bunch of other tools like a blade, knife, file, wrench, and so much more!
What is great about this is how you can use it on not just computer hardware, but also camera equipment. The magnetic bit driver alone will save you so much time when setting up and breaking down equipment or changing out mounting hardware. This is definitely a piece of gear you would want on you no matter where you are.
That is all for now when it comes to the underrated tools professionals use. For more information on each of these devices, make sure you check the links above.
