The Organic Prepper By Daisy Luther
Do you have replacement accessories for electronics and computers?
There have been some shortages of electronics and accessories before, but thereās a potential perfect storm coming up that makes me think, as the old saying goes, āWe aināt seen nothinā yet.ā
Why do you need to buy these things now?
Shortages began to appear back duringĀ the very first lockdown, and while things looked briefly like they might be bouncing back, weāre once again facingĀ a shortage of, well, darn near everything. Shortages of electronic components are especially worrisome and have even been deemedĀ apocalyptic as microchips ā the brain of all electronic devices ā are becoming scarce. This has something to do with theĀ shortages of appliances, too. Everything got so āsmartā with programmable refrigerators, cars with complicated computers, and digital washing machines that repairing these items in the future, unless this microchip thing gets under control, will not be possible.
Currently, things are still available, but Iām already noticing a few cracks in the facade.Ā Should we have another lockdown,Ā which many expect could happen in the fall, everyone will be desperately trying to get ahold of the electronics they need to complete work and distance learning. Which will result inā¦you guessed itā¦even more shortages.
What replacement accessories for electronics should you get?
Think about what you would need to work or educate from home. This will help you to determine the replacement accessories for electronics that you personally need.
Computer, laptop, or tablet
If you think itās almost time to update your main device, now might be the time to do it. In 2020 I had to replace a computer when mine bit the dust and couldnāt be repaired, and there were only a couple of choices available for the replacement. Both were far more expensive than my previous device. Obviously, I canāt be without a computer, so I had to go ahead and buy the pricier laptop.
TheĀ prices of laptops on AmazonĀ have gone up, but there are still a few good deals to be had.
Computer chargers
When you order that new device, go ahead and grab at least one spare charger. Itās always best if you can get one from the same manufacturer.
Recently, I wanted to get some spare chargers the same brand as my computer, as those usually charge better and faster. But I was unable to acquire my first choice. I waited 3 weeks for my chargers to arrive then got an email that my money had been refunded because my product was out of stock indefinitely. When I moved on toĀ a generic charger, I bought a total of 4 to stash away because if my computer isnāt working, then neither am I.
If you have multiple different computers in the house, you canĀ consider a few of these universal chargersĀ with various extra plugs to work on different machines.
Webcams
With Zoom becoming the go-to conference room, webcams are becoming a necessity. While you can use the camera on your laptop, you may need the higher resolution of a web camera.
This oneĀ has a privacy cover, plugs into your computer with a USB port, and is highly rated on Amazon.Ā This oneĀ is of better quality and includes an adjustable ring light to have the perfect lighting for your meetings. You can spend as much or as little as you want on this type of equipment. Also, consider a tripod that meets your needs.
Microphones and Headsets
The cameras above include microphones. There are alsoĀ USB microphonesĀ that can significantly improve your sound quality. Before grabbing a whole bunch of things that require USB hookups, make sure you have enough ports on your computer for what you need to plug in. Otherwise, go for products with more than one use.
I have a headset that I use when I do radio interviews. These are great because they help to block out background noise.Ā This is a nice exampleĀ that is reasonably priced, has a volume control, and has a mute button. (Trust me, youāll use that mute button a LOT). Gamer headsets are often of the highest quality.Ā Hereās a varietyĀ to choose from.
Phones
Is your phone on its last legs? Is it held together with duct tape and a prayer? If a phone is a necessity for you, you may want to get a new one sooner rather than later. Like many of our electronics, most of these are made in China and contain microchips galore.
Phone and other device chargers
Whatever charger your phone needs you may wish to go ahead and purchase new charging cords now. This is especially true for people who are notoriously rough on their cables. I just picked upĀ a couple of packsĀ so that Iād have half a dozen spares for my phone and a couple ofĀ 2-packs for my Kindle. These replacement accessories for electronics are pretty important for lots of people.
Make sure to have backup chargers for all the phones in your house. Most parents of teens will understand the necessity of this. I usually donāt promote the use of devices for kids, but with the restrictions that have been put in place, a lot of young people are finding that their entire social life takes place on their phones through various apps.Ā The isolation for many is bad enough without cutting them off digitally, too.
What other replacement accessories for electronics and devices are you putting back?
Those who donāt have school-age children or who donāt rely on their devices for their income may find this article frivolous. But those of us who have a legitimateĀ needĀ for our electronics (otherwise, we canāt make a living) will understand the vital importance of replacement accessories for electronics. As well, our society is becoming ever more digital, with purchases and orders placed online.
Honestly, this is not a prepper list I ever thought Iād write. But here we are. Not all disasters mean weāll be without the grid.
Are you buying any replacement accessories for electronics or any new devices? Did I miss anything important on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments.
