Please Just Work is a project I’ve been developing off and on over the past couple years. There’s still a lot to do, but with all the people buying or gifting tech this holiday, this is an ideal time to put all my advice in one place for those who would like it.

Best Phone for Most People

iPhone XR

With nearly all the features of the $1000+ Xs and Xs Max, and the Goldie Locks 6.1″ screen size the iPhone XR seems like the perfect phone for anyone looking to upgrade to the latest iPhone line without spending too much. If money is no object, and/or you want the biggest screen on an iPhone, the extra features the more expensive models have a few features that may be worth it for some. Read more in my full guide coming soon. The one exception is if you can still get an iPhone X and it’s the same or cheaper, I think that is a better buy. Apple is no longer making them though so at some point stock will run out. Personally, I find the most appealing thing about the XR are the color options. If color doesn’t matter to you, rather than the black or white, I’d recommend the product red model. Apple donates 30% of the purchase price to help fight AIDS in Africa. It’s a kind thing you can do this holiday and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

Best Wifi Router

Eero

The most important thing when buying a new router is to get one with automatic updates from a company with a good track record. It’s also nice to be able to expand your network to reach those areas of your house that never seem to have strong WiFi. I’ve been recommending Eeros for over a year now, and everyone who’s taken me up on it loves it. The app gives plenty of functionality for those who want to fool around with settings and features, but it also works reliable behind the scenes for those who want to set it and forget it. Since updates are automatically installed in the background you can rest easy knowing your network is secure for years to come. Just make sure your neighbors can’t guess your password.

Best Tablet for Most People

iPad 9.7″

If you’re an artist or photographer with money to burn, an iPad Pro is your best bet. Either the newest, or last year’s model. However for everyone else, the $329 standard iPad will be all the tablet you need. With holiday deals bringing it as low as $249, this well built workhorse is nearly an impulse buy. Even if you have an android phone, the sheer number of tablet optimized apps in the Apple App Store, combined with Apple’s willing to support hardware for up to 5 years with software and security updates, there really isn’t any other tablet that comes close.