Our Manifesto:
In a world drowning in feature-rich bloat and relentless AI hype, more tools don’t make you more productive—they make you more distracted. The modern era doesn’t need more tech; it needs better choices.Mandatory Tech exists to define the Minimum Viable Stack: a lean, high-octane collection of hardware that does exactly what you need—and nothing you don’t. No filler. No hype. No “nice to have” distractions.Whether you’re a college freshman engineering your future, a founder scaling from a coffee shop, a remote worker turning a kitchen table into a high-performance HQ, or a privacy-first operator locking down your digital footprint—your results live and die by your toolkit.This is not another gadget review site.Most tech blogs try to serve everyone, which means they end up serving no one—pushing endless gear that gets bought, shelved, and forgotten. Mandatory Tech is different. Every recommendation must earn its place by meeting three non-negotiables:-It solves a core problem-It respects your time, attention, and privacy-It delivers a high return on effortIf a product doesn’t meet that bar, it isn’t mandatory—no matter how new or popular it is.Here, tech is organized by who you are and what you’re building. Each stack is designed to work as a system, not a pile of disconnected tools. We prioritize sustainability over trends, choosing gear that won’t be obsolete in six months. When better options emerge, we update the stack—without apology or sunk-cost loyalty.No matter your role, your mission, or your stage—there is a lean, powerful stack waiting for you.This is Mandatory Tech.
Everything else is optional.
Stack: The "Deep Work" Home Office
For the remote worker who needs absolute focus and broadcast-quality presence
| Mandatory Item | Get This Specific Product | Why It’s Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Canceling | Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones | These are necessary because their industry‑leading active noise cancellation helps you block out distractions from roommates, traffic, or background noise so you can focus deeply on coding or meetings, and their long battery life and comfortable design make them easy to wear through long work sessions. They also support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and clear voice pickup for calls, letting you stay connected across devices without juggling cables or switching headsets mid‑day. |
| Broadcast Webcam | Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Webcam | Laptop webcams are unacceptable for pros. Fine-tune your video to exactly the way you like it with a suite of customizable settings. Adjust lighting, color balance, ISO, Shutter Speed, tint, vibrance, and more. This allows you to make sure your image looks just right depending on your lighting setup and conditions. Or just let auto mode take care of it for you. Protect your privacy between meetings by simply rotating the built-in privacy shutter to completely block the camera. |
| Monitor Light Bar | BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 LED Monitor Light | It sits on top of your monitor and illuminates your desk without glare on the screen. It reduces eye strain significantly during late-night sprints. If you spend hours every day on video calls, writing documents, or analyzing spreadsheets, good lighting helps keep your eyes comfortable, makes your workspace easier to see, and keeps you feeling fresher longer. The ScreenBar Halo 2 does this without cluttering your desk or throwing glare back at you — basically leveling up your home-office lighting in a smart, subtle way. |
| Ergonomic Mouse | Logitech MX Master 3S | The "MagSpeed" scroll wheel is a productivity cheat code, scrolling 1,000 lines per second. The silent click mechanism is also vital for home environments. It's considered one of the best because it’s designed to be comfortable and efficient during long workdays. Its ergonomic shape reduces hand and wrist fatigue, the quiet clicks don’t distract during video meetings, and the smooth, fast scrolling makes it easier to move through long documents and spreadsheets. It works reliably on almost any surface, switches easily between multiple devices, and can be customized to match how you work, which helps save time on repetitive tasks. Overall, it’s a mouse that fades into the background and lets you focus on getting work done. |
| Directional Mic | Shure MV7+ Dynamic Microphone | The USB/XLR hybrid version of the legendary SM7B. It has built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) that makes your voice sound radio-rich without needing an audio interface. This matters because it helps you sound clear and professional on calls, recordings, or livestreams by focusing on your voice and cutting out background noise even in less-than-ideal spaces. It offers both easy USB-C connectivity and more advanced options if you grow into a bigger setup, and features like real-time noise reduction, voice isolation, and a quick touch-mute make it simple to use in everyday remote work scenarios where good audio quality matters. |
Stack: The Digital Nomad "One Bag"
For the traveler who cannot afford equipment failure or dead batteries.
| Mandatory Item | Get This Specific Product | Why It’s Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop Stand | Roost V3 - Ultra Portable and Adjustable Laptop Stand | This stand is essential because it transforms your laptop into an ergonomic workstation wherever you go. It’s incredibly lightweight and folds down to a compact size that easily fits in a backpack or carry‑on, making it ideal for flights, hotels, coffee shops, or meeting rooms. With adjustable height settings, it raises your laptop to eye level to improve posture and reduce neck and shoulder strain, helping you stay comfortable and productive during long days on the road. Plus, its sturdy universal design securely holds most laptops so you can work confidently in virtually any environment. |
| Power Bank | Anker Prime Power Bank, 27,650mAh | This power bank is a must‑have for a traveling business person because it provides high‑capacity, reliable power on the go. With enough juice to top up phones multiple times and even give laptops a significant charge, you’re far less likely to get stuck with a dead device mid‑trip — whether you’re waiting at an airport, presenting in a client meeting, or working from a café without easy access to outlets. Its airline‑friendly 27,650 mAh capacity fits carry‑on rules, and fast charging support across multiple ports keeps all your essential tech ready when you need it most. |
| Universal Adapter | EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter | Highly rated for safety and versatility. This travel adapter is indispensable for the business traveler because it ensures your devices stay powered no matter where your work takes you. With compatibility in over 200 countries, it adapts to the varied plug standards you’ll encounter across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond, so you don’t have to hunt for region‑specific adapters before every trip. Its multiple USB‑A and USB‑C charging ports and a universal AC outlet let you charge your phone, laptop, tablet, and other accessories simultaneously from a single wall outlet — a huge convenience when hotel rooms or conference centers have limited power options. Compact, safe, and travel‑ready, it keeps you productive and connected without the clutter of multiple chargers. |
| Portable SSD | Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD | This storage drive is mandatory for a business traveler because it combines massive storage, rugged reliability, and lightning‑fast performance in a pocket‑sized device that goes wherever you do. With up to 4 TB of space, you can carry extensive work files, presentations, large datasets, and creative assets without relying on cloud access or multiple drives — ideal when you’re on the road or in client meetings. It uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 over a compact form factor to deliver very fast read/write speeds so you can transfer and open large files in seconds, and its durable IP65‑rated, drop‑resistant build means it can withstand the bumps and spills of travel without compromising your data. Plus, hardware encryption helps keep sensitive business information secure even if the drive is misplaced, making it both practical and peace‑of‑mind essential for mobile professionals. |
| Travel Router | GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable Travel Router | This little router is a must‑have for business travelers because it turns unpredictable hotel or public Wi‑Fi into a secure, reliable personal network that supports multiple devices with fast Wi‑Fi 6 performance — ideal for video calls, large file transfers, and remote work. With built‑in support for secure VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, you can encrypt all your traffic at the network level, protecting sensitive business data when you’re on unfamiliar networks, and avoid repeated logins on every device by connecting them all through your own router. Its compact, travel‑friendly design fits easily in a bag, and expanded features like Ethernet ports and local storage access make it more versatile than typical travel hotspots, helping you stay productive and secure anywhere you go. |
Stack: The "Pro-Tier" Creator
For streamers and YouTubers who need a frictionless production workflow.
| Mandatory Item | Get This Specific Product | Why It’s Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Control Interface | Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – Studio Controller | Don't alt-tab to change scenes or mute mics. Tactile buttons for every action allow you to run a show like a TV producer while gaming or talking. A fantastic tool for anyone looking to simplify their setup. |
| Key Light | Elgato Key Lights | Lighting matters more than camera quality. These are Wi-Fi controlled (change brightness from your PC) and diffuse light softly to eliminate harsh shadows. These can be controlled wirelessly by PC, Mac, phone, or even the Stream Deck listed above. |
| Capture Card | Elgato 4K X | The gold standard for capturing console gameplay or high-end camera footage without latency. It creates the "crispness" that separates pros from amateurs. Game capture at its best letting you capture the latest titles up to 4K at 144 frames per second, or even 1080p240. And it works seamlessly with leading broadcast apps like OBS, so you can stream like a pro on Twitch, YouTube, or Discord. |
| Dynamic Mic | Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone | Look at any top podcaster; they use this. It requires a boost (Cloudlifter), but its rejection of background noise is legendary. |
| Audio Interface | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface | You need this to run the SM7B. The preamps are clean, and the "Air" mode adds high-end clarity to vocals automatically. |
Stack: The Developer "Flow State"
For coders who need screen real estate and input precision.
| Mandatory Item | Get This Specific Product | Why It’s Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Monitor | INNOCN 28 Inch 16:18 SDQHD 2560 x 2880p Vertical Monitor | A bizarre 16:18 aspect ratio that is essentially two monitors stacked. It is the ultimate display for a serious coder because its tall aspect ratio and high 2560 × 2880 resolution let you see far more lines of code at once without constant scrolling, aligning well with the way code naturally flows top-to-bottom and helping you maintain context and work faster. The large vertical screen space also makes it easier to read documentation, stack code side-by-side with terminals or chats, and keep multiple tools visible at once, while the sharp Nano IPS panel with wide color gamut and rich connectivity supports long hours of focused development. |
| Mechanical Keyboard | Keychron Q1 Pro Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard | A heavy, aluminum-body custom mechanical keyboard that works wirelessly. The "thock" sound is satisfying, and combines a premium, CNC-machined aluminum build with wireless and wired connectivity, giving you a stable, clutter-free setup that works across macOS, Windows, and Linux, and lets you switch between multiple devices easily. Its hot-swappable switches and support for custom keymaps and macros via QMK/VIA let you tailor the layout and shortcuts to your coding workflow, and the solid gasket-mount design with quality keycaps delivers a comfortable, responsive typing experience that makes long coding sessions more enjoyable and efficient. |
| Docking Station | CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock | The only dock you need. It turns a single Thunderbolt 4 connection into a powerful, all-in-one workstation hub with up to 18 ports, letting you connect multiple monitors, fast external drives, wired networking, keyboards, and other peripherals without juggling adapters or cables. It also delivers up to 98 W of power to keep your laptop charged while giving you high-speed data, Ethernet, and display support — smoothing out your development setup whether you’re at home or on the go. |
| Noise Blockers | Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones | These are necessary because their industry‑leading active noise cancellation helps you block out distractions from roommates, traffic, or background noise so you can focus deeply on coding or meetings, and their long battery life and comfortable design make them easy to wear through long work sessions. They also support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and clear voice pickup for calls, letting you stay connected across devices without juggling cables or switching headsets mid‑day. |
| Ergonomic Chair | FLEXISPOT ErgoX-PRO Ergonomic Office Chair | You'll consider this chair a necessity because it’s designed for long hours at the desk with extensive adjustability and advanced support features. Its highly customizable lumbar support, 4D headrest, and multi‑directional armrests help maintain proper posture and reduce strain on your back, neck, and shoulders during extended coding sessions, while breathable materials and precision recline make it comfortable from morning stand‑ups to late‑night debugging. These features promote better focus, reduced fatigue, and healthier sitting habits, making it a smart upgrade for anyone who spends most of their day coding. |
Stack: The "Ghost" Privacy Kit
For the security-conscious who need to protect data and physical location.
| Mandatory Item | Get This Specific Product | Why It’s Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Key | Yubico - YubiKey 5 NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey | This security device is crucial for anyone serious about protecting their digital identity because it adds a hardware‑based layer of security that goes far beyond passwords alone. Instead of relying solely on something you know (like a password), the YubiKey uses something you physically have, making it vastly more resistant to phishing attempts, credential theft, and account takeovers — even if an attacker already has your password. It supports modern authentication standards like FIDO2/WebAuthn and can also act as a strong passkey, meaning you can authenticate by simply tapping the device via USB or NFC, improving both security and convenience for your online accounts. |
| Faraday Bag | GoDark Faraday Bag for Phones | Now this bag is crucial for a security‑conscious person because it physically blocks all incoming and outgoing wireless signals — including cellular, GPS, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID — preventing your smartphone from being tracked, hacked, or remotely accessed when it’s inside the bag. This level of privacy and protection goes beyond turning on airplane mode, because Faraday shielding actually stops your device from communicating with external networks or trackers, giving you peace of mind in public spaces, while traveling, or whenever you want your location and data truly “off the grid.” Blocking these signals helps protect sensitive personal information and prevents unwanted digital surveillance or unauthorized access. |
| Visual Shield | 3M Gold Privacy Filter | This privacy filer is needed for a security‑conscious person because it helps prevent visual eavesdropping on your screen when you’re working in public or shared spaces — only someone directly in front of your display can clearly see what’s on it, while people off to the side just see a darkened or golden shield, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes. It’s especially useful in airports, coffee shops, open offices, and other high‑traffic areas where people could unintentionally (or intentionally) glimpse your data. Plus, these filters often reduce blue light and protect your screen from scratches and dust. Just be sure you buy the correct size and aspect ratio that matches your laptop’s screen so it fits properly and works effectively. |
| Network Protection | GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable Travel Router | This travel router is essential because it gives you control over your network security anytime you’re on the go — something public or hotel Wi‑Fi can’t reliably offer. Unlike just connecting each device to unsecured networks, this travel router lets you create your own private Wi‑Fi network and enforce strong protections like WPA3 encryption, DNS over HTTPS/TLS, and built‑in support for VPNs such as WireGuard or OpenVPN, which encrypt all traffic for every connected device. That means your sensitive data stays private even when you’re working from cafés, airports, or hotel networks, reducing the risk of eavesdropping or interception. Plus, features like ad‑blocking and customizable security settings give an added layer of protection and peace of mind for anyone serious about safeguarding their digital life on the move. |
| Camera Kill Switch | Webcam Privacy Cover Slides | A webcam privacy cover like the Nanobloc Webcam Cover is a simple but powerful physical safeguard that helps protect your privacy and security by blocking your device’s camera when it’s not in use. Even with software controls, webcams can sometimes be accessed by malware or unauthorized apps, which could potentially capture video without your knowledge. A physical cover ensures light can’t reach the lens, preventing unintended visual surveillance and giving you peace of mind during sensitive work or personal moments. Because these covers are ultra‑thin and unobtrusive, they fit on laptops, tablets, and phones without interfering with normal use, letting you literally shut the camera off whenever you want real privacy control. |
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