There are a variety of tools available to help you with your genealogy research. The items listed below are ones I personally use, and my recommendation is based on my personal experience. I earn a small commission is you purchase them through these links, but I am not compensated for my opinion.
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Vupoint Solutions Magic Wand Portable Scanner with Color LCD Display and Auto-Feed Dock (PDSDK-ST470-VP) |
| The VuPoint Magic Wand Scanner is a great option for scanning documents and images that you can’t get onto a flatbed style scanner. The key is to go slow and even in order to make sure you have the best results. Ideally, if the situation allows it, set a guide on one side to run the scanner along when using the handheld so that you keep the movement straight as you roll it over the document. | |
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Cy3Lf BEST Reading Light – Clip On Book Lamp – Battery Operated – 4 LED USB Cord – Adjustable Gooseneck with Dimmable Lights for Bed, Travel, Gift, Hobby, Craft, Night, Task, Desk & Books(PACK OF 2) |
| Handy little dual headed clip on light – great for using one on your computer keyboard while shining the other one on paperwork or reading materials next to your computer. | |
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BEBONCOOL RF 2.4GHz Wireless Presenter Remote Presentation USB Control PowerPoint PPT Clicker |
| Easy to use and sync up with your computer. Makes giving presentations a much more seamless experience, especially if you like to walk and talk while giving a presentation. | |
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Anker PowerCore 10000, One of the Smallest and Lightest 10000mAh External Batteries, Ultra-Compact, High-speed Charging Technology Power Bank for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and More |
| The absolute best power bank I’ve ever used. Saved me doing my first trip to Europe because my phone did not like being directly charged via a power converter. I was able to charge the power bank and then use the bank to charge my phone. I easily got to phone charges out of single charge of the phone bank, which was essentially since we were out all day and evening and taking a ton of photos with my phone. | |
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14″ Premium Privacy Screen Filter for Widescreen (16:9) Laptops (Fits most PC brands HP/ThinkPad/Dell and more) |
| I like to have a privacy screen on my computer when using it in public locations. It’s not a complete blackout from the sides, but it significantly darkens the screen the people trying to view the screen from the side will have issues reading the screen. | |
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Samsung Level U Bluetooth Wireless In-ear Headphones with Microphone, Black Sapphire |
| Love these earphones – sound is great, and the convenience of not being tethered to the phone is fantastic. My only critique is there is no way to monitor the power level, so when I get the audible alert that it needs to be charged, I only have 15-20 minutes before they die completely. | |
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Leze – Ultra Thin Soft TPU Keyboard Protector Skin Cover for Dell Latitude E7470 E7450 E5470 7480 Laptop US Layout(With Pointing) |
| Most computer keyboards are usually pretty loud (particularly since I have longish nails). This skin softens the keyboard sounds while also protecting the keyboard itself from wear and tear. | |
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Zettaguard Mini 2-Outlet Travel Power Strip Surge Protector with USB Charger USB Charging Station (5-Port Smart, 40W/8A) and 5 Feet Power Cord, Black |
| Handy little surge protector that fits easily in luggage or a carry-on bag and is useful for keeping all your electronics charged while traveling. | |
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Galaxy Note 5 Case, Verus [High Pro Shield][Satin Silver] – [Military Grade Protection][Slim Fit] For Samsung Note 5 |
| Slim phone case for the Note 5. Does a nice job protecting the phone during drops, while keeping a low profile to the phone. | |
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AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case for Small Electronics and Accessories, Black |
| This case was a little bit bigger than I expected, but is great for organizing all the little electronic accessories I carry when I travel. | |
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Acuvar 50″ Inch Aluminum Camera Tripod and Universal Smartphone Mount |
| Lightweight and compact, this tripod is easy to carry and travel with. The Universal smartphone mount is great for holding the phone in place to take photos. Can be used on a tabletop or extended to full height. | |
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CamKix Wireless Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote Control for Smartphones – Create Amazing Photos and Selfies – Compatible with all IOS and Android Devices with Bluetooth / Including Wrist Strap |
| Connects to you smartphone using bluetooth. Super easy to connect. Toggle switch to turn on/off, saving on battery. Works exactly as designed. | |
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Professional 1 Best Lavalier Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Condenser Mic for Apple IPhone Android & Windows Smartphones,Youtube,Interview,Studio,Video Recording,Noise Cancelling Mic |
| Easy to use – perfect for recording interview subjects or your own stories directly into your smartphone. | |
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Pasonomi Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Leather Smart Case with Touchpad and Stand for 9 Inch – 10 Inch Tablet PC (iPad, Samsung Tab, iRulu, Huawei, Asus, Lenovo, Dragon Touch) |
| Case with built in bluetooth keyboard turns my tablet into a makeshift laptop. Perfect for when I need to do a lot of typing on my tablet. | |
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Magnetic Universal Car Air Vent Mount for Smartphones, GPS and Tablets |
| I use my smartphone as a GPS, so this little mount is a great way to get my phone up on my dash where I can see the navigation app and still keep it hands-free. It slides over the vent fins on the air/heater and then the phone snaps to it with a magnet. | |
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ShhhMouse Wireless Silent Mouse | Portable and Ready-to-use | Mac and PC Compatible – Black |
| This is an amazingly quiet mouse. I got this so that I wouldn’t disturb my husband with the sound of the mouse button clicks. It is truly barely audible, definitely earning it’s name. | |
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Sandisk CZ48 128GB USB 3.0 Flash memory Drive – SDCZ48-128G-U46 |
| Great little thumbdrive that I use when scanning images from microfilms and microfiches. | |