Expecting a hospital stay? Here are 5 things to bring along

Most of us have had to spend some time in the hospital for a day or a more extensive stay. Even if you haven’t, you’re likely close to someone who has.

If you or someone you’re taking care of has a hospital stay coming up, bring along these five essential items to make things easier.

1. Tablet

Some hospitals limit the number of visitors patients can have. A tablet is a great way to keep in touch with the people you care about. You can use any number of apps for video calls, such as Zoom, Google Meet and FaceTime. WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger also have built-in video calling.

You can access streaming apps on a tablet and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. It’ll be easier on your eyes than on a tiny phone screen, and you’ll get better detail.

In addition to a larger screen, tablets generally offer more battery life than smartphones and many more affordable options.

Check out Amazon’s Fire HD 10, the company’s largest and fastest tablet. It includes a 1920 x 1080p display and 12 hours of battery life. Choose from 32GB or 64GB internal storage. You can utilize Alexa for hands-free operation or turn it off entirely.

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RELATED: Tablet buying guide: How to choose the best tablet based on your needs and budget

2. Charger

All your devices need power to keep from becoming expensive paperweights. You’ll want to pack your wall charger to keep your phone, tablet or laptop juiced up.

Different devices have different power needs. Tablets and laptops support higher charging rates than smartphones. So that little charger that came with your phone won’t do as much for larger devices.

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Always hitting the wrong button? Control your phone and tablet better with these cheap styluses

We’ve all tapped our phones only to sigh with frustration when the wrong app, letter on the keyboard or setting opens up. Stylus pens aren’t just for tablets. You can use them for better precision on your smartphone, better efficiency with editing apps and more accurate typing. These are our favorites.

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👍 Tech upgrades $10 or less

Score! Little things can make a huge difference.

✅ Not tech, but I take two scoops of collagen a day: It’s good for bone density, makes your nails and hair stronger, and can help smooth wrinkles. Use this link for 45% off* if you want to try it, too.

Try this, Samsung pals: Samsung DeX lets you connect your Galaxy phone or tablet to a monitor or TV. Just plug a USB-C to HDMI adapter into your phone and voila: A mini computer! You can connect a mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth, too.

Confirmed: iPads make your kids misbehave

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Do you hand over the tablet when your kid throws a fit? A new study says you’re not just rewarding bad behavior — you’re actually making it worse.

2 years old

When 40% of kiddos have their own tablet. Nearly 1 in 4 have a cellphone by the time they turn 8. Average screen time? Too much at 2.5 hours a day.

Is that a computer in your pocket? Samsung DeX connects a Galaxy phone or tablet to a monitor or TV. Plug a USB-C to HDMI adapter into your phone and, voila, mini computer! Add a mouse and keyboard to make it even better!

Tablet buying guide: How to choose the best tablet based on your needs and budget

Tablets provide excellent utility, great accessibility and open up a world of possibilities from your fingertips. That is if you use the right ones. Tap or click here for 10 tips and tricks for your iPad.

You can be creative with graphic design and art, watch your favorite shows and viral video clips, or turn a tablet into a pop-up workstation wherever you are.

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Smart trick to get all the perks of an Echo Show for less money

Everyone loves their Amazon Echo Show. Regardless of generation, you can access all your smart gadgets, listen to your favorite podcasts and music, get the local weather forecast and use tons of Alexa-friendly apps.

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Keep calm and travel on

🧳 Grab some gear for spring break or your everyday life.

  • This slim RFID wallet ($10) helps keep your cards safe from digital pickpockets.
  • Catch some Z’s on your flight with a memory foam neck pillow (20% off).
  • A tablet holder (13% off) will entertain your little ones on long drives.
  • Tangled cords? An electronic organizer ($13) keeps them neatly packed.
  • Now you won’t lose a multi-charging cable ($8) at the bottom of your bag.

🐶 Puppy love? I can’t stop talking about my new pup, Bella (sorry, not sorry). Check out these dog seat covers to save your back seat from dirt and fur.

Work smart, save smart

✏️ Pencil in these goodies to conquer your workday.

  • Skip the takeout. This electric lunch box ($23) keeps your meal warm and tasty.
  • Kick back, relax and support your legs with a footrest (20% off) for under your desk.
  • Get organized with a label maker (39% off) that has templates for QR codes, barcodes and more.
  • Cold coffee or tea? Grab a mug warmer (10% off) to keep it at the perfect temp.
  • Plug any of that tech into an outlet extender (19% off) with USB-C ports.

▶️ Stand out: Forget flimsy tablet stands. This sturdy adjustable one (36% off) is perfect for your home office.

TikTok cheaters unveiled, Nextdoor's top complaints & cinema etiquette downfall

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Plus, we have a special guest: cybersecurity guru Ricoh Danielson, who tells us about his latest cases. Discover how a one-star Google review solved the mystery of a fatal hit-and-run. We’ll also share tricks to speed up your PC, and reasons why you should start using your tablet.

Secret iPhone keyboard, Audacity update, 5 mistakes that ruin tech

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Google Fiber’s 100Gbps download speed, Starlink slows down, Audacity update, secret iPhone keyboard and 5 ways you’re ruining your expensive phone, laptop, tablet and TV. Plus, you’ll use this eBay pro tip time and time again.

Use your phone or tablet as a TV remote control

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Can’t find your TV remote? Don’t worry about it! Here’s how to use your phone or tablet as a TV remote, in 60 seconds.

Digital Life Hack: The secret about fast chargers no one wants you to know

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Can the right port connecter help you use any charger with your smartphone or tablet? Listen now to find out.

Tech roundup: 15 best tech gadgets to buy this holiday season

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. That means it’s time to whip out your credit cards and start buying some gifts for your loved ones. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get a special something for yourself.

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Your printer has an email address

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Ever want to print a page, document, spreadsheet or whatever that’s on your phone or tablet? Listen now for steps to do that just by sending an email to your printer.

11 tech and everyday essentials dirtier than your toilet

We all remember the mad rush for cleaning products and hand sanitizer at the start of the pandemic. It’s still difficult to get these products in some areas.

Unfortunately, there are always people who take advantage of others in times of need. They appeal to our desire for cleanliness and safety with websites and product listings containing fake cleaning supplies. Tap or click here to spot fake Clorox and Lysol websites.

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Trick to browse anonymously on your phone/tablet

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You might be familiar with private or incognito tabs you can open in your web browser using your desktop PC. But you might not know there are browsers that allow you to search the internet on your mobile device anonymously, too.

12 best tablets you can buy right now

Digital entertainment is at an all-time high with so many people staying home right now. Luckily for those who want to take the plunge into the tablet world, there are more awesome options than ever.

Whether you want something for your kids to play and learn on, something for creative work or even a laptop substitute, there’s a tablet out there for you. Tap or click for 5 things you didn’t know your tablet could do.

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