Devices Atlas

The Devices Atlas is a reference collection that introduces the technological tools of everyday life, from phones to computers and from headphones to wearables, with a neutral eye. It recommends no brands; it explains what a device is for and what to look at.

Lay the groundwork in the Technology sectionLook up the terms in the Technology AtlasRead the Cyber Threats Atlas for securityTry the technology toolsSee all the atlases

Scope: device categories

The atlas takes as its subject not individual models but categories of device: smartphones, laptop and desktop computers, tablets, headphones, wearables, networking equipment and smart home products. Each record explains what the category is for, which features answer which need, the criteria to weigh while choosing, and the notes on safe use. Models date quickly; criteria last, and that is why the atlas concentrates on criteria.

Filter logic

You can narrow the records by area of use, such as work, education, entertainment or health tracking, and by type of device. The aim is that when you arrive with a question such as "I am starting to work from home, what do I need?", the relevant categories come to you quickly. From inside a record you can move to the Technology Atlas for the technical terms that appear, and to the Cyber Threats Atlas for questions of security.

Reading the records

The "what to look at" part of each record is not a shopping list but a list of questions: does this feature genuinely make a difference in the way you use the device? Choosing a device is a balance of budget, habit and need; the most expensive option is rarely the most suitable one. To strengthen the background to your buying decisions, the literacy content in the Technology section is this atlas's natural companion.

Records (5)

Desktop Computer

A desktop computer is the kind in which the case, the screen and the keyboard are separate pieces, designed for use in a fixed place. Its power and its upgradeability are

Laptop

A laptop brings the screen, the keyboard and the battery together in a single body. It has become the standard choice for people moving between home, school and work.

Smartphone

The smartphone brings communication, photography, payments, navigation and the internet together in a single device; it is the most widespread personal computer of our ti

Smartwatch

A smartwatch is a wearable device that carries notifications to your wrist and records data such as steps, heart rate and sleep. It works as an extension of the phone.

Wireless Router

A wireless router is the box that shares the internet connection arriving at your home, over Wi-Fi, with devices such as phones, computers and televisions.

Frequently asked questions

Why are no particular brands and models recommended?

Models change within a few months; criteria do not change. Giving you a lasting framework for judgement is more useful than a recommendation list that would quickly go out of date.

Is there price information?

The records give no current prices; prices swing sharply with the market and with time. Instead, they explain which difference in features might justify a difference in price.

Does buying a second-hand device make sense?

It can depend on the situation. The relevant records include general notes on what to check when buying second-hand; the final decision rests on the condition of the device and where it comes from.

First published: 2026-08-12Last reviewed: 2026-08-12Editorial status: working editionReport an error