18 Gadgets for Private Investigators I Reviewed and Still Use #209


private Investigator tips

I have reviewed a lot of products over the years for my private investigation audience. Some products I have continued to use while others I have not.  

With that being said, I thought I would share what I still use today, and how the products I use today fit into my life as a private investigator or with my everyday life.  If a product isn’t mentioned, it isn’t necessarily because there was anything wrong with it, I just might have too many of the same thing (like audio recorders) and I can’t use them all. 

private Investigator tips

HD500 1080P Spy Pen Camera

A spy camera is one of the most used gadgets for private investigators.  Before using this spy pen camera I wasn’t keen on using a pen camera as my primary spy camera for surveillance.  If you look back to my older videos you will see that using a pen camera for me was an afterthought. 

But after reviewing this camera and seeing the various options that I could change (video quality, audio, time stamping, etc..) as well as the video quality, I couldn’t help but start using it on a regular basis.  

So for 2 years, this has been my go-to spy camera for surveillance assignments and it hasn’t failed me.

Here is the link to the review – HD500 Spy Pen Camera Review 

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – HD 500 Spy Pen Camera



Hidden Spy Camera Charger Adpater

Hidden Spy Camera Charger Adapter

Yet another gadget for private investigators for someone’s home. I reviewed this device for a company and it was a great device.  Unfortunately, their product was pulled from Amazon for an unknown reason that had nothing to do with the quality of the device.

This camera is still in use and still works great.  I use it frequently when I want to check on my home/office.   I found another company sells the exact same product so I refer anyone who is interested in this to that link.

Here is the link to the review – Hidden Spy Camera Charger Adapter Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Hidden Spy Camera Charger Adapter

 

 

Bestek 8 Outlet Power Strip with 6 USB Ports

Bestek Power Strip

I continue to use this in my office and love it because it is a power strip that goes on my desk.  I don’t have to plug and unplug things cords on the ground if I don’t have to (though I could with this as well).  

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – BESTEK Power Strip Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – BESTEK Power Strip

Ten port Charging doc by NTONPOWER

 

NTONPOWER Charging Station Dock

This was one of the first USB Hubs I tested and I still use it however it has been migrated to a family USB hub.  It is a centralized location in our house where everyone can charge from it at the same time.

Our family uses it daily.

Here is the review – NTONPOWER Charging Station Dock Review

Here is the Amazon link – NTON Charging Station Dock

 

7 Port USB Hub

7 Port USB 3.0 Hub by Qicent Review

This hub has been connected to my computer permanently.  I use it to connect a variety of things to my computer such as my spy cameras, external hard drives, and anything I want to charge next to my computer or connect to.  

So long story short, it still works and I still use it.

Here is the link to the review – 7 Port USB 3.0 Hub by Qicent Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – 7 Port USB 3.0 Hub



private Investigator tips

VONT Dimmable Desk Lamp

I haven’t had this lamp for a great deal of time but it is now a permanent fixture on the desk. It provides a great deal of light when I am working at my desk. I also adjust it to light me when I am making video podcasts for you.

One of my favorite features of this lamp is the timer.  I can set it so it will go off after an hour even if I forget to turn it off.

Here is the link to the review – Vont Dimmable Desk Lamp Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Vont Dimmable Desk Lamp

 

Mini DV MD80 Spy Camera

Many many years ago I reviewed this spy camera.  It has some strong points and it has its weaknesses.  This spy camera is my second backup spy camera in case the first two have problems.  

So even though it doesn’t get actively used frequently it is still in my lineup of spy cameras.  

I still Like it.  I still use it sparingly.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – Mini DV MD80 Spy Camera Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Mini DV MD80 Spy Camera

 

 

private Investigator tips

FocusPower Bluetooth Earbud

Again, here is another one of many great gadgets for private investigators that I use daily since reviewing it.  The microphone is on point. The audio is great for listening to podcasts, videos, movies, etc.. and use it every day.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – FocusPower Earbud Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon –FocusPower Earbud



private Investigator tips

Volport Car Phone Holder Mount

There are many car phone holder mounts on the market but I was glad to be able to review this one because it fit my preferences when it comes to a phone mount.  This one can either mount in the CD Player or through an air vent.   

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – Volport Car Phone Holder Mount Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Volport Car Phone Holder Mount

 

 

Steering wheel desk perfect size
Not too big and not too small

Steering Wheel Desk

Inexpensive, convenient, practical.  Those are the words I choose to describe this desk.  You can put it up and take it down in a second.  I know many private investigators that have a much larger desk that takes up the entire front passenger seat, and that is great, but I use my vehicles outside of Private Investigator work as well so I needed something more flexible.  

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – Steering Wheel Desk Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Steering Wheel Desk 

 

DBPOWER Portable Air Compressor Review

DBPOWER Tire Pump

I haven’t’ used the DBPOWER tire pump since I reviewed it and that is only because I haven’t needed to inflate anything since the review.  But I have it in one of my vehicles ready to be used when it is needed.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – DBPOWER Tire Pump Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – DBPOWER Tire Pump

 

private Investigator tips

Manfrotto Tripod

I still love this thing for so many reasons.  I love how sturdy it is and no matter how many times I am rough with it, it doesn’t break.  It has the gun handle grip and the standard quick release on it.  It is a good product.  Manfrotto makes some good stuff.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – Manfrotto Tripod Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Manfrotto Tripod 

 

 

Steering wheel desk for computers
Acer Chromebook and Steering wheel desk

 

Acer Chromebook

This thing was super affordable and is very convenient to use.  I literally take it with me almost everywhere.  

I use it to write reports, write articles, for research and investigative work.  

I one of the best things about this is the battery life which is like over 10 hours or something on a full charge.

It has limitations but has been an asset to me since reviewing it.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – Pros and Cons (not an official review)

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Acer Chromebook

 

private Investigator tips

Marsee Zero X

This has to be one of the loudest speakers for its size.  Whether it be in the house or outside, the sound can fill an area with no problem.  This is good for playing back recordings for witnesses or claimants.  

I still love it.  My daughter currently uses it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – Marsee Zero X Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Marsee Zero X

private Investigator tips

NTONPOWER Car Jump Starter and Power Bank

This product came at the perfect time for me to review.  IT was a time when my wife’s battery was dead and needed to be replaced.  So I used the opportunity with the battery on its last legs to jump start my wife’s vehicle with this device.  It worked like a charm, had a bunch of attachments and came in a case.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – NTONPOWER Jump Starter and Power Bank Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – NTONPOWER

GeekPro 2.0 Action Camera

This is still a great camera and is the backup to my GoPro Hero.  I really only use it when I make videos but I am sure someone has used something like this on a surveillance.

GeekPro doesn’t sell these anymore but I found someone that sells the exact same thing for an affordable price should you be interested.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – GeekPro 2.0

Here is the link to a similar product on Amazon – Similar Product

Canon Deluxe Camera Bag
Canon Deluxe Camera Bag

Canon Deluxe Backpack

This is my camera bag for all occasions.  I take this on every surveillance and any investigation assignment.  Inside I always have my Canon T3i, GoPro Hero, GeekPro 2.0, spy pen cameras, power banks, charging cables, chargers, Acer Chromebook (sometimes) and other various accessories.  

It has held up very well.  This was a good purchase for me.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – Canon Deluxe Backpack Review

Here is the link to this product on Amazon – Canon Deluxe Backpack

 

 

Holding spy pen camera review
ISPYPENS

 

iSpyPens

This is the most recent spy camera I reviewed.  So far I have had no complaints with it.  It is affordable and a straightforward device.  I have tested it and have used it during actual surveillance assignments. I was impressed with the quality.  This is one of those pen cameras in my Canon Deluxe Backpack.

I still love it.  I still use it.  I still recommend it.

Here is the link to the review – iSpyPens review 

Here is the link to this product on Amazon –iSpyPens 

Honorable Review Mentions

These are reviews that I have done recently but just haven’t’ had the opportunity to use them in the field.

Lawmate Ar-100

LawMate AR-100 Covert Voice Recorder Review

I reviewed this for P.I. Magazine.  It worked pretty well.  I just haven’t been able to use it in my state for investigative purposes.

Here is the Review – Lawmate AR-100 Review

 

I hope you found this recap helpful.  I hope you serve you by reviewing many more relevant products in the future.

Andrew



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