Gadgets the Pros Use: Paul Miller

Navigating the world of gadgets can be tricky for even for the most tech savvy person.  This is why many of us turn to experts to review and give us their opinions on the latest tech devices.  I wanted to ask the experts what gadgets they own and use every day.  Knowing what the pros use can give us some amazing context on the gadgets we know and love. For each “Gadgets the pros use” I will ask a tech expert a few questions about what gadgets they use, and why.

In this edition of Gadgets the Pros Use I was lucky enough to talk to Paul Miller.  Paul has been a professional tech writer since 2005.  He used to write for Engadget and was part of the all-star team hired to start the site TheVerge.com.  He is a senior editor at The Verge and is part of the three man team that creates The Verge’s very popular weekly podcast.

To view past editions of Gadgets the Pros Use, follow the link.

What cellphone do you have, and why?

iPhone because it's the most comfortable for me. It's familiar and trustworthy, which is why it would take a lot for me to make a full jump to Android. I do enjoy having an Android phone lying around for Wi-Fi calling and Gmail, however.

If you were forced to change phones which one would you select?

Right this minute I'd get the Galaxy Nexus, but if I could wait just a little while I'd get a T-Mobile phone with Wi-Fi calling and Ice Cream Sandwich — as close to stock as possible. I'm also thinking about getting a new dumbphone just as an experiment.

Are you a Mac or PC guy?

I use a Mac all day long, but at night I use my PC desktop for gaming.

Do you own a tablet?

I own an original iPad that I used to use constantly but haven't touched in months.

Do you own an e-reader?

No, I have a couple review units around the office but I don't use them much.

What is one trend that you see in mobile electronics that you love, and one that you hate?

If you could call "Nokia" a trend, as far as design, then sign me up. I really love what they're doing with their aesthetics. What I hate is the oddly slanted corners Motorola is putting on its devices. It drives me insane. I can't even look at a Droid Razr or a Xyboard because I get angry.

Do you own a mobile gaming console?

I have a Game Boy Advance I bought 10 years ago to play Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. I always forget about that… I should get Tetris for that thing!

Do you think smart phones will kill off dedicated mobile gaming systems like the 3DS and Vita?

"Kill off" is a strong term. I like the piece that Brian Crecente wrote on The Verge Forums (http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/13/2795278/portable-gaming-is-dead-long-live-portable-gaming). His argument is that the line is blurring between "portable entertainment" and "home entertainment" and just becoming "entertainment." A device is judged on the entertainment it provides, not where it provides it. The Vita and 3DS actually make a strong cases for themselves, by offering methods of interaction you can't get on a phone or home console. Still, it's going to be an uphill battle for Sony and Nintendo if they want to keep making gaming-only devices.

If you could play Starcraft professionally would you quit your job to do so?

I love StarCraft, but I get frustrated after a few hours of it — I can't imagine practicing it for eight hours a day. Sounds like hell, actually. I'll keep it as a hobby.