By Sherwin Hughes Columnist Published Mar 01, 2017 at 3:26 PM

Do you love technology? Do you marvel at modern gadgetry? If you answered yes, then you’re in luck.

There is currently a veritable cornucopia of state-of-the-art electronics devices on the market for the savvy consumer. There’s high-tech available in every price range. Whether you seek utility, comfort or convenience, 2017 is the year in which you can completely satisfy your inner geek.

The following are my top picks for the best smart electronic consumer devices.

Kuri Home Robot

Up until this point, most robots have been featureless novelties that are at home on a toy store shelf – but not Kuri. This thing is amazing. The Kuri is mobile, programmed to be aware of its surroundings, able to make human facial expressions and even answer questions.

Built in features include:

  • A camera that allows you to monitor your home and pets while you’re away
  • The ability to follow you around the house while playing podcasts or MP3s or reading the kids a bedtime story.
  • Four microphones
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi

The Kuri retails for $699. 

Ring Video Doorbell

If you’re a homeowner and concerned about security, then the Ring Video Doorbell is for you.

The unit can be wired to your existing electric doorbell or can run on the standard rechargeable batteries. A built-in motion-detecting, nightvision-capable camera sends live video images directly to your smartphone allowing you to see who’s at your door, while the in-unit microphone allows you to communicate to your visitor via smartphone app. All video images are automatically uploaded to the cloud. You may never answer the door again.

The Ring Video Doorbell retails between $180 and $250.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife USB Drive

The usefulness of a genuine Swiss Army Knife is legendary. What if you combined that utility with the digital age? Then you’d have a handy little tech tool that makes this list. The mini pocket knife has 11 functions and includes a 64GB flash drive.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife USB Drive retails for $75.

MWE Emperor 200 Workstation

Nowadays, everyone is looking to become more productive at the office. If you can’t get more professional tasks accomplished with the MWE Emperor 200 Workstation, then there’s no hope for you.

The lofty list of features include:

  • Three touch screens with interface
  • An air filtration system
  • An electronically adjustable calfskin seat
  • Custom lighting

The MWE is designed to fit the owner’s specific dimensions and can be outfitted with a plethora of additional options. Base models start at $5000, while a fully customized MWE will set you back $45,000. Please allow six months for construction.

Nest Smart Thermostat

The best high-tech devices can help save money while providing comfort – and The Nest, a customizable, self-programmable thermostat, can help do just that. This relatively easy-to-install device even knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Shortly after installation, you’ll be able to stop touching it entirely, as it will automatically raise the temperature when you get out of bed, lower it for bedtime, automatically adjust for the seasons and more. The Nest can also be controlled remotely with a smartphone application.

The Nest Smart Thermostat retails for $250.

Sherwin Hughes Columnist

A year 2000 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Sherwin Hughes began his professional career as a community organizer with the YMCA Community Development Corporation. In 2002, Hughes was offered a position as field representative for Congressman Tom Barrett (WI-5). In 2004, Hughes was hired as a statewide constituency director for the Kerry/Edwards campaign. After the presidential race of '04, Hughes was brought on as a business analyst in mayor Tom Barrett's department of administration-where he certified minority businesses for participation on city contracts.

In 2005, Hughes was appointed as Governor James Doyle's sole designee on the Wisconsin State Elections Board. In 2007, he would become chair. Sherwin was the only African American in state history to serve in the administrations of both an incumbent mayor and governor simultaneously In 2006, Hughes incorporated STH & Associates, LLC a political consulting firm. In 2008, Hughes became communications director for Wisconsin state senator Lena C. Taylor. In 2010, Hughes became Wisconsin state field director for Democrats for Education Reform. July 2012, Hughes became the host of "The Forum," a political talk show on WNOV in Milwaukee.