One of the issues associated with having so many electronic devices (many of which keep getting smaller) is the fact that it is fairly easy to lose or misplace your devices. I recently saw this post from Andrew McDonald, in which he explains the steps he took to help recover his camera in the event that he loses it. He explains:

All you have to do is take some photos – which you never delete from your camera – so when someone finds your camera at the bottom of the gorilla pit they are able to locate you and return the lost property to its rightful owner.

You must go to his post to see his pictures.

There is no question that he had some fun putting together his pictures, but we can all do something similar very easily. Obviously this will not help you if your camera is stolen. But, if it is found by a reasonable person, this increases the likelihood of getting your camera back.

In the same vein, think of similar types of things you can do with your other devices, whether it is to keep pictures on it (almost all phones and mp3 players have the ability to display pictures). If you have a mp3 player that does not display pictures, you can easily record a sound file with your contact information on it.

If you have a smartphone or other similar device, they almost always have a feature that allows you to store owner information. Have you completed that? If you lock your smartphone (certainly a good idea if it contains confidential information) does the lock screen provide your contact information?

There is always a danger that someone will steal our electronics. Just as likely, at least for some of us, is the possibility that we may lose one or more of our devices. Taking a simple step such as this gives you a chance to get your device back.