Since the advent of mobile technology, business environments have rapidly spread outside traditional work-place boundaries. Now, more than ever, it’s not only possible, but necessary to be constantly and consistently in touch with business while on the go. While the majority of workers are already equipped with personal smartphones, increasingly the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend means individuals should now think carefully before making their next technology purchases: what hardware and accessories would make life easier both a home and in the office? Here are the most effective and efficient purchases you can make to get the most out of this new way of working.
Tablets
Much more portable and convenient than an ultrabook is a tablet, but finding one that suits both business and home needs is not all that straightforward. It’s worth putting in some research. If you’ve read this collation of BlackBerry PlayBook reviews, you’ll know that this device has been built with mobile productivity for business in mind. The latest model has 3G+ connectivity, an incredibly fast browser (so watching films online isn’t a drag), lengthy battery life, and the ability to have apps running side-by-side for efficient multitasking – a powerful business tool. Another feature that this BlackBerry PlayBook review has focused on is BlackBerry Bridge, which enables you to sync the tablet with your BlackBerry smartphone – perfect for those already using one in their day-to-day business lives. You can also use your BlackBerry smartphone as a remote control: you might use it, for example, with your BlackBerry PlayBook as a presentation screen at work, moving through slides with a click of your phone.
Battery Booster
Phones have the uncanny ability to run out of battery at precisely the moment when you really need them. Battery boosters are a simple and effective way to outsmart the malicious machinations of the universe and escape this endlessly frustrating phenomenon. The Mophie Juice Pack is a cool option. An external battery that fits around your smartphone as a sleeve, this device charges the battery while keeping your phone mobile and usable.
Stylus
For many, using a stylus with a tablet makes the experience quicker and more comfortable, which in a business environment means greater efficiency and productivity. One of the best models available is the Adonit Jot Pro Stylus. Its comfortable shape and rubber grip make for a naturally familiar and smooth experience. It also features a unique tip, which uses a conductive plastic disc rather than the rubber nubs usually featured on styluses, for more precise usage.
Scanner
‘Really? A scanner?!’ I hear you say. But think about all those times you have to copy and email signed or official documents both at home and at work. A nifty solution is the portable Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100: at only 11 inches by 2, you can fit in your bag with your laptop, and it takes its power directly from the computer you use. More sturdy and stationary choices might be the Epson WorkForce Pro GT-S50 that can scan up to 25 pages per minute, or for high-resolution pictures the Epson Perfection V700 Photo that even offers effective correction of dust and scratch damage.
Ultrabooks
These are a relatively new kind of ultra-thin, ultra-light – and thus ultra-portable – laptop. Speedy boot-up times and a decent battery life also make these devices a very convenient option for both home and at work. If you’re looking for a powerful machine that you can carry around easily, and whip out to use at a moment’s notice, an ultrabook is definitely the way to go. With excellent specs, these machines come in at the higher end of laptop price ranges, but models like the HP Envy 6 have a pretty reasonable price tag, despite being packed to the rim with extras. With a dual-core processor, 3 USB ports (often absent from such slim models), and 4GB of RAM, the HP Envy 6 would be a great investment and easily perform all the home and business tasks you’ll require: document editing, social networking, and web browsing.