It’s time to upgrade the home office
In 2019, working from home felt like a treat, in 2021 it is now the norm. Most choose a safer way of working in their own home office.
In 2019, working from home felt like a treat, in 2021 it is now the norm. And while we aspire to one day approach the office for team building or social reasons, most are choosing a safer way of working in their own home office.
When the pandemic began we all quickly pulled what products we could to create an environment that worked. As we prepare for hybrid ways of working and the majority of our week based at home, our equipment needs to be the best, so we can perform at our best. Here are some of the latest products to improve any home office environment.
Monitor Upgrade
The display on our laptops is too small and not positioned correctly ergonomically. A monitor on our desks is a must have and if you are considering something that is a little more than just a display, the Samsung Smart Monitor caught our eye.
Available in sizes from 27 inches up to 43 inches these monitors come with a big difference. In the box you will find a remote control, resembling the Samsung TV remote. You can use your monitor like a television.
The Smart Monitor has an operating system to power apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, TV streaming channels, a web browser and even Office 365. The monitor has Wi-Fi and bluetooth along with Apple Airplay and Chromecast, with the obvious connections to your computer. You can use this monitor for work or play, whether that be to catch up on your favourite show at lunch or to livestream the 11am Covid update. Available now from $399.
Webcam Upgrade
The built in webcam on your laptop lets you be seen in meetings, but to be seen well, you need a better camera.
The Logitech Streamcam ($279 RRP) mounts on top of your monitor and provides a full HD 1080p video feed. The way it manages light and contrast is impressive and will be noticed by those you meet with.
The Poly P15 is one to consider if you have a long term vision to work from home and your budgets allows it. Poly, previously Polycom, has been acquired by Plantronics, which has specialising in video conferencing since 1998.
Their pivot into home office solutions ranges products from headsets to webcams of all prices but for an all in one solution the P15 has some notable features.
The P15 looks like a small sound bar with a camera in the middle. It has two USB ports should you need extra connections. You mount the device above your monitor.
The camera packs a 4K Ultra HD lens that makes it look like you have a TV crew handling your video connection thanks to the assistance of the automatic camera framing. No headset is required. It sounds great as an audio device and the microphones are genius.
Using a technology called Acoustic Fencing and NoiseBlock AI, the P15 will hone in on audio coming from your mouth and will block out the barking dog, the crying baby or even the sound of you opening a chip packet.
Posture Upgrade
When the time comes to return to the office, even if it is for one day a week, we’ll look different for various reasons.
If you want to avoid returning to work with a hunched back, the Upright Go S ($79.95 RRP) is the ergonomic nag you need. A small widget with sensors, Bluetooth and a 20-hour battery built in will connect with your smartphone to measure your posture.
The product’s adhesives attach to your lower neck area or can be worn with a necklace attachment. During the day as your posture begins to sag, the Upright Go S will vibrate to remind you to adjust your position and provide the reminder you need.
Over time, you’ll begin alerting yourself when you slouch and can move away from the product. It’s like brain training your posture.
Accessory Upgrade
Our smartphones are spending more time beside the keyboard than in our pockets on the go, but we still can’t keep our hands off them.
The iPhone 12 was released with MagSafe technology that changes the way we use accessories with our phones. The Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 wireless charger from Belkin ($219.95 RRP) makes the most of MagSafe and eliminates clutter from our lives.
This small shiny device can hold and charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods with one power cable. Belkin consistently builds high quality devices. If you’re an owner of all three Apple gadgets then you might need one for your desk and one for your bedside table.
Geoff Quattromani is the host of the Technology Uncorked podcast. Continue the conversation with Geoff on Twitter at @GQuattromani
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