7 Must-Have Devices for Your Home Office
Gone are the days when the only professionally equipped workspace can be the company’s office. The idea of the “office” has evolved significantly last decade, and so has the technology that enables you to turn almost any space into a workstation.
On the other hand, if you work permanently from home, having a reliable Internet connection and a laptop or desktop are essential but not enough to work professionally. To create a productive and comfortable work environment that suits your needs, you should set up your home office with the proper devices and tech gadgets. Try to make most of the benefits of working from home by choosing the best products to facilitate your work corner.
With the right set of devices and accessories, you can enjoy the flexibility of teleworking.
Laptops, monitors, and comfy keyboards to audio-augmenting headsets, webcams, and data hub devices – these are the fundamentals of your home-office setup. We have gathered seven must-have devices for your home-office corner. This handy list includes solutions that help you minimize the distractions at home, focus on your daily tasks, and improve your performance.
Wi-fi and Connectivity
Without having a reliable Internet and Wi-fi connection working from home is mission impossible. So first and foremost, buy your home workspace a high-quality router that will ensure no interruptions of your high-speed Internet connection. The router is networking hardware that enables the communication between your connected home devices (personal computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones) and the Internet. The router that you’ll need for your home office should be suitable for smaller networks. It can be a single router with several antennas.
Why does it matter what router you will choose?
Except for the solid wi-fi connection that your home router should provide, this device serves as the first line of security from hacking your local network. You can avoid intrusion and attack and keep your computer system and sensitive information safe by activating the highest level of security on your router. That way, you can work comfortably from home without worrying that any corporate data can be stolen.
What do we recommend?
If you work from a medium-sized apartment, Asus RT-AC66U B1 will cover your connection needs and will fit your budget. The other option is Linksys EA6350 AC1200+ router which should provide sufficient cover for your home-based working station. Both devices…
• are easy to install and manage
• are affordable
• offer solid malware protection and parents control
• are equipped with four gigabit LAN ports
• stand out with speedy throughput performance
Cons include non-removable antennas and a rather mediocre file transfer speed.
If you are searching for the best value for the money, then Fritzbox 7530 router is the right choice for you. It is a feature-rich tool with an impressive performance that ensures solid wireless connectivity of all your devices. Although its price is a competitive advantage of the Fritzbox 7530, its enhanced features make it stand out from products in the same price range.
This modern router is shaped/comes with a compact design that will fit in any home environment. There are LED indicators to notify you when the product is set up and series of buttons on the front panel for its basics functions. The built-in DSL connector works with ADSL broadband connections, ADSL2+, and VDSL.
The Fritzbox 7530 router supports VoIP telephony as it can act as a DECT base station for up to six cordless phones, which allow you to make VoIP calls. The Fritz!OS operating system is specifically designed to support advanced features like media streaming, mesh networking and VoIP telephony. There are many applications for smartphones or tablets provided by the manufacturer to control and manage these enhanced features.
Key features
• Telephone system for IP-based connections
• For six cordless telephones incl. answering machine
• DSL up to 300 Mbit/s for all DSL connections
• Wi-Fi up to 866 Mbit/s with 2.4 and 5 GHz
• Network with 4x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0
What can be improved?
The iOS version of the router and the iOS apps are compatible with The Fritzbox 7530
Check other network solutions from Mixvoip to choose the best tool for your home office connectivity!
A high-quality laptop is your long-term all-in-one solution for your home office
Choosing the right computer is not easy. Depending on your specific professional requirements, you may choose a desktop computer over a laptop. However, we can recommend three laptop models that will meet all your working needs, even if your job description implies a high-intensity and versatile use of a computer throughout the day.
Microsoft Surface Go 2 10-Inch 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet
If you search for the ultimate computer that transforms into a tablet, then Microsoft Surface GO 2 10-Inch 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet is the right choice for you. It is a feature-rich laptop that ensures that you get the best value for this price.
Thanks to its 10.5” big touchscreen display and better resolution, you can use it for long video conference calls on Zoom as well as working with Microsoft Office documents or spreadsheets.
With its long battery life and lightweight, you are completely mobile to work from the most convenient spot at your home. It is compatible with any Microsoft app and is full of features that support collaboration. The downside is that you have to buy the keyboard separately (in case you will use it as a computer) and it has a bit too much flex to it.
Google Pixelbook Go
Google Pixelbook Go is a well-designed Chromebook with a 1080p display, spacious touchpad, and excellent keyboard. It is a business-style featherlight Notebook, weighing only 1kg., easily portable, and a perfect choice for any working-from-home employee.
Another great feature of Google Pixelbook Go is its high-quality 1080p camera, which enables a significantly better video conferencing experience for the owners with a cristal clear picture even in not so bright lighting. The audio quality is excellent, with a clear, robust sound that allows your teammates to hear you precisely during a conference call.
The drawbacks include No digital stylus support and limitations by the number of input/output ports. There is an audio jack and two oval-shaped USB Type-C ports. So if you want to connect an external display, you will need adapters, special cables, or a peripheral with a USB Type-A connector.
HP Stream 11-ak0512sa 11.6″ Laptop
If you are looking for a new budget laptop that makes no compromises with the feature for your home office, then HP Stream 11 is the one you need. The pros include:
• Affordable
• Excellent build quality and bright color options
• Long battery life
• Full Windows 8.1 with Bing
• 1TB of One Drive cloud storage
• Comes with one year of Office 365 Personal free
• Full-sized keyboard and USB 3.0 and HDMI ports
What reviews did not like:
• Slow performance
• Middling display
• Poorly implemented gesture controls on the touchpad
• 15GB of free storage requires deft disk housekeeping
So if your daily work tasks include working a lot with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint but not so many videos and audio calls, this laptop can be a real find for your home office setup.
A webcam for having a lifelike conversation during your video meetings
Nowadays, video conferencing is a set standard for remote working teams. Having video meetings improves communication and boosts collaboration for employees who connect from home or another workspace. So, you should choose your video equipment carefully as the work environment at home lacks some of the benefits of the office like soundproof boardrooms and the optimal lighting there.
Logitech C920 Pro Computer Webcam with HD video and stereo sound
If your daily tasks include jumping from one virtual meeting into the next, add a professional webcam to your home office setup. Do not rely only on the built-in camera of your laptop or smartphone. With Logitech C920 Pro, you have an excellent 1080p webcam with a solid stand for monitors, laptops, or tripods. Its image quality and sound transfer are very good. The video quality is surprisingly crisp, with clear details and vibrant colors regardless of the place at your home office from which you conduct the video call.
A great feature for home workers is the physical privacy shutter, as it helps you protect your personal office space from unwanted observers. It’s a plug-and-play solution that also offers advanced controls and filters for more sophisticated video meetings. The C920 provides:
• full HD 1080p video calling over Skype
• 720p for FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and other video call services
Noise-canceling headset and headphones
Often home office is not the quietest place in the world. Children’s cries, dogs’ barking, the neighbor who repairs something, and many other noises can invade the peaceful atmosphere of your workspace. That’s why having noise-canceling headsets or headphones is essential. These tools enable you to focus on your work or to participate actively in a remote meeting.
Jabra Evolve 75
This product encompasses all the features you need from a professional wireless headset including, active noise cancellation, premium microphone quality, large enough, and comfortably padded ear cups. Many experts rank it at the top spot regarding the voice quality that Jabra Evolve 75 provides. It is the right choice if your job involves constantly talking over the phone throughout the working day and you live in a noisy place. The feature of the Jabra Evolve 75 headset include:
• Wireless – no headset cable
• Connect to desk phone, softphone, analog phone & 2 Bluetooth devices at once
• Up to 13 hours talk time
• Fast charge (40% in 30 minutes)
• High sound quality even in noisy working environments
• Stereo / Mono variant available
• DECT range up to 150m from the base station
A weak point is considered that its battery does not have a long life.
Jabra Evolve2 65
Contrary to this Jabra Evolve2 65 is the one with a powerful battery that lasts several days and has the best range thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Like other headsets from the Jabra Evolve series, it provides great vocal clarity. Its comfortable memory foam ear cushions allow passively blocking of the background noise.
If you search for a budget headset and are willing to work with a cable, then Jabra Evolve2 30 will be best suitable to match your work-from-home needs. It is an affordable wired headset, has excellent microphone clarity and stereo sound, and enables you to work professionally from your private working space.
Discover the Jabra series headsets to support you in your calling experience and video meetings.
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
If your daily workflow does not require being constantly on the phone, but you still need to focus on your tasks, then noise-canceling headphones will suit your needs. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are among the most advanced products in its price range. With their help, you can easily avoid any distractions from inside the house or noises from outside. Their ear pads are so comfortable that you can wear them the whole workday long if you need to listen to some podcasts or participate in long webinars.
Except for their sleek design, they have built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which allows you to pair them effortlessly to the virtual assistant of Amazon or Google Home. These wireless headphones distinguish with one of the most intuitive and user-friendly control pads that you can learn and manage hassle-free.
The Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have an excellent microphone quality with a mic array system that highlights your voice and tunes any ambient noise nearby. It results in clearer phone calls and more productive digital assistant voice communication. On the downside, we can mention that it is an expensive tech, and it needs more functionalities related to Google apps.
An ergonomic keyboard
If your home office is still desktop-bound, a comfortable ergonomic keyboard is essential.
Logitech Ergo K860
Logitech Ergo K860 is a wireless, enhanced keyboard with a curved and split ergonomic shape that allows you to detach from your computer and use it in more comfortable spots. It worths mentioning that this keyboard provides extra-comfortable wrist rest by the elevated support that keeps hands and arms in the proper typing positions. Its front feet provide a negative tilt, which means less strain on your hands and wrists throughout your workday.
The Logitech Ergo K860 wireless keyboard offers connecting to up to three Bluetooth devices so you can switch quickly between your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro, for example. Other beneficial features include:
• Extended asymmetrical keys make it easier to find your way around
• Logitech Options and Flow software support
What you may find challenging is that it takes some time to get used to the split keyboard. It may cause some typing errors at the beginning. Also, the keys feel a little spread out, and the keyboard itself occupies more space than expected.
A foldable Bluetooth keyboard by Plugable
If you do not have a dedicated corner for working at home and your space is limited, a foldable Bluetooth keyboard can be the best solution for you. Once your workday is over, you can pack it and put it in a drawer or your laptop backpack. The Plugable Bluetooth keyboard has a tiny size of 17 cm x 13cm inside its fold. Its case can turn into a stand for your phone or tablet, making it a cost-effective tool for your home office. The keys on this comfortable Bluetooth keyboard are well separated, including a set of cursor keys. Programmers and people who love keyboard shortcuts will appreciate the additional row of dedicated function keys.
Once you unfold the keyboard, it automatically turns on. The built-in LEDs indicate the battery level, the Bluetooth, and Caps Lock status. If you do not work only from home but also in other coworking spaces, this product is perfect for you.
Recharge your devices
If most of your devices and gadgets are released within the last two years, they likely have more USB-C ports. So if your work laptop has USB-C connectors, but most of your gadgets use traditional USB, you’ll need an adaptor.
Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Adapter
When working from home, you often combine personal and company-provided devices. So if your work laptop is a new model with USB-C ports, you probably have many peripheral devices and accessories like keyboards, mice, flash drives that still use more legacy connections like USB. That’s where Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Adapter comes into help. Having a hub gives you more ways of how to connect and use different gadgets during your workday.
This seven-in-one model of Anker is equipped with an HDMI connector so you can link your laptop to an external monitor. A more budget option is the Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Data Hub that serves you perfectly if your laptop is with straight USB-A ports and you have to connect a few external devices like a USB or flash drive.
A monitor to see all the details
In the era of laptops, tablets, smartphones, and complete mobility, the monitors might be a little underestimated. If your job is related to programming or video gaming and web design, a high-quality monitor is a must-have for your home office. Even if you have more casual working needs, having a good monitor can make a significant difference.
27-inch Dell FreeSync Monitor
This affordable 27-inch monitor has a Full HD IPS LED screen that ensures a clear and detailed vision without straining your eyes. Thanks to the Dell’s ComfortView tech feature, the reflections, blue light, and other distractions are minimal.
Its classic design and 27-inch display make it look like a timeless product. The Dell monitor comes equipped with HDMI and DVI for signal input. The Dell FreeSync Monitor is perfect for your home office setup as it has a 27-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1080 native resolution. It is a true find to have a monitor with an excellent IPS panel at such an affordable price.
LG 34WK650-W 34″ 21:9 Ultrawide Monitor
If you are constantly working with multiple apps and feel like you need two monitors, you may try LG 34WK650-W 34″ 21:9 flat Monitor. The benefits of having this 34-inch ultrawide device for your home office are many. It has enough space on the screen to accommodate all applications you need to be open throughout your workday. The UltraWide design of the LG 34WK650-W 34″ 21:9 Monitor creates this feeling as if you are working on two monitors packed in one.
You can manage different windows around the screen, switch from tab to tab, and multitask hassle-free without wasting your time. Additionally, the monitor comes with a set of advanced display features like HDR and FreeSync, that can be used for entertainment during your lunch break at the home office.
Working from home brings many benefits but also comes with a new set of challenges. Staying productive and focused on work while sharing your workspace with your family, pet, or just the outside ambient noises can be hard to achieve. That is why choosing the right devices for your home office setup is essential.
The must-have products are the ones that enable you to work from home. Without them, it will be simply impossible – like the router that helps you get a high-speed Internet connection or the laptop, which encompasses your whole work life in one device. Not to forget the noise-canceling headsets and headphones, which help you remain focused during your Zoom calls or any other video meetings. Once you have covered your home-working basics needs, you can start thinking about gadgets that make your workspace more comfortable, elegant, and zen so that you make the most out of the home office.
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