Home Office Tech Essentials

Technology is an essential part of any modern home office setup. Whether you're working with a laptop or a desktop computer, there are a variety of gadgets and accessories that can enhance your productivity, comfort, and overall work experience.

- Monitor: If you have a desktop computer, a monitor is a must-have. Even with a laptop, a second monitor can be useful, providing extra screen space and reducing neck strain.

- High-speed Internet: A broadband connection is essential for efficient online work.

- Ergonomic furniture: Invest in an ergonomic chair and desk to ensure comfort and proper posture.

- Lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial to prevent eye strain and headaches. Consider a desk lamp or a personalised lighting system that adjusts based on your preferences.

- Surge protector: This is often overlooked but necessary to protect your electronic devices from power spikes.

- Webcam: For video meetings, a good webcam with high-quality resolution and features like autofocus and light correction is essential.

- Noise-cancelling headphones: To block out background noise and help you focus, especially if you work in a busy household or cafe.

- Backup solutions: Ensure you have a plan for backing up and protecting your data, such as an external hard drive, cloud-based backup services, or an in-house backup server.

- Printer: Depending on your business needs, a printer, scanner, or multi-purpose machine can be useful for printing, scanning, and copying documents.

- Software: Identify the software applications you'll need, such as word processing, spreadsheets, email management, or industry-specific software.

- Network router: If you have multiple devices that require internet access, a wireless router can be handy.

- Smart devices: From smart coffee makers to smartboards and visitor management systems, there are various smart devices that can streamline your work and improve your office environment.

Monitors and webcams for video calls

When it comes to monitors and webcams for video calls, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to decide whether you want a separate monitor or one with a built-in webcam. Integrated webcams can be more convenient, but external cameras offer more flexibility in terms of positioning. If you opt for a separate monitor, you can choose from a wide range of options, including portable monitors, curved monitors, and smart monitors. If you prefer a monitor with a built-in webcam, you'll have a smaller selection to choose from, but this setup eliminates the need for additional equipment and setup.

If you decide to purchase a separate monitor and webcam, here are some recommended options:

Monitors

• The Asus ProArt PA348CGV is an ultrawide monitor that provides ample horizontal screen space for viewing multiple apps and documents simultaneously. It boasts excellent image quality, a wide colour gamut, and good connectivity options.
• The Dell C2722DE is a 27-inch monitor designed specifically for video conferencing. It offers a clear 5MP FHD webcam, decent speakers, and a variety of ports, including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 1.4, and a USB-C port with 90W power delivery.
• The HP Z34c G3 is a curved monitor that provides an immersive viewing experience. It features a 5MP webcam, excellent colour accuracy, and a range of ports, including USB-C, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and four USB-A ports.
• The Apple Studio Display is a 5K retina monitor with a crisp 12MP ultrawide camera. It offers excellent colour reproduction, connectivity, and built-in speakers. However, it is quite expensive.
• The Philips Brilliance 499P9H is a superwide monitor that provides an expansive display equivalent to having two QHD displays side by side. It includes a pop-up 1080p webcam, built-in USB-C docking, and integrated speakers.

Webcams

• The Logitech C920e Business Webcam captures 1080p HD resolution video with a 78-degree field of view. It also features autofocus and light correction for improved video quality.
• The Dell Pro 2K Webcam offers face tracking and high-quality visuals. It includes a magnetic cap for privacy and works better on a Mac than a PC.
• The Logitech C920S is a budget-friendly option that delivers good image quality and sound pickup. It features a clip-on design that makes it suitable for external monitors or laptop computers, and it includes a physical privacy shutter.
• The NexiGo N60 1080P Webcam offers adjustable FOV, zoom, software control, and a privacy cover. It is a plug-and-play device that is compatible with various video conferencing platforms.
• The Anker PowerConf C200 2K Webcam features AI-noise-cancelling microphones, stereo mics, an adjustable field of view, and a built-in privacy cover.

When choosing a monitor, consider factors such as size, resolution, colour accuracy, connectivity, and additional features like built-in speakers or USB ports. For webcams, look for models that offer high resolutions, such as 1080p or 4K, and consider whether you need features like noise-cancellation, privacy shutters, or adjustable fields of view.

Wireless keyboards and mice

When choosing a wireless keyboard and mouse, it's important to consider battery life and connectivity. You should also think about the size of your desk setup and what you will be using the equipment for. If you're a gamer, you may want to opt for a chunkier mouse and keyboard.

Logitech MK540 Advanced Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

This affordable combo offers a snappy keyboard with a pleasant tactile experience and a smooth, reliable mouse with programmable gestures. Both devices are wireless, helping you to minimise desktop clutter.

Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s

This compact, cheap wireless keyboard is a great option for students and professionals on the go. It connects to up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth and is easily transportable, fitting into backpacks or laptop cases.

Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard

This ergonomic keyboard has a curved, split keyframe to help you type more naturally, and a sloping design with a pillowed wrist rest to protect your wrists. It works on both Windows and OS, and you can choose between a USB or Bluetooth connection.

Logitech MX Master 3S

This wireless mouse has an ergonomic design and can work on any surface, including glass. It also features 'quiet clicks', which produce 90% less noise, and MagSpeed scrolling, which is 87% more precise than a standard wireless mouse.

Razer Pro Type Ultra

This mechanical keyboard is suitable for productivity, browsing, and competitive gaming. It offers excellent ergonomic features, including two adjustable typing angles and an included wrist rest. It can be paired with select Razer mice and connected to up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.

Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

The Arteck wireless keyboard and mouse both use a wireless nano USB receiver to connect to your PC. The keyboard has a rechargeable battery that lasts for six months on a single charge, while the mouse features silent clicking, so you can work without disturbing those around you.

Noise-cancelling headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a great option for those seeking solid microphone quality and excellent audio. They feature Precise Voice Pickup technology, which uses four beamforming mics, AI-powered noise reduction, and wind-noise reduction to ensure your calls are clear and free from distortion. The XM5 can also seamlessly switch between two connected devices, making it easy to take calls or listen to music. While there are rumours of a new model being released in 2025, the XM5 remains a top choice for wireless over-ear headphones.

If you're looking for earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 offer excellent call quality and reliable noise cancellation. They feature a new noise reduction structure and a bone conductor sensor that uses AI to detect when you're speaking, making them more responsive than other earbuds. The WF-1000XM5 are a great choice for anyone seeking a combination of audio and microphone quality.

For a more affordable option, the Sony WF-C700N earbuds provide impressive value. They offer a comfortable fit, clear voices during calls, and dynamic and detailed sound quality. While they don't match the performance of more expensive models, they are an excellent choice for those on a budget.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are another excellent choice for noise cancellation. They feature a lightweight design and plush protein leather cushions that provide comfort and durability. With a quiet mode and an aware mode, you can choose to block out noise or let ambient sounds in. The EQ is adjustable, and the battery life offers up to 24 hours of use.

The Master & Dynamic MW75 headphones offer a sleek design and impressive features. They are made with anodized aluminium, tempered glass, and lambskin leather, and the memory foam ear pads are replaceable. The MW75 features three ANC modes and a multipoint connection that allows you to switch between two devices. With up to 32 hours of battery life, these headphones are a great choice for all-day use.

For a more affordable option that doesn't compromise on quality, the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones offer impressive features at a reasonable price. They feature adaptive noise cancellation, customisable noise cancellation settings, and impressive battery life, with up to 65 hours of use when ANC is off and 50 hours when it's on. The aluminium alloy hinges are easy to slide, and the earcups are made of skin-friendly materials, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

Backup software and cloud storage

When setting up a home office, it is important to consider backup software and cloud storage to protect your data. Here are some options to explore:

IDrive

IDrive is a user-friendly cloud backup service that is suitable for both personal and business use. It offers a range of backup options, from simple file and folder protection to full disk image backup for disaster recovery. iDrive supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It also offers command-line scripts for Linux machines. iDrive provides fast upload speeds and an intuitive web-based console. While it does not offer unlimited storage, iDrive currently has a promotional offer where users can get 10TB of storage for a discounted price for the first year.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (formerly known as Acronis True Image) is a powerful and versatile backup solution. It offers local and cloud backup options, full-drive imaging, folder syncing, and protection against ransomware. It also includes antivirus software and a vulnerability scanner. Acronis provides a modern and intuitive user interface and has a minimal impact on system performance. However, it can be expensive, and the pricing structure can be complicated.

Backblaze

Backblaze is a simple and inexpensive cloud backup service. It automatically backs up all your files on hard drives and external drives, making it a set-and-forget solution. Backblaze offers unlimited storage space and rapid upload speeds. It also provides a restore-by-mail feature, allowing users to receive their data on a hard drive if needed. However, Backblaze only supports backing up a single computer, and it lacks advanced features such as file syncing and collaboration tools.

CrashPlan

CrashPlan is a comprehensive business backup service that is simple to use. It offers continuous and scheduled backups to both online and local destinations. There are no limits on file sizes or versioning, making it ideal for retaining previous versions of files. CrashPlan has improved its performance, with faster upload speeds compared to previous years. It also provides a straightforward process for restoring deleted files. However, the desktop apps are basic, and the service lacks some advanced features offered by its competitors.

PCloud

PCloud is a versatile cloud backup tool that offers additional benefits such as syncing and advanced file sharing. It is easy to set up on both mobile and desktop devices, providing a Dropbox-like folder for simple drag-and-drop backups. pCloud also includes built-in support for backing up social media content from platforms like Facebook and Instagram. While the desktop apps feel a little dated, pCloud offers highly customizable file-sharing tools and a built-in media player. pCloud also offers lifetime subscriptions, which can be more cost-effective than annual plans for long-term users.

Surge protectors

When choosing a surge protector, it's important to consider the number of outlets you need, the protection level, and the cord length. Here are some of the best surge protectors for a new home office:

Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector:This surge protector offers 12 outlets, including four that are spaced out to accommodate larger plugs. It has a protection rating of 2880 joules, an automatic shutdown feature, and a long 8-foot cord. It also comes with a $150,000 insurance policy on connected devices.

Anker Power Strip Surge Protector:The Anker Power Strip Surge Protector is a more affordable option that offers 12 outlets and three USB ports. It has a protection rating of 2100 joules and an 8-point safety system. It also comes with a $200,000 connected equipment warranty.

Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector:This surge protector from Amazon is a good budget option, offering six outlets and a long 6-foot cord. It provides three layers of protection, but it doesn't have any USB ports.

JACKYLED 1625W 13A Outlet Surge Electric Tower:The JACKYLED surge protector has a unique vertical design that saves space and provides easy access to all your devices. It offers 12 outlets and six USB ports, as well as a 6.5-foot cord. It has a protection rating of 1050 joules and is RoHS and FCC certified.

GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector:The GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector is another affordable option that is great for small appliances and electronics. It offers six outlets, an extra-long 10-foot cord, and twist-to-close safety covers. It has a protection rating of 800 joules and an integrated circuit breaker for added safety.

Frequently asked questions