Is Your Home Office Equipped with the Best Technology for Your Work?

Remote work has transitioned from trend to “the new norm”. So, if you’re still tripping over charging cables and straining your eyes while trying to read off a 14” laptop screen, it’s time to give yourself a work-from-home technology upgrade.

Whether you have a dedicated office space or set up shop at the dining room table, we’ve lined up suggestions for every workspace situation. Let’s start with the essentials.

Home Office Must-Haves

LED Monitor

We’ll assume your company has provided a reliable laptop (if not, here’s a guide to get you started on selecting one) and instead focus on the critical second screen choice.

Another monitor comes in handy when trying to multitask and limit distractions. Choose one with a high enough resolution to meet your needs and a display size that will fit your space. For those looking to save space, the ViewSonic 20” Ergonomic LED Monitor is a great option. For a sizable alternative, check out the ASUS 27” IPS Frameless Monitor.

Wireless Mouse and Keyboard

If you tend to migrate to different areas of the house throughout your workday, using a bluetooth mouse and keyboard are musts. The Logitech Wireless Combo knocks out two birds with one stone.

Alternatively, consider ergonomically-conscious options like the Logitech Wireless Ergonomic Trackball Mouse and Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard. Control elements of comfort when and where you can—it might make all the difference in your levels of productivity.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Some days you have back-to-back conference calls, and other days you need to block out the voices of household members and pets. No matter the situation, you’ll be able to stay in the zone with a quality pair of headphones like the Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Wireless Headphones or, for fans of the ear bud, Apple AirPods with Charging Case.

Surge Protectors

Not only do surge protectors safeguard your devices, they provide extra outlets and maneuverability. Work around the default cord lengths of your phone and laptop chargers with options like the Staples 400 Joule 3-Outlet Surge Protector with 2 USB Ports or Kensington SmartSockets 8-Outlet Joule Surge Protector.

WiFi Router

If you get kicked off the internet every time someone else in your home logs on, it’s time to upgrade your connection. Choosing the right WiFi router depends on how many online devices you have and how spacious your home is. If you’re maxed out on both, a mesh system—like the Google Whole Home Mesh WiFi System or TP-Link AX3000 Dual Band Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router—is your best bet. With the basics covered, there are plenty of add-on connectivity options to explore. If you want more recommendations for flexible work spaces, take a look at this list.

Tech for Sizeable Home Office Spaces

Do-it-all Printer

This one’s necessary for small business owners and long-term remote workers. The Brother Work Smart All-in-One Colour Inkjet Printer is a compact but powerful option. If you want something more efficient and powerful, check out the Epson Workforce Pro All-in-One Colour Wireless Inkjet Printer.

Bluetooth Speaker

Do you spend most of your day on Skype or Zoom? Consider a high-quality conference speaker for crisp sound and easy connectivity to your phone or tablet. The Spracht Conference Mate is a perfect solution for those who are conference call-oriented. If you want a bit more versatility, the Logitech Bluetooth Computer Speaker System comes in handy as a speaker for streaming podcasts, music, or in-home theater setups.

Desk Lamp

For those who keep office hours in the early mornings or late evenings, quality lighting is essential to productivity. Protect your eyes (and your electric bill) by choosing a lamp with adjustable brightness and energy-saving modes—like the Ezvalo Multi-Purpose Smart Desk Lamp or Tensor Adjustable LED Multi Charging Desk Lamp. With these suggestions, you’ll be able to create an “office” space fit for any and all of your remote work needs. Still need help choosing your tech? Stop in-store for support from our experts.