After working from home became popular in the spring, many of our favorite home office essentials became impossible to buy online. But now many of these items are back in stock – and for the first time in a long time, our favorite USB webcams, monitors and microphones are available again. These peripherals, accessories and services can update the remote work experience and elevate your home office configuration.
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Gifts to make work at home easier
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The essentials for a remote worker are obvious: a full-sized keyboard, a wireless mouse and an external monitor. But there are a handful of other equipment – from a table suitable for blue light blocking glasses a good pair of noise-canceling headphones – which can make your workday less frustrating, more productive and very comfortable. Our recommendations for the basics of home office are below. We will update this list periodically as we review new products.
More things to make WFH work smoothly
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The new 2020 mouse from Logitech is ostensibly for travel, but it’s really just a good versatile mouse for anyone who thinks the Logitech MX Master 3 is overkill. From the scroll wheel to the programmable side buttons, this mouse can handle any pointing task. It charges via USB-C and interfaces with devices via the included USB-A or Bluetooth unification dongle. There is also an Apple-centric model available for the same price. Read our practical impressions of Logitech MX Anywhere 3.
Amazon
If space is tight, but you need to print shipping labels, shopping lists, or homework a few times a month, this is your machine. The HP LaserJet Pro M15w is an excellent choice for practical and uncomplicated tasks and its compact size, measuring about 20 centimeters deep and 35 centimeters wide, fits perfectly on a bookcase or file. And connects via Wi-Fi to almost any device, meaning you can print from your phone. If students in your family can live without a scanner – after all, phone cameras can handle most scanning jobs now – and color output, the LaserJet Pro M15w is a great choice for less than $ 120. Just make sure be sure to stock up on printer paper as well. See More information.
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It’s not my favorite webcam – it would be Logitech’s StreamCam, which has been hard to find in recent months – but the C920S will do the job. The image quality and sound capture are very good and the docking design makes it suitable for an external monitor or laptop. The physical privacy shutter is a pleasant and inspiring touch that promises to protect you and your office space from prying eyes.
If you’re exhausted, you can use a tripod and your phone’s HD camera for video chatting. Here’s how to do it. And if you’re looking for other equipment to help improve your online meetings, we have a set of equipment for video chats.
Blue microphones
The Shure MV5 digital condenser microphone combines simple setup and high-quality audio with a compact format. I wouldn’t recommend it for high-risk recording projects, but it will certainly increase the sound quality of your meetings with Zoom and other web conferencing interactions. It comes with USB-C and Lightning cables.
If you’re willing to spend more and can find it in stock, the Blue Yeti is an even better microphone for advanced users. It features three capsule microphones, four pickup patterns (for different types of recording) and enough controls to help optimize the way you sound without overwhelming you with super technical features.
Amazon
Many newer gadgets have switched to USB-C charging, but many of us still have legacy USB-A cables at home. With the 65-watt Aukey Omnia charger, you’re ready to use any of them. It has both types of connectors, and USB-C is compatible with Power Delivery, which means it can also charge most compatible laptops. Best of all, it costs just $ 25, thanks to an instant semi-permanent coupon from Amazon. See the best iPhone 12 chargers.
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There’s a lot to like about the Edge Desk System. It provides a highly ergonomic sitting position, with an ergonomic chair and knee supports that can relieve the tension of sitting in a traditional chair. It is highly adjustable and we were able to change the height and angle to accommodate everyone in my family, including an 8 year old child. It can also be folded easily and quickly in a surprisingly compact and mobile package; you can use it essentially in any room, be it the work environment in your living room or even next to the kitchen table.
Doeworks
The desktop real estate market is booming in my home today, with two adults working full-time and two children who occasionally get involved in remote schoolwork. In an effort to make her own room, my wife bought this simple, inexpensive and surprisingly adjustable two-piece table system. Apart from the wheels, which are great, but not fun to install, the setup is painless. The desk allows her to work sitting or standing, with a platform for the keyboard and another for a laptop or monitor.
Acer
BenQ currently offers $ 50 from this 32-inch 4K LED display. It’s a good price for a large, high-definition HDR screen.
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Apple’s Magic Keyboard is amazing. It has the design and space of the traditional Mac keyboard, with the pleasant scissor mechanism, and is wireless, connecting via Bluetooth. Best of all, the battery, which is rechargeable via USB, lasts months on a charge. (I also love Apple’s Magic Mouse 2 for the same reasons.) The larger version with the numeric keypad – yes, that’s great too.
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You I can use Apple peripherals with Windows machines, but if you’re looking for an alternative Bluetooth keyboard that works with anything from Windows PCs to Macs to iPads to phones, the Logitech K380 (about $ 30) is a great choice. Pair it with up to three devices and switch between each device at the click of a button. Read our review of the Logitech K380.
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If your kids break into your office and you really need to avoid distractions from your home setup, headphones are a good way to stay focused. The V-Moda Crossfades 2 Wireless are comfortable to use and offer absolutely killer sound quality – with full bass and high details. While the headphone design comes very close to the steampunk aesthetic for me, the audio, intuitive controls and robust design more than make up for it. And these headphones, which come in three different color combinations, are available for $ 200.
An alternative choice: Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 offers excellent wireless noise cancellation and costs considerably less than comparable models from other companies. They’re also comfortable to use, sound great on calls, and are smart enough to pause what you’re hearing when you take them out. If you need more options – including true AirPods-style wireless models – check out our list of the best noise-canceling headphones. Read our review of Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2.
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When you work from home, making coffee becomes a sacramental practice. Think of this appliance as a Swiss Army knife from the world of coffee makers. The programmable Ninja coffee maker (with nozzle, thermos and reusable filter) offers an incredible degree of flexibility, making it the best coffee maker for those who don’t always want the same cup. He can create everything from a solid drip to a perfect cold drink, iced coffee and latte style drinks with his milk frother, and he adjusts the temperature according to your choice. Its thermos keeps tea or coffee warm for up to two hours. This programmable coffee maker even allows you to prepare iced coffee and hot coffee in various sizes, from small cups, mugs and travel mugs, to medium and complete bottles. Read our review of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed system.
Dinner
When you are not moving, there may be some more time to prepare dinner. Dinner offers exciting and delicious meals, such as chicken panzanella in the summer and risotto with asparagus and cannellini beans. But with a maximum of six ingredients per recipe, damage to your time and your kitchen is minimized. Dinnerly’s price puts you directly in the economy category, with a cost per serving of about $ 5. Subscription options include a box for two for $ 30 or a family box for $ 60, each with three recipes for the week. Looking for more options? Check out our list of the best meal kit services.
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended for medical or health advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.