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TECH FEATURE

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OFFICE ESSENTIALS EOFY continued

Printers They might seem like relics of a time long since passed, but printers are still office staples. If you’re just printing the odd form every now and then, a black-and-white inkjet printer might be the best option on a budget, or you can add colour without breaking the bank. Sick of how many ink cartridges your office burns through? An ink tank printer might be the answer for heavy-duty users. They hold enough ink to print thousands of pages, and refilling individual colours is easy. Some printers even branch out into other jobs. Multifunction printers can also scan, copy, and in some cases even fax, saving you from filling the office with extra machines. Data storage

A laptop’s built-in keyboard does the job, but you can better customise to your needs with an external one. The numpad on the right is a real time-saver for data entry, but many keyboards cut that off to save space. Small keyboards are more portable, but can be uncomfortable for long periods of typing. In that case, mechanical keyboards are easier on the fingers, and they give off a satisfying clicking sound to boot. Likewise, ergonomic keyboards might look a bit warped, but they’re specially designed for comfort. How your keyboard connects to your device is important too. Some plug in via USB, while many now are Bluetooth, either directly or through a dongle. Mice Laptop trackpads work in a pinch, but they can slow your work down. Separate mice are best for longer sessions, and there are a few options to consider. Most mice now are optical, meaning they detect movement with a little LED underneath, and are pretty reliable for most jobs. If you need

calls, a built-in camera can be a handy bonus too, but if it’s not on the spec list, an external webcam is an easy and inexpensive add-on. Portable monitors Your average monitor is a bit too bulky to lug between workstations, so it’s better to leave it set up where you’ll need it most. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the benefits of a second screen when working on the go – a

Built-in storage is the first port of call for your work, documents, programs and data, but you might need some extra room or some portability. USB “thumb” drives are small enough to slip into

a pocket, bag, or even on your keys, and are perfect for carrying files and presentations between devices or offices. Larger solid-state drives (SSDs) are a bit roomier, with hundreds of gigabytes or even a terabyte or two of storage space. That makes them better for archiving older files, or transporting bigger programs.

portable monitor is a valuable colleague. These displays are smaller and lighter, and plug into your laptop, tablet, 2-in-1 or other device, so you can spread your virtual workspace out anywhere. Some are freestanding, some clip onto your laptop, and some can even be rotated to display in either landscape or portrait orientations. Keyboards It’s easy to overlook keyboards when considering a tech upgrade, but remember this is the bit that you’re tapping away on all day.

something a little more sensitive though, try a laser mouse – their more precise sensor gives you finer control for tasks like graphic design (or gaming after hours). They also work better on shiny, glossy surfaces. Ergonomic mice, meanwhile, are designed to prevent hand and wrist pain from repetitive clicking. They might look a bit weird and can take some getting used to, but it’s worth it to say goodbye to RSI. All of these options come in either wired or wireless models, so you can match to your mouse and budget.

38 JUNE 2024

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