One of the positive positive effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the world a few years back is the “Work from Home” culture which is now fast growing in most part of the world. It is not the case that people don’t work from home before but the pandemic increased the number of people who now do. More workers especially in the technology, creative and media sectors now produce content from the comfort of their rooms. And in some cases, it is difficult to tell whether the newscaster is in the studio or if the script writer is in the office or not.
To work effectively from home, you will need to have some essential gadgets regardless of your field. Irrespective of whether you are working from home on a temporary or full-time basis, using the right gadgets can significantly enhance your productivity, comfort, and efficiency. Below are some of the top-rated gadgets that are best suited for working from home. In this post, you will get to know the top seven gadgets you can’t do without if you want to be very productive as you work from home.
1. An Efficient Laptop
A reliable laptop is a crucial tool for anyone working from home, and selecting the right one can make all the difference in terms of productivity and comfort. When choosing a laptop, it’s important to look for one with a fast processor that can handle demanding applications and multitasking, ample storage to store all your work files, and a long battery life to ensure that you can work uninterrupted for extended periods.
In Nigeria, some of the popular laptop options include the HP Pavilion, Dell Inspiron, and Lenovo Ideapad, which are all known for their performance, durability, and user-friendly features. Ultimately, the best laptop for working from home depends on your specific needs and budget, so it’s important to do your research and choose a laptop that meets your requirements.
2. Fast and Reliable Network Router
When working from home, having a fast and reliable internet connection is essential for staying connected and productive. This is where a good wireless router comes in. A wireless router is responsible for transmitting Wi-Fi signals to your devices, allowing you to connect to the internet. It’s important to choose a router that can provide fast speeds and good coverage throughout your home, especially if you’re working in a large space.
Starlink is now a popular option in Nigeria and it offers fast speeds and strong coverage. By investing in a reliable wireless router, you can ensure that you have a stable and fast internet connection while working from home, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
3. Noise-cancelling Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are a great gadget for people who need to work in a noisy environment or for those who get easily distracted by external sounds. These headphones use advanced technology to block out external noise by producing sound waves that cancel out unwanted sounds. This helps you to stay focused on your work and improve your productivity.
The Apple AirPods Max, Bose QuietComfort and Sony WH-1000XM4 are three popular options known for their excellent noise-cancelling capabilities, high-quality sound, and comfortable design. These headphones are great for conference calls, listening to music, or watching videos, and they come with a long battery life, making them ideal for long workdays.
4. Ergonomic office chair
Sitting for long periods of time, especially in a poorly designed chair, can cause back pain and poor posture. An ergonomic office chair is designed to provide proper support and alignment for your body, reducing the risk of injury and improving your comfort while working. Two popular options for ergonomic office chairs are the Herman Miller Aeron and Steelcase Leap.
The Herman Miller Aeron is known for its high-quality materials and customizable fit, while the Steelcase Leap is known for its flexible backrest and comfortable design. Investing in an ergonomic office chair can greatly improve your work experience and overall health.
5. Smart Speakers
A smart speaker is a device that is equipped with a voice assistant to enable hands-free control of various tasks, such as setting reminders, making phone calls, and playing music or podcasts. With the help of a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can easily perform these tasks while working, without having to pause what you are doing.
Examples of popular smart speakers with voice assistants include Amazon Echo and Google Nest. Smart speakers are often connected to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled through a smartphone app or by voice commands. They are a great addition to any home office setup, as they allow you to be more productive and efficient while working.
6. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Using a wireless keyboard and mouse for your work-from-home setup can offer several benefits. Firstly, it can reduce cable clutter and make your workspace look more organized. Secondly, it can give you more flexibility in terms of how you position your keyboard and mouse, as you don’t have to worry about the length of the cable.
Additionally, a wireless keyboard and mouse can be more comfortable to use, as you don’t have to worry about the cable getting in the way or tangling up. Some popular options for wireless keyboards and mice include the Logitech MX Keys and MX Master 3, which offer a range of features and customization options to help you work more efficiently and comfortably.
7. Webcam
In today’s world where remote work is becoming more common, attending virtual meetings or video conferences has become an essential part of our work routine. Having a high-quality webcam can significantly improve the video quality and overall experience during these virtual meetings.
When choosing a webcam, it is important to consider factors such as resolution and low-light performance. A webcam with high resolution ensures that you are clearly visible to other participants, while good low-light performance ensures that the video quality remains clear even in dimly lit environments. Some popular options for high-quality webcams include the Logitech C920 and the Microsoft LifeCam.
8. External Monitor
Having an external monitor is a great way to increase productivity when working from home. It provides the ability to work on multiple windows simultaneously, making it easier to multitask and complete work more efficiently.
When shopping for an external monitor, it’s important to look for one that is large enough to display multiple windows at once and has a high resolution, which will result in clearer and sharper images. Two popular options that meet these requirements are the Dell UltraSharp and LG UltraFine monitors. They are known for their high quality displays and are frequently recommended for professional use.
9. Ring Light
A ring light is a circular lighting device that is commonly used in photography and videography. It is made up of a circle of small LED lights arranged in a ring shape, and it is usually mounted on a tripod or attached to a camera or smartphone.
Ring lights are popular because they provide even and diffused lighting, which can help to eliminate shadows and highlight the subject’s features. They are commonly used for portrait photography, makeup tutorials, and video conferencing, especially in low-light environments. Ring lights come in various sizes and colors, and some models also have adjustable brightness settings. They have become increasingly popular among content creators and professionals due to their affordability, versatility, and ease of use.
The gadgets listed here are some of the most essential you need to have. Although you don.t need to have everything. A laptop, good internet connection and headphones might just be enough to get work done based on your job description. Having listed all these gadgets, a reliable source of power is non-negotiable. It is very central to your productivity.