Our culture is always in a state of change, but never before has it seemed to move at such a blinding pace. These days, every facet of life feels like it is in constant upheaval, exponentially racing toward what we hope will be a better future. The speed can render the results a bit hard to even recognize at times. Nowhere is this truer than in the realm of technology. 53 years ago, we sent men to the moon for the first time in what now seems like a soup can that had enough energy to power a calculator. Now, we have the collective knowledge of the history of humanity in our pockets, available to us through our smartphones and devices, able to provide us instant answers to almost any question. Another example that comes to mind is my first computer. In the year 2000, my desktop system had 10 gigabytes of ROM, which I remember thinking at the time would last me 50 years. 23 Years later, the computer I’m typing this on has 2 terabytes of storage space, which is 200 times larger, and it’s filling up fast. Technology is omnipresent in our lives and as we grow more integrated with it, the requirements needed to satisfy our demands grow every day.
We are dependent on technology! We have no choice but to keep our computers, smart devices, and other gadgets up to date and with enough power to serve our daily needs. In doing so, we stay efficient and streamlined. In this month’s Fabulous Four, we explore four pieces of everyday technology that can help you run your business and personal life with greater ease and without breaking the bank.
Best New Item: ViewSonic® VA2256-MHD Monitor, 22″
If you’re looking for an ideal all-around display, ViewSonic is the right choice. The VA2256-MHD provides razor-sharp clarity with a full High-Definition resolution so all your images will be crisp and clear. The 3-sided frameless design uses IPS panel technology that allows you to get a clear view from any vantage point. Also ideal for multi-monitor setups as the frameless design allows for an almost seamless transition from one monitor to the other. In addition to Flicker-Free technology and a blue light filter, this versatile monitor provides extensive connectivity options so you can connect to a multitude of analog and HD devices. The best part? The price! I think I’ll take 3.
Unsung Hero: Brother P-Touch Business Expert Connected Label Maker
We all know that staying organized and productivity go hand-in-hand. It can be tough to be highly efficient and productive if you are spending a lot of time looking for things or sorting through information. This month’s Unsung Hero comes to us from the standard in label makers – Brother. Label makers have come a long way since they were first introduced years ago. These days you have dozens of fonts and borders available to make your designs unique. Brother’s app and the accompanying Bluetooth features allow multiple users to connect – perfect for an office space. On top of it all, this model has a nifty carrying case for the maker and its components. A label maker from Brother is simply the perfect organizational partner for your workspace.
Product Most Likely to be Found in My Home: HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer
Leave it to the folks at HP to come up with the ultimate all-in-one printer. What can it do, you ask? Well, it scans, copies, and faxes, as well as prints on both sides! Whether you are running a small business out of your home, or you just need a printer for personal use, this little guy will do the trick. Equipped with a smart app and enhanced security, you can print directly from your mobile device in a safe and secure manner avoiding malware and viruses. It is also small enough to sit on a desktop, so it won’t take up more than the minimal office space. All of this at an affordable cost!
MVP: Logitech® H540 Corded Headset
In this day and age of remote working and virtual meetings, a decent headset is essential. Even when you find yourself in the office, online meetings are common and are most likely here to stay. Logitech has been the authority in quality headsets and workplace electronics for a long time. The H450 has a high-quality microphone that reduces background noise so you can confidently interact with coworkers without the mic picking up less relevant noises elsewhere in the office. The padded headband provides day-long comfort while you chug along through your meetings. The crisp sound and built-in equalizer make this set great for listening to music too. Versatile and cost-effective!
That’ll do it for this edition of The Fabulous Four. As the famous science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” With technology advancing this fast and with these products, your work will look and feel like magic!
