Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Must Have USB Powered Devices

There are hundreds of USB gadgets that could be used for fun and productivity. But only a handful is actually useful in the office. Here are the following devices that you should consider in your office for improved productivity.

USB Storage Device or Thumb Drive – if you still don’t have one, better get one fast. You can store your office files and even applications so that you don’t have to drag your laptop on the road. Just insert the Thumb Drive and transform another PC into your PC.

USB Hub – not only USB geeks should have this but practically everyone. As most of the small gadgets could be charged and powered through the USB, an extra slot for the USB could be very helpful.

Fly Fusion Pentop Computer – developed by toymaker LeapFrog, this USB pen will record everything you write and upload them in your computer. Most perceive this as a kid’s toy but if you are in places without a computer, this gadget could save your thoughts which could be read later.

Wireless USB Remote – don’t get stuck in front of your laptop during office presentation. The wireless USB remote let’s you control media player applications in your laptop and your PowerPoint presentation.

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – don’t get stuck with too many wires in your cubicle. The wireless keyboard and mouse lets you operate to as far as 1 meter away from your computer or laptop. Although you will still end up in front of your computer, you will significantly reduce wire clutters

Monday, November 17, 2008

Tips in selecting a photocopier


The right photocopier is always a must for every office. As businesses have to be consistently budget conscious, only the right photocopier should be purchased to cater to the need of the office without overspending.

Knowing the Need

Before considering the brand and type, it is always important to know the office requirements from their photocopier. There are photocopiers who can print up to 100 copies per minute while there are photocopiers that are only intended for black and white printing. Add-ons or special features such as color printing, speed of printing and even networking capabilities have to be evaluated as these features would fetch considerable price increase.

Types of Photocopiers

There are practically three types of photocopiers: the portable, desktop and floor standing. The smallest of the three is the portable photocopier which is perfect for companies or small businesses that is expecting to reprint less than 1000 pages per month. The desktop photocopier is a relatively larger photocopier which usually has advanced image editing features. The floor standing is the most expensive type of photocopier. This type of photocopier could send and receive fax, print, edit images and has networking capability for multiple users.

Overhead Costs

Aside from the purchasing price of the photocopier, the overhead cost of the photocopier should also be calculated. Some photocopiers will require less ink while others will require a brand new cartridge of ink every time the ink is replaced. Durability should also be considered as repairs for this type of office electronic equipment could be very pricey.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Surviving office demands on the road

Office workers are not just confined in their cubicles all day. There are times where work demands for employees to be outside the office. So they bring the usual things - laptops, mobile phones, GPS for travelling. Although these are very essential, they could cause more trouble that good.

Battery life - Because you're unplugged most of the time

Employees should remember that they are only as good as their gadgets. If their gadgets are not running, then they might not be able to update sales numbers in real time, talk to their boss or supervisor and help their officemates while on the road. Every employee should aim for a device that will last for more than three hours. Laptops should have 6-cell batteries which ensures constant use of laptops for at least six hours. Mobile phones usually won't have any problem but if you are constantly using the Bluetooth and Wifi capabilities of your phone, you might only have a device that will last for three to four hours.

Security is always the first order of business

Doing your work in Starbucks, in a client's office or in other areas with free wifi would seem nice and refreshing but you may be exposing the company secrets. There are hackers who pose as providers of free wifi but they will use that service to access your laptop. Before you access their free wifi, disable the sharing options in your shared folders. That way, your folders will not be accessed by anyone.

Being on the road will be very confusing that you may leave behind your important gadgets and documents. Before you hit the road, write everything that you have brought and double check the list.