Whether you’re working from home or running your own business, it’s important to have the right tech to help productivity and efficiency. And there’s no better time than the end of the financial year to invest in new devices, as they could become part of your claim in this financial year’s tax return.
Working From Anywhere
The idea of work has been redefined in the last year – not only where we worked but how we worked, and some forecasts suggest two thirds of Australians want to continue working some days at home and some days in the office. That means products that ensure connectivity and productivity anywhere are crucial. The HP Pavilion x360 14-inch Convertible Laptop Core i5 boasts a snappy Intel processor to power through your tasks with the latest applications and 512GB SSD (solid state drive) internal storage. This product provides the ultimate flexibility, so it can be used as a laptop with a full keyboard and, when folded in half, as a tablet with a full high-definition display. There’s a more premium HP option, the HP Envy x360 Core i7 13-inch Convertible Laptop, which has a smaller screen but a faster i7 processor and 16GB RAM. It also has faster WiFi 6 compatibility, so files can be uploaded and downloaded quick-smart and you’ll have a great connection for your next video meeting.
Setting up Your Home Office
If you’re creating a dedicated working space at home, a more permanent setup than a laptop piled on a stack of books should include AIO (All-in-One) computers or a standalone computer with separate monitors. A desktop or AIO computer allows users to work on a grander scale with a larger monitor and solid processing power. The HP 24-inch AIO PC Core i5 has a key advantage of combining the computer and the 24-inch full high-definition monitor in one unit, so it takes up less desk space while still offering power and performance.
A standalone desktop computer such as the HP Desktop Computer Core i7 is a powerful choice with the i7 9th Generation processor, 16GB RAM and plenty of USB ports. You’ll need to purchase a separate monitor, which gives you the freedom to choose a large screen, like the one on the HP 23.8-inch FHD Monitor – it has 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother visual performance – or the Lenovo 27-inch Full HD Monitor, which has even more more screen real estate thanks to a tiny 2mm bezel.
SEE ALSO: Desk Essentials for the Home Office
The Finishing Tech Touches
To finish off your work space, invest in a quality mouse, keyboard and a webcam. The Logitech MK545 Advanced Keyboard and Mouse Combo offers comfort and performance, while the Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 is for users who want more precision and control – it has three thumb buttons for web browsing, app switching and viewing your photos.
With the rise of video calls and meetings throughout 2020, webcams have become an in-demand product and one of the better choices is the Logitech C505 HD Webcam. It supports 720p video, has a built-in mic and a 60-degree field of view, and fixed focus, so your Zoom meetings will always be sharp and clear.
And if you’re printing off reams of reports, receipts and documents each day, a cost-effective printing solution is crucial. The Epson EcoTank Colour Printer has individual ink tanks that can be refilled, instead of replacing cartridges, which saves you money in comparison to older-style inkjet printers.
Stay Connected
Smartphones are now essentially mini-computers that also feature the best camera most of us own. The Samsung Galaxy S21 128GB 5G is an all-rounder with loads of productivity tools that are suitable for work, including Samsung DeX which turns the device into a desktop computer when connected to a monitor. The Oppo A54 64GB 5G Fluid Black has 5G high-speed connectivity at a more affordable price. Its Hyper-color screen display is great for graphics and the long-lasting battery runs video for up to 13 hours.
Upgrading to Smart Security
Use EOFY as an opportunity to beef up security in the workplace. The Swann DVR8-4580V 1080p Full HD 6 Camera Security System has six heat- and motion-sensing cameras with a 90-degree viewing angle, so your business is well and truly covered.
And if you have moved your place of work to the home, or are a smaller scale SME, products like the Ring Video Doorbell 3 are an affordable security option, allowing users to see clients or delivery people arriving, as well as talk to whoever is at their door through the product’s camera. That same camera can also detect motion and deliver notifications through the Ring app directly to your smartphone, so you can keep an eye out when you are not there.
Security and privacy of a different kind can be achieved in the workplace or home office with the Fellowes Cross Cut Shredder M-7CM, which can destroy documents quickly and quietly.
Essential Backup
A backup of our data is essential in the event of our desktops or laptops failing (touch wood!). An external hard drive is a small yet vital product to include in your workplace setup. If you’re backing up a laptop, it’s a good idea to buy a portable hard drive you can easily carry with you, such as the WD Elements SE 1TB USB 3.0. It’s small enough to fit in your laptop bag and the USB 3.0 connection ensures speedy data transfers for a fast backup. For an even smaller and faster backup solution, try the credit card-sized Samsung T7 SSD. If you have a desktop setup, a sturdier hard drive with more storage capacity is ideal – try the Seagate 4TB Expansion Desktop Hard Drive, which attaches to your computer with a USB 3.0 connection.
A Robust WiFi Connection
A strong WiFi connection for your home or business has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how well we could work remotely – and it was our wireless connections that held all of that together. Create a more robust network with a mesh WiFi system such as the TP-Link AX3000 Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System 3pk. One of the units plugs into your existing modem, with the other two positioned around the home or office, so they can relay your data at a consistently fast speed. And if online gaming is your bag, then the ASUS ROG AX11000 Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router can provide a faster connection, so you can get the edge over your online opponents.
Stay Safe Online
Any device that connects to the internet – smartphone, tablet, laptops and computers – should be protected from cyber threats including ransomware and other malicious apps. A great place to start protecting your family, your devices and your data is with Norton's device security software, with coverage for a single or multiple devices.
Don’t Forget to Claim
If you’re purchasing any tech that you use for work or to run a business, you could add those items to your tax return for this end of financial year. Running expenses and equipment are potentially deductible; if you’re not sure, check out these common mistakes, and this guide to claiming, and don’t forget to see a tax professional to make the most of your return.
