Productivity in the office is often based on the gadgets you use. A slow and half-broken laser printer or a laptop that barely runs will impede your workday. You’ll struggle to perform basic tasks as everyone else in the office hums along at lightning speed.
That’s where these new office products can help. Each one can help boost your output during the day.
1. Lenovo ThinkBook 14s ($506)
My favorite recent business notebook, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s has a wonderfully modern keyboard for fast typing. (The slightly raised “chiclet” keys are barely there.) One nice perk is that there is a button dedicated to starting Skype calls.
How it helps in the office: A reliable laptop is a major advantage — to you and everyone else. The ThinkBook 14s will help you stay in contact with everyone because it’s reliable and fast, won’t stall out, and the keyboard makes typing smoother and more efficient.
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 All-in-One Printer ($250)
For basic documents using only black ink, this low-cost office printer pumps out 24 pages per minute — matching the higher-end models from just a few years ago. HP offers an Instant Ink program to automatically replenish your supplies without a lot of fuss.
How it helps in the office: The idea of never running out of printer ink seems like a stretch, but it’s actually true with the OfficeJet Pro 9025. The Instant Ink service sends a fresh refill cartridge like clockwork so you don’t have to think about ordering new supplies.
3. Anker PowerWave 10 Stand with 2 USB-A Ports ($50)
Every modern office needs one of these wireless phone chargers. You can drop your phone into the cradle and get back to work. There are two USB ports for charging other devices, such as a tablet or a second phone. The charger works in vertical or portrait mode.
How it helps in the office: We all are beholden to our chargers, especially if we want to keep in contact with the office. Dropping a phone onto this stand makes it much easier.
4. Keychron K2 Mechanical Keyboard ($69)
A mechanical keyboard helps with typing speed but also with your logical approach to work. The keys on this Keychron model match the layout of a Mac and will work for an Apple iPad via Bluetooth. In my tests, my speed increased noticeably.
How it helps in the office: For anyone who uses a mobile device or a desktop computer at work, a mechanical keyboard has a more tactile feel. Because this model works with Bluetooth, you can even connect it to your smartphone.
5. Scosche BaseLynx Modular Charging System ($100)
For charging up more than one gadget at a time, the Scosche Modular Charging System is a godsend. It can charge an iPad, your phone, and a smartwatch all at once without any power issues. The stylish accessory also looks trendy on your desk.
How it helps in the office: Modular devices are handy because it means one accessory at your desk, which reduces clutter. You can re-charge an iPad, your phone, and a watch with one product that only takes up one outlet on your power strip.
6. Airlift S3 Electric Height-Adjustable Standing Desk Dry Erase Table Top ($550)
This 54 x 30-inch standing desk has a unique feature. The tabletop doubles as a dry-erase whiteboard, so you can jot down reminders to yourself or make a task list. As a standing desk, you can get a break from sitting and spark new ideas.
How it helps in the office: I’ve never seen a standing desk that doubles as a whiteboard. The Airlight is fantastic because it also gives you more freedom of movement — you can raise the desk and hold a meeting with coworkers to discuss a project.