Introduction and gadgets 1-5
Technology advances quickly, but it’s often easy to rely on the same printers, scanners, and other office equipment for longer than necessary. These brand new products use internet-enabled features like the ability to scan a document, turn it into a PDF, and place it in the cloud for easy retrieval.
Portable gadgets for office workers use the latest screen technology from Gorilla Glass to reduce the chance of scratches and cracks. A brilliant new laptop can fold into six different positions to adapt to how you work during the day, including flat like a tablet or at a half-height mode for easy finger taps.
In some cases, the power saving features for recent network switches and monitors can cut power consumption by as much as 80%, and of course that all adds up to money saved on your company’s energy bills in the end.
1. Epson WorkForce DS-520 Document Scanner
Not every "workgroup" scanner has to be big and bulky. This new Epson model scans at a speedy 30 pages per minute, so it’s fast enough for small teams. When you scan, you can output directly to PDF and save to the cloud. The scanner supports folded sheets, flyers, receipts, business cards, and just about anything else you feed into it. An optional network interface means the scanner can attach securely to a corporate network.
2. Lexmark MS911de Mono Laser
Lexmark introduced this monotone laser printer recently, and it’s packed with features. First, it prints at an enterprise-ready speed of 55 pages per minute. The paper trays can hold 6,650 pages and it has a 300,000-page maximum monthly duty cycle. Business folks can print on paper sizes up to 12 x 18-inches. Paper finishing options include stapling, three-hole-punching, and even a saddle-stitch for booklets. The colour screen can be customised for fast access to the most commonly used functions by changing the user interface features.
3. Cisco Business Edition 6000
For smaller teams, Cisco Business Edition 6000 collaboration platform provides voice, video, IM, presence and paging. There are phone and videoconferencing components for live conversations between offices, all controlled and managed through a software suite of products. With the server platform, companies can expect to connect as many as 1000 employees.
4. Drobo Storage Array
The main point to make about this compact storage array is that it is easy to configure and use. With an app, you can quickly configure the drives you add to the four bays, then decide with a click to use single or dual-drive redundancy in case there’s a disk failure. A unique battery back-up tech protects the drive cache in case there is a power outage.
5. Philips PowerSensor 27-inch monitor
Not all monitors work the same. This new line from Philips uses a new sensor tech that knows when you are in front of the display, lowering the brightness automatically when you move away from the screen. The monitor will end up consuming about 80% less power than a normal desktop monitor, Philips claims.
All of the expected environmental badges are here: the PowerSensor 271S4LPYEB monitor is EPEAT GOLD certified, TCO Edge certified and features PVC-BFR free housing. Another bonus: the hardware switch doesn’t just turn off the monitor but cuts off all power draw from the adapter.
Gadgets 6-10
6. HP ElitePad 1000 G2
A brand new tablet for enterprise users, this Windows 8.1 model runs normal desktop apps and new-style apps designed for touch control. The 10.1-inch screen is made out of the durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to avoid scratches and breaks. Because business users tend to need add-ons, HP offers a line of smart jackets, a docking station, battery, and extra adapters, and it’s these accessories which really make the device.
In our review, we concluded: "The ElitePad 1000 G2′s appeal increases tenfold when twinned with its accessories, which you’ll need to transform the device into an above-average tablet."
7. Amped Wireless ProSeries 8-Port Gigabit Switch
For those charged with data centre duties in a smaller enterprise, there are a multitude of networking and storage products which can seem overwhelming. This network switch has a few features to make it an easier pick. The 8-port switches run at Gigabit speeds, and you can run data and power over a single cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE). The product can be rack-mounted or sit on a desk, and senses when there is no network activity to reduce power consumption automatically (for example, when the business is closed).
8. Acer Aspire R13
This hybrid notebook is for business users who need flexibility in how they work during the day. It folds into a normal laptop mode for better productivity, or, for touchscreen control, it folds up into a tray position – or it can be flipped around flat to work like a Windows 8 tablet.
There are six different positions you can utilise in total with Acer’s Ezel Aero Hinge, the mechanism which facilitates this flexibility. The 13.3-inch display is made of Gorilla Glass 3, and this convertible laptop is only 18mm thick.
9. Mophie Powerstation Plus
For office workers, there’s always a great need to stay charged up. This new line of battery backup chargers includes one model that can charge up a phone eight times. It comes with the necessary charging cables (including a microUSB and Apple Lightning version). The aluminium case is protected from scratches and wear due to an anodised satin finish.
10. APC by Schneider Electric’s Back-UPS Connect
If you are still using a power strip to protect expensive business products at work, it’s time for an upgrade. This is an enterprise-friendly Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), and if the power goes out in the office, this gadget – which is designed specifically for networking gear like a router, switch, or gateway – will last another three to five hours.
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10 must-have gadgets to help enterprise users make productivity gains