Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts

The 2024'ish Wishmas Guide... for the Office!

 

This guide was put on the shelf because a number of you were in holiday mode... and the thought of work (if you were lucky to have off) wasn't exactly something you wanted to think about. So here we are in 2025 serving up a list of useful + cool items... for the Office! The holidays are a wrap, but... that doesn't stop you from adding items to your wishlist to make your space even better!



 Computer Tech 

This is basically the focal point of most offices, unless your primary tool is something else. So we will start with... computer related tech!
  • Video Games: I don't know if I should be recommending video games for the office, but you have plenty of options to nab for... free or even stream if you have an Amazon Prime membership. Free games + free Twitch sub + more with... Prime Gaming! This will give you options to check out here and there if you have the leeway to do so. 


  • Graphics Card: If you're a gamer, a new graphics card is definitely worth considering if your system is struggling when it comes to the latest games. It's always wonderful to get your hands on a new game, but... it's hard to enjoy the game and it's visuals if your system is finding it extremely difficult to play it. You have AMD graphics cards, Nvidia, and Intel has also entered the arena with its Arc Alchemist series.


  • RAM: RAM is a given, and maxing out your RAM if it's affordable to do so... has multiple benefits. It improves your multitasking, faster performance since it's random access memory that decreases the need to pull from slower options like your hard drive. It certainly enhances your gaming experience by reducing the lag and allowing for better graphic rendering.

    More RAM is also great for those of you who also work with data analytics and scientific computing because it's able to process complex calculations and large datasets more efficiently than it would with the bare minimum. It's also a great way to future-proof your system.

    To determine the Amount of RAM your system can use on Windows OS:

    Check your OS: If you're working with a 32-bit Windows OS... your cap is 4GB of RAM. Yikes!
    The 64-bit version doesn't have this limit, but to determine the amount for your 64-bit system, follow these steps:

    Open Command Prompt with  Windows (Key) + R  and then type  cmd ... then press  Enter .

    Once the command prompt (window opens), type 
    wmic memphysical get MaxCapacity, MemoryDevices  and then press  Enter .

    The output will show the Max RAP capacity in kilobytes, so... divide that number by
    1,048,576 to convert it to gigabytes. This will give you the answer you seek.

    For example, the system i'm currently writing this article on, has a MaxCapacity of 134,217,728 KB... which is 128GB when you divide it by the number highlighted in blue. It currently has 32GB under the hood, which is more than enough at this time... especially with the affordable price tag of around $50 bucks or so). No matter what route you take, if you get the protection plan, you're covered!

    To determine the Amount of RAM your system can use on macOS:

    Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac." From there, click "More Info" to see the system specifications + the maximum RAM supported.

  • SSD: For some of us, you can never have enough storage space, but based on what you'll be doing with that storage space might better help you determine what you need. If you require more space for software, definitely get internal storage. Even then, if you require things like images to be readily available and you don't want to worry about connecting an external storage... this is also beneficial. If you simply want to unload pics and files, consider an external SSD option. You can grab a 500GB SSD for $25.99!

    There are data recover protection plans too, allowing you to score 3-years of coverage for $14.99. The protection cotsts can add up, but anything worth protecting is worth the coverage... and the cost isn't reoccuring as long as you choose the right plan.

    ***I will say this about the Asurion Complete Protect. It can prove useful if you buy a ton of tech on a frequent basis, because... one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases. So if you need such a thing, the option is there, but if its not something you need... spare yourself the $16.99/month.


  • Monitors: There are some really nice monitors out there... and performance surely varies, one of which is the Lenovo L27i-40 27" monitor. I'm highlighting this one specifically, because one or more of these would be a nice addition to a professional office setup. This particular monitor serves up 1920x1080 resolution, 100Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync tech, etc. $149.99 isn't bad, especially if this sleek monitor is your style. Lenovo has been knocking it out of the park in this department, I'm using two of their monitors to write this article.


 Desktop 

  • AJAZZ AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller: This desktop controller... knocks it out of the park in terms of usefulness. If you're a streamer of any kind, it helps to have a studio controller. One particular reason is for the gamers out there.

    A number of PC users don't remember all their keyboard shortcuts and some gamers find themselves clicking out of the game just to go over to their recording software to begin the capture... where as this affordable controller can do it with the press of a button.

    It doesn't stop there, because you can use it for work to open those frequently used programs as needed. Work smarter, especially if there is tech available to help up your game. Grab it for 20% off ($71.99)!

  • Large Extended Mouse Pad with Keyboard Shortcuts: This is perfect for those of you who would like to boost productivity by way of getting more familiar with keyboard shortcuts. This 27.5in X 11.8in mouse pad has short cuts for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Office, and Windows. There are other awesome designs from the same company, but... the usefulness for this mouse pad is on 10! Grab it for $16.99!


  • AJAZZ AJ159 Dual Mode Gaming Mouse: This 5 button programmable mouse, is lightweight, able to be used on the usb-c cable or wirelessly. To charge the mouse in wireless mode... simply sit it on the magnetic charging dock. Performance wise, the lightweight mouse feels good, especially with up to 26K DPI movement detection. Your movements will be quick and precise with a mouse like this. (Click Click!) Speaking of the charging base, it has a nice RGB light that revolves around the foot of the base. This mouse is priced at around $42.99 on Amazon, but... we'll give you the hook up for $27.19!



 Tech Gifts, Etc. 

  • JCloud Smart Scent Air Machine (HVAC Pro Waterless Oil Diffuser): This is the first time we've ever recommended a gift like this. It's more on the lines of something you'd want to keep the office fresh for up to 2 months (based on this particular model). This Bluetooth controllable product would be mounted on the wall and the hose would be inserted into the AC duct to deliver fresh scent across a 2000sqft space. Refilling the scent is as simple as pulling the 3000ML bottle out of the top of the system, opening it up, filling it with the desired essential oil... and sitting it back inside.

    You can grab this system for $169.99 and make a positive impact on your office, spa, or a large room. Don't sleep on the $34.99 protection plan, it will cover you for 4 years!

  • Saiyin Bookshelf Speakers w/ 2" horn tweeters + 3" woofers: These speakers caught my eye because they're clean and well put together (love the woodgrain). They have simple plug-n-play connectivity for optical-in, aux-in, arc/hdmi-in... and bluetooth compatibility.



  • Shelving: While some individuals prefer a minimal look... some of us need shelving, and not the small ones that hold a few books and a candle. Not space saving may be racking your brain with your current setup, so... how's about a new shelf or shelves? One particular area where a shelf may be placed perfectly (if the space is there)... is right against the wall near your office door. This basically hides the shelf behind your office door when its open.

  • Anime Statues: This isn't something on the lines of productivity, but... they look bad ass and add some flare to your office. While they can be positioned on a shelf, if they're the type that looks great when suspended from the ceiling... even better.



  • Mini-Basketball Hoop: This might give more of a dorm room like feel or give the impression of a dude bro, but... screw it. If you enjoy basketball, there are some nice quality mini-hoops options out there. If it relieves stress to shoot a few hoops to keep you on your A-Game... do not underestimate the power of fun! There is a fantastic option with a rebounder that sends the ball back in your desired direction for $58.75. This is a limited time discount, similar to a pro option that you might find yourself bragging about because it's not your average wall mounted basketball hoop.

    Both durable options are by Franklin Sports, but the Pro Hoops option you see here has an adjustable height for the rim. It has 6 different positions thanks to the steel mount, and you're able to fold the rim with the flip of the tab. You can grab this pro hoops options for $79.77!


 + Sophi 

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PC Gaming Show 2022 + Workspace Suggestions!

 


I thought it would be cool to drop a little segment in the spirit of the PC Gaming Show 2022 to focus on wireless tech + peripherals for those of you who like to move freely around your office or studio. I know that some of you enjoy your keyboards & mice, while others... just have keyboards & mice that aren't as... eye-catching. You don't need these things, but... having a picture-worthy setup doesn't hurt either, and believe it or not, it's well within reach for quite a few PC owners.

There are people like... fashion designers who need a wireless keyboard setup because... remaining in one place doesn't allow for as much productivity. Measurements have to be taken, the tablet is used almost as often and you can do without the keyboard & mouse wires.

If you have a white desk or a work table that you utilize as a desktop as well, a keyboard & mouse of the same color doesn't hurt if you like to coordinate. Duo's like the Lenovo 510 Wireless Combo come to mind. They're clean, and only require one USB port to control both peripherals.

I definitely have to add audio to the mix, because... audio is definitely a huge part of my life + the lives of so many of you.

The option to cut the cord is nothing new... although some of you prefer cords because of the sound quality, but... there are options that deliver just as well without the cord.

The 1More EVO Earbuds deliver HiFi Sound, have 6 mics, 28hours of playtime, and the quality sound is undeniable (I actually have some on right now). To stick with the color theme, you can get these headphones in white (with gold trim). You can go into the office and not only have these headphones connected to your phone, but they can also connect to your computer's Bluetooth without skipping a beat (you don't have to disconnect your phone, both can be connected).


To maintain the theme of an all-white desk space, definitely grab a white qi wireless charger. There are definitely lower-priced wireless headphones out there like the Philips T1207's that are said to have an 18-hour playtime + IPX4 water resistance. They might not have all the bells and whistles, but... (ay) they're less than $40. If you have the money to spring for some speakers... there are some solid bluetooth bookshelf speakers out there like the Audioengine A2+.

If you're going to get a new mouse, might as well get a new mouse pad... especially for an all-white setup. I could warn against a white mousepad because it could get dirty quick... but the same can be said about a white mouse & keyboard (but there is a keyboard and mouse setup here that have gone without issue. I wouldn't go jumping on them after eating some Cheetos, but... yeah... no issues here.

Gotta have a game controller on deck... so definitely grab a white wireless Xbox controller + a stand... or a drawer to keep it out of the way when you aren't gaming to your heart's content.

Another thing that makes sense... is a white office chair, but... out of the options at the link, I don't have any recommendations (preferences vary). I do recommend getting the best chair that works for you, and if you're on the taller or larger side... keep the weight limit in mind. There are larger chairs with increased weight limits, but even with that... some only go up so high, so I'd recommend replacing the office chair cylinder lift. This could actually save you a crap load of money if you need a chair with an increased weight limit and/or height. If you wonder why your chair goes down after you've adjusted it... this is the reason and it shouldn't take much to replace it versus throwing a perfectly good chair out.

By the way, if you are constantly moving around and find yourself moving your office chair from your desk to the work tables, I do recommend getting a stool on wheels. Some have backs on them, some have a saddle design, but either way... I recommend one without a back on it if you aren't going to put it to use and don't plan to utilize it as a desk chair as well. You can just sit regardless of its position and get your grind on.

Going back to drawing tablets, Xencelabs newest edition is their white medium pen tablet bundle. The working space is grey, but... there could be a reason behind it (especially when you consider the constant stroking of the stylus). We also had the pleasure of reviewing this bundle... which got a 5 out of 5 for being a damn good entry for the company in this competitive space.

Check out our full review... here.

They're veterans in the industry who stepped away from well-known brands like Wacom to create their company. I wasn't a fan of tablets without screens until I used this one... the way the tablet is structured works well for drawing and doesn't have that annoying wrist drop-off. We have other tablets without screens, but they're just annoying to me, so this was a pleasant surprise. I use this tablet just as much as I do the Wacom Cintiq, and the price is right. If you prefer a screened drawing tablet... definitely consider a Wacom, and to maintain the white theme (to an extent)... you may want to go with the more affordable Wacom One that connects to your PC, Mac, and... (certain) Android devices.

At the end of the day... you don't have to have all-white everything or... all-white anything, but if you're in the mood to switch it up, explore your options and consider what works best for you. There is definitely a ton of motivation out there but always try and aim towards your needs first... and then consider the wants afterward.






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