Showing posts with label Office. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Office. 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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AJAZZ AJ159P Dual Mode Game Mouse... Reviewed!


The AJAZZ AJ159P Mouse is a nice choice for those seeking a lightweight, dual mouse. Weighing in at just 56 grams, this mouse is perfect for users who need to move seamlessly around larger desks or from... table to table (like I do), whether working on a larger screen, projector or otherwise. It's just makes sense to have a wireless mouse. By the way, I tried the mouse out on a work table on the other side of my office at about 10 feet away and (duh of the day)... it worked smoothly without lag.

While this mouse is light, don't confuse light with flimsy because that's not the case. The stand is far from being on the lighter side, this thing can knock your teeth out. Anyway, being a dual mode gaming mouse if you want to connect directly to the USB-C cable, you have the ability to adapt.

Speaking of the USB-C cable... this thing is really light. If you didn't see the ends, it would be safe to assume it was a shoe string. No worries about the mouse cord being tangled up when you go wireless, and when you aren't using it... just place it on the magnetic base. I was reminded immediately about one advantage a wireless mouse has when I was swapping out my primary mouse. I ran the usb cable for the other gaming mouse awhile ago and it was still tangled up with camera and light cables (let's just say me and the mouse... had a talk).

Specifications:

  • Weight: 56 grams
  • Dimensions: 118.1mm (L) x 63.1mm (W) x 37.7mm (H)
  • Sensor: PAW3395
  • Max DPI: 26,000
  • Polling Rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, USB-C
  • Battery: 400mAh
  • Compatibility: Right-handed, symmetrical design


One of the standout features of the AJ159P is its RGB lighting on the charging stand, which adds a vibrant touch to your workspace. The wireless dongle can be conveniently placed in the USB port of the charging stand, ensuring a clutter-free setup.

In terms of design, the AJ159P looks clean and feels comfortable in hand. However, it’s worth noting that the mouse might potentially face damage from a high enough a drop, if it lands the wrong way. Luckily the typical desk isn't too high. Additionally, while the clean look is appealing, a rubberized grip or more texture on the sides would enhance the overall grip and decrease the chance of it slipping out of your hand if you tend to move around a bit. I'm a bit more on the safe side since my main two work stations are pretty much connected.

I definitely see this mouse being a nice choice for those of you with an all white desktop setup. I even brought out a white mechanical keyboard to coordinate... as seen in the gameplay video below:

I found myself appreciating this mouse with increased use... because i'm not stuck on a cord, I can just dock the mouse when it isn't in use so that it can charge (which i haven't had to charge yet). No batteries to worry about, it slides smoothly with the 3 sliders placed nicely on the underbelly where the DPI button + On/Off switch is located. You get 6 different DPI settings that are represented by different color indicators. These come in handy so that you aren't guessing.

Pricewise you can get the AJAZZ AJ159P Mouse for $33.99 in addition to a limited time discount AJAZZ hooked us up with to present to... you.

Overall, the AJAZZ AJ159P is a solid choice for those who value a clean, minimalist design that pairs well with a white gaming/office setup. It offers excellent performance and convenience for gaming and everyday use at a nice price.


Quality 4

Ease Of Use 5

Bluetooth Range 5

Price 5

4.75 out of 5 Cool Points


 + Sophi 

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AJazz AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller... Reviewed + Q&A!

This product was supplied by AJAZZ, my opinions are my own!

If you're scratching your head wondering what in the strawberry syrup covered flapjacks is a desktop studio controller? Well, you're in the right place, so let's jump in and find out if the Ajazz AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller is worth the money... to more than just streamers! Let's unbox, shall we?!




Quality wise, you have a durable plastic frame, and quality buttons that don't give that cheap loose feeling. Since this will be sitting on your desk, you won't really have to worry about what would happen if this thing drops either unless your office also doubles as a battleground for WWE wrestlers or something.


Out of the box you get the device, instruction booklet, and a USB type C cable (as seen above). Speaking of the quality, I appreciate where the port is placed on this device because you don't have to worry about the cable being bent and either damaging the port or the cord.


You may look at the back of the controller wondering how you're going to connect the cord, but... if you can't slip it in and put your fingers though the sides to snap it into the port fully, just take the stand off the back. From there, just place the cord through the opening in the back of the stand, place the cord into the port (you'll know it's in based on that strong snap) and reconnect the stand.



 Ease of use: 


The Ajazz AKP153 device, with its 15 customizable buttons and intuitive visual navigation, offers a range of benefits tailored to different professions and hobbies you may get into at nearly half the price of the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2. We try to deliver solid tech at head turning prices and it's safe to say we did it again with this desktop studio controller from Ajazz.





 Here’s how it can be useful for each: 

Gamer

  • Quick Access to In-Game Commands: Assign macros for complex in-game actions.
  • Streamlining Streaming: Control streaming software, switch scenes, and interact with chat seamlessly.
  • Volume and Media Control: Adjust game and chat volumes without leaving the game.


Video Editor

  • Shortcut Customization: Assign frequently used editing commands (cut, copy, paste, etc.) to buttons.
  • Timeline Navigation: Quickly jump to specific points in the timeline.
  • Media Management: Launch and control media files with ease.


Music Producer

  • DAW Control: Map buttons to control your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) functions.
  • Sample Triggering: Assign buttons to trigger samples or loops.
  • Volume and Effects Control: Adjust volume levels and apply effects on the fly.


Graphic Designer

  • Tool Switching: Quickly switch between tools in software like Photoshop or Illustrator.
  • Layer Management: Control layer visibility and order with a single press.
  • Color Selection: Assign buttons to frequently used colors or palettes.

Secretary

  • Application Launching: Open frequently used applications (email, calendar, etc.) with one click.
  • Document Management: Quickly access and manage documents and files.
  • Meeting Controls: Start, join, and manage virtual meetings efficiently.


IT Professional

  • System Monitoring: Monitor system performance and network status.
  • Script Execution: Assign buttons to run scripts or commands.
  • Remote Access: Control remote sessions and manage multiple systems.
  • Quicker Sign-in: Logging in for certain companies isn't just one or two loggins, you literally have to log into several programs and be ready to start the day soon after. So a push of a button can make a serious shift to that potentially stressful start to your shift. 
  • Productivity Boost: For IT professionals, having quick access to essential websites, folders, and chat software is crucial for handling daily tasks, escalations and overall communication to resolve customer issues. A device like the Ajazz AKP153 can significantly reduce the scramble, just customize the buttons in a way that helps you win. This is especially important under certain contracts where the workload can be intense, productivity directly impacts performance, bonuses, and even your job.

    While not every task can be streamlined due to external processes, having a tool like this can help you manage your objectives more smoothly. I've worked contracts with people who felt overwhelmed by the demands of certain contracts and ultimately quit. If you’re facing similar challenges, consider the benefits of using a controller like the Ajazz AKP153 to your advantage, that's why I wanted to present other ways it could be used beyond live streams. It could be a game-changer for your productivity and peace of mind.


Not to downplay or diss the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2, but in terms of price... when you're looking at $139.99 compared to the $69.99 Ajazz AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller that also comes with 15 buttons + a vertical display to the right of the keys. I hope this was informative and if you grab one, take advantage.

Q&A w/ the AJAZZ Team:

• What would you say are some of the main core values for your company that customers may appreciate?

With the mission of "creating the ultimate peripherals and sharing a better life", by building a "systematic company value chain", we are committed to creating high-performance, high-quality keyboards, mice, headphones, and other peripheral accessories for gamers around the world.

Some of the core values that customers may appreciate include:
Innovation: Continuously developing new and advanced gaming devices.
Quality: Ensuring high standards in all products.
Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and feedback.

• What was the motivation to develop desk controllers?
The motivation behind developing desk controllers, such as the Ajazz AKP153, is to enhance productivity and streamline daily tasks. These devices are designed to provide easy access to shortcuts and manage applications efficiently, making them valuable tools for both gamers and professionals.

• Lastly, does the AJAZZ team have gamers as part of the staff?
Yes, the Ajazz team includes gamers who bring their passion and experience to the development of gaming peripherals. This ensures that the products are designed with the needs and preferences of gamers in mind.


Quality 5

Ease Of Use 5

Usefulness 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points


 + Sophi 

Support us below!