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HOME OFFICES — Perhaps you're one of the millions of Americans who is now working from home due to COVID-19. Enough people have been impacted in this way — around 42% of the country's workers, according to Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom — researchers are now referring to the "working-from-home economy."
Whether your situation is a minor stint or a long-term arrangement, it's helpful to have the equipment you need to do your job. Here's a quick look at five electronic products that can potentially elevate your home office.
Western Digital My Passport HDD
PRICE: Starts at $54
GRADE: A-
Affordable storage sometimes comes with compromises, such as clunky design and reliability issues. In the case of Western Digital's My Passport, you don't have to give up much. Some users have complaints about the design, but I found it to be somewhat sleek. It's slimmer than previous models and can easily be carried in your pocket or bag.
Included with each My Passport is software that gathers files and makes the whole process easier. The WD Discovery software goes beyond the usual searching of computer files, connecting with your social channels to save photos, videos and documents. On top of that, the password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption help to keep everything safe and secure.
OWC Envoy Pro EX SSD
PRICE: Starting at $149
GRADE: A
This SSD is one of the toughest external storage devices on the market. Encased in an impact-absorbing bumper, the Envoy Pro EX is MIL-STD810G drop test certified. It has no moving parts and is built for the long haul. If you're looking for a bruiser to take on outdoor excursions and extended trips without fear, this is likely your ticket.
Of course, what's inside matters just as much as what's on the outside. The Envoy Pro EX delivers data rates up to 2800MB/s thanks to its exceptional M.2 NVMe SSD. It has an integrated Thunderbolt 3 cable (I'd prefer that it was detachable) and gives you production-level storage for audio, design and photography files. Solid as a rock and packed with great features, it's an ideal option for those who value durability.
Drop XL Wireless Charger
PRICE: $99
GRADE: A-
There are plenty of wireless chargers available these days, but the Drop XL stands out from a lot of the competition by offering multiple-device charging with an extra USB-A port. You can charge up to three devices simultaneously, which is appreciated if you have a few phones in your home (not to mention AirPods and other devices).
The Drop XL has nonslip tread on its charging surface, which helps keep your devices in place. This is important because you have to align your phone to the internal coils in order to charge, and they can be finicky if it's not lined up perfectly. Each of the coils delivers the maximum charging speed and can effectively charge through cases as thick as 3mm (you might have problems with a thicker case).
Seagate One Touch SDD
PRICE: Starting at $79
GRADE: A-
The One Touch SSD is impressively small and light. It has a fabric top that is interesting from a stylistic standpoint but actually has utility because it's a less slippery surface that prevents the device from slipping around as much in your pocket or backpack.
The One Touch SSD makes it easy to back up your files, with continuous auto backup and mirror folders. Simply schedule the backups and let it take care of the rest. You don't get blazing-fast data rates with the One Touch SSD, but it's simple and reliable. If you want spacious storage from a device not much larger than a credit card, this is a prime option.
Epson EcoTank ET-4760 All-in-one Cartridge-free Printer
PRICE: $499
GRADE: A
The EcoTank ET-4760 is a wireless all-in-one printer that makes copying, scanning and faxing easy as can be. The color touchscreen is great, as it simplifies the initial setup process and streamlines the design by removing additional buttons. With the wireless connectivity, you can print straight from your phone or tablet. You can even use voice-activated commands.
There's an undeniable pleasure in getting rid of ink cartridges, those overpriced pieces of plastic that are constantly filling up landfills around the world. The EcoTank ET-4760 may have a steeper price tag on the front end than some traditional printers, but you'll reduce your ink expenses by about 90%. So, the savings can be immense over time. By the way, the EcoTank ET-4760 comes with four moderately sized bottles of ink that provide enough ink for about 6,000 pages of color printing (which would otherwise take about 80 cartridges). So you'll be all ready to roll once you get the printer set up.
Related:
Review: 10 products to consider for your home office
The American workforce is evolving dramatically due to the COVID-19 crisis, with millions of people moving to home offices. From standing desks to chair wheels, this guide looks at 10 products that might make things a little more functional and comfortable in your new workspace.
