Can you imagine trying to do business without your smart phone, without your computer or even without email? The answer isn’t just “probably not,” but more likely a “definitely not.”
Our ability to master business has become intrinsically connected to the adaptability and convenience offered by our business gadgets. And, if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll have noticed their evolutionary course. Just settling with the technology you have at your disposal right now may work for you at the present moment, but if you don’t keep a look out for a better way of moving forward, you’re likely to be left behind. Check out the latest must have business tools for the gadget savvy business owner.
The Evolved PC – You no longer have to deal with a burdensome computer tower. The Cybernet ZPC-945SL features a keyboard with a built in processor below. For a retail price ranging from $575 to $945, buyers get an Intel Pentium 4 processor with 3.4GHz. Users can opt in for additional features, including an optical drive, DVI ports, up to 6 USB ports, VGA and a mini PCI slot. You’ll probably soon see this in heavily trafficked areas such as government offices, healthcare, call centers and other high volume industries.
Visual Aides – You’ll know the power of photos if Instagram’s success is anything to go by. Stick with the rule of thumb – take a photo a day. Chronicle anything, be it your life or a day in the office. Just keep it consistent, keep it personal and capture a unique perspective. Of course, to do this you need a powerful camera that can still fit discreetly into your pocket. For $400, you’ve got a stellar solution presented to you by the Panasonic Lumix GF2.
Desktop Smartphones – If you’re a small to mid-sized business with the traditional secretary to tote, then you’ll probably be interested in the ESI 250 Smartphone. It has a 7 inch color screen that includes coveted apps like Evernote. Just recently released, it’s been a hit with businesses, who appreciate its multiple functions like sending out text messages, recording calls, advanced conferencing, as well as the ability to program reminders and automatic call distribution. However, it has a hefty price tag ranging between $400 to $500.
Meeting on the Go – For remote and on-the-go conferencing, Invoxia presents the AudiOffice, which jets users into the future with a sleek minimalist design that excels in performance for just under $300. Connecting to the unit with either an iPhone or iPad, the unit uses “In Vivo Acoustic” technology to help get rid of distracting background noise. The result is feeling like you’re speaking face to face.
If your conference includes more than just one person, you might need to consider a different set of tools – like the Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam. It rates highly for HD quality and motion (including zooms, pans and tilts). It’s lightweight and easy to use, making it a must have meeting gadget for a roughly $250 price tag.
Eliminate Clutter – Don’t forget about gadgets in the form of apps. It’s pretty easy to become overwhelmed considering how many are out there. While everyone has their favorites based on business needs, there are some that all business owners should have. Prizmo and Genius Scan are must haves. For $9.99, Prizmo will electronically scan and convert all business card data for internal storage. Free-to-use Genius Scan turns your iPhone into a mini scanner that converts all documents into a JPEG or PDF.