Four Gadgets That Keep Me Sane While Working Remotely
We are living in a strange, unprecedented time, and I hope you’re doing well. And more importantly, I hope these four things can help you live an even happier, more productive life from the confines of your own home. We’re going to be here for a while; might as well get comfortable!
1. Webcam Sliding Cover — we’ve all been there: you sign into a webinar in your pajamas, from the couch, in need of a shower, and surprise! Video is turned on for all of the attendees, not just the presenter. Nobody likes that. Nobody wants their computer to suddenly invade their privacy. We’ve all been poor Jennifer. This little gadget is your answer: a sliding camera cover for your laptop’s webcam, permanently affixed, slim enough to let your laptop close as usual, and a huge step up from that sticky note you’ve been using. Lots of options available: $13 from Staples or $10 from Best Buy.*
2. Plantronics Voyager Edge Bluetooth device — by now, everyone has a handful of Bluetooth headphones littering the floor of their cars, but this one is special. Two words: mute button. This little guy allows you to completely mute yourself at the touch of a button on the device itself. And the best part: you will NOT show up as muted on the call software! If your team uses Slack, Zoom, Google Meeting, or some other program that broadcasts your muted status with a little red icon next to your name, this device allows you the same benefits while flying under the radar. I wear mine on all my calls, happily muting myself to noisily stack clean dishes into the cupboard at home or to silence the annoyingly loud garbage truck that suddenly rumbles around the corner while I’m out on a walk. I cannot recommend it enough! $70 from Amazon.
3. Mophie battery case — I’m not sure about you, but my phone loves to die before lunch. I don’t know where I’d be without my Mophie battery case. It has one full phone charge, turned on by the flip of a switch on the back. Super handy for when that dreaded low battery sound interrupts you in the middle of a conference call, three blocks from home. When it’s plugged in, my phone and case charge simultaneously, and it’s incredibly sturdy. You can tell from the photo how many times I’ve dropped it. And probably my favorite part: the case charges with a micro USB cable. I have no idea where my iPhone lightning charger is. It’s been months since I’ve used it. Instead, I use one (ONE!) single micro USB cord to charge everything in my life. My phone, my Bluetooth headphones, my Kindle, my power bank, even my UV water purifier for camping. One cord in my car. One by my bed. One in the living room. One to rule them all. $50 from Mophie.
4. Cell phone grippy tripod — this thing is SO much fun. You can prop it up on a table to use your phone for a hands-free video chat, or wrap it around a handle in your kitchen to FaceTime with your niece while you’re making dinner. It’s excellent for keeping your phone in one place for time lapse videos. It helps you film fun videos of yourself for your Instagram Story, as well as those instructional videos for your business that you’ve been meaning to get to for ages. The best ones come with a Bluetooth-enabled remote shutter to operate the camera from afar. $25 from B&H Photo.
What are your favorite gadgets for working remotely? Tell me which ones you can’t live without!
* Note: please make sure to follow all social distancing protocols in your area, and consider supporting local businesses during this difficult time, if possible. Many stores are offering curbside pickup for orders placed online or over the phone. I am not an affiliate of any companies or products mentioned in this piece.
Patty is the founder and CEO of the Purpose Collective. A self-proclaimed data geek, Patty’s specialties are digital marketing and operational efficiency. Patty graduated from Yale University and lives in Boulder, Colorado.
