Tag: wfh
21 Best Deals: WFH Gear, Weighted Blankets, and Phones
Tackle all your WFH tasks with this 14-in-1 docking station with USB4 technology, now 20% off
TL;DR: As of Jan. 8, the mBeat 14-in-1 USB4 Docking Station is on sale for $199.99 instead of the usual $249 — that’s 20% in savings.
Looking to upgrade your workstation in 2023? Whether you’re continuing to work from home or hoping to start your own business this year, you don’t need a full home office or a ton of space to make an efficient work space.
A docking station allows you to make either your laptop or desktop computer a lot more versatile, without taking up too much space and sacrificing your device’s mobility. It lets the user connect to multiple devices — like external monitors, scanners, printers, or a keyboard — making your setup feel a bit more professional. If you’re in the market for a multifaceted docking station, the mBeat 14-in-1 USB4 Docking Station is currently on sale for $199.99 — 20% off the usual $249 price tag — for a limited time.
The mBeat 14-in-1 USB4 docking station is a multitasking gadget that can help you get things done. It utilizes the newest USB standard, USB4, so it’s packed with up-to-date technology and can manage all your HDMI and DisplayPort needs. And it lets you stay connected via one single connection hub, so you can work from anywhere.
Equipped with a massive seven port USB expansion port, this docking station lets you connect tons of devices at once, while offering transfer rates up to 10Gbps and supporting BC1.2 fast charging up to 7.5W and legacy USB2.0 ports for your keyboard, mouse, or any other peripherals. It also includes dual-display support via HDMI 2.1 and DP1.4, 100W PD pass-through, RJ45 1000Mbps, SD/MicroSD reader, and much more.
The combinations that this docking station offers allow for massive storage space and power, while also allowing for 8K HD video performance, and high-speed data and charge. You can also connect multiple displays, numerous USB devices, and many peripherals all at once and tackle a myriad of tasks.
Save 20% on the mBeat 14-in-1 USB4 Docking Station, and get it for $199.99 for a limited time.
Prices subject to change.
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mBeat 14-in-1 USB4 Docking Station
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Staff WFH could soon be virtually back – using high-tech avatars of themselves
STAFF working from home will soon be virtually back in the office — by using a robotic version of themselves.
Engineers have designed high-tech avatars which can nod, turn their heads 360 degrees and communicate with colleagues who are on-site.
Staff can control the bots via their phone or laptop while kicking back from wherever they choose.
Users can even adjust their droid to increase its height by six inches to get on eye level with co-workers.
Japanese electronics company Kyocera said its automatons would help remote workers stay connected with office-based colleagues, reduce stress, boost hybrid communication and even let them chat casually with workmates.
The Kyoto-based tech giant said: “Remote workers have difficulty participating in casual office conversations, which can lead them to feel overlooked by colleagues connecting with each other in a physical location.
“Likewise, on-site colleagues may feel isolated from remote workers who miss important social cues in conversation.
“Kyocera’s new physical avatar provides an in-office physical representation.”
Home advantage: The best locations in Ireland to WFH in 2022
Switcher.ie analysed the best WFH locations in Ireland based on factors from 5G to green spaces, with many small towns beating big cities.
Read more: Home advantage: The best locations in Ireland to WFH in 2022
Best VoIP for small business owners — whether you’re WFH or not
Small businesses have to find ways to compete with the big box stores and companies with more resources and recognition. The best way is to stand out by developing a reputation for reliability and top-notch service. One of the keys to achieving that is by always being available and easy for your clients and customers to contact. There’s a secret weapon that small businesses can utilize to stay connected: VoIP.
The best VoIP services (it stands for voice over internet protocol, in case you were wondering) go a long way to making this possible while keeping costs low.
So what is a VoIP, exactly?
Think of it like using FaceTime or Skype but as a professional service, or as a souped-up and internet-connected version of your standard landline connection. Everything businesses need from their phone system, VoIP can do better — and often cheaper.
But, how do you know what to look for when seeking out a great VoIP service for your small business? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a look at the best VoIPs for every kind of small business and every budgetary need.
Why does your small business need a VoIP service?
When it comes to running your business, there is perhaps nothing more fundamental to the operation than communication, from organizing your team to getting in touch with customers and clients. VoIP services provide an enhanced version of what you’d expect from a standard business phone provider. A VoIP service gives you crystal clear phone calls and video calls because you’re connected to the internet and have a digital connection that can transmit more data at faster speeds. Even better, you can typically get service from a VoIP provider at a lower price than a landline service.
That makes it ideal simply if you’re trying to communicate with other employees remotely, but it also offers so much more. Many VoIP providers offer services for small businesses that will give you toll-free numbers, automatic call recording, and even features like a switchboard feature or virtual receptionist assistant. All these capabilities make your business seem more professional to potential clients, as well as help you organize your work practices more effectively.
How does a VoIP work?
Essentially just a fancy term for making calls over your internet connection (rather than your landline or mobile network), VoIP services are simpler than you may imagine. Basically, VoIP systems connect to a server that lets you place calls to other telephone networks across your internet connection. It then converts your analog voice signal into a digital data packet by your VoIP service provider, compresses it, and transmits it over your internet connection — much like sending an email message or mp3 file. On the other end, the experience is nearly identical to placing a call over a mobile network or landline, but the cost is typically cheaper and the quality is typically better.
Why VoIP is ideal for the remote workplace
We already covered call quality and some of the additional features that you can get from a VoIP service, but there are other benefits as well. Key among them is the fact that VoIP systems can integrate seamlessly into your existing workflow. That is a big deal. Anyone who has ever been a part of an office that tries to switch over their CRM software knows just how big of a disruption it can be. The best VoIP services often offer options that allow you to use it with your existing software without any interruption.
It’s also the ideal tool for the modern workplace. As more and more companies are going remote — or staying remote after the pandemic — staying in touch with your team is as important as ever. So is making sure they have access to the tools that they need to do their job. VoIP services aren’t limited to the hard-wired connection of a landline. You’ll be able to set up conference calls and access the full suite of tools from your VoIP’s digital dashboard no matter where you’re working from.
What to look for in a small business VoIP
There are dozens of different VoIP companies out there, so it’s crucial that you know what elements you most need. The smallest of small businesses may only need a cheap landline replacement and some basic collaborative features for remote workers. Still, it’s likely you also want extra features, like being able to record calls or a virtual receptionist to handle multiple clients at once.
Avoid overpaying for services you don’t need. If your business doesn’t rely on CRMs, then you shouldn’t go out of your way to find a VoIP service that includes CRM integration. Make sure your VoIP can grow with you, such as by ensuring that you can upgrade your service as you develop. It’s good to have a business plan for the future.
Here are our top picks for a VoIP service for small businesses in 2022: