6 Pieces of Tech For a More Productive Desk Space
New year, new you, new desk. It’s time to upgrade your aging tech and get some gear that will truly maximise your efficiency while making you look sophisticated to boot. Here are our 2024 picks:
Logitech’s MX Keys S combo
A reliable mouse and keyboard are the bedrock of any setup. Logitech are well aware of this so they’ve made a complete package. The Logitech’s MX Keys S combo is a full Mouse and Keyboard set with an accompanying MX Palm Rest for optimal ergonomics so you’re not crippled by your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome half way through the day.
There’s a raging debate over keyboards and whether tenkeyless number pad keyboards are the way to go because they take up less space on your desk. Personally I’m not having that debate because I already KNOW that having a numpad is essential to my work life, and my retro/Simulator gaming spare time.
The keyboard itself is a low profile ergonomic keyboard with spherically-dished keys shaped like fingertips providing precision and speed. They have satisfying feedback and have a nice matte finish. One feature I particularly dig is the proximity sensors which automatically turn on the keyboards lights once my hands are in position. They slowly fade out as you leave it, and automatically adjust brightness depending on the conditions, so you aren’t blinded by LEDs if you’re working with all the lights off. Battery life is great, with 10 days on a full charge or up to 5 months if you decide not to use the lighting.
The Logi Options+ Software lets you automate multiple tasks with a single keystroke, saving valuable time. Options+ can also let you do manual adjustments if you want to be in full control.
We’ve reviewed the MX Master 3S mouse in the past which you can read here. But as a quick update on it after just about two years of continuous use: It’s still a comfortable top tier option with just the right amount of buttons to keep me moving fast enough to put out a magazine every month or two. Currently it’s back button is mapped to Alt-Tab so I can quickly switch windows. Scrolling is done with a MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel, scrolling through 1,000 lines per second for a quick, precise, yet quiet scrolling experience. It hardly ever needs charging, and I treat it mean by only giving it a couple minutes charge before unplugging it and getting going again. That charge seems to last long enough for me to forget the last time I charged. Occasionally it stutters but I’m unsure if it’s my machine or the mouse itself. It clears up quickly enough. Finally I’d recommend giving it a clean occasionally. That last one is a personal note.
Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit
Sometimes you’re going to be taking a Facetime call or Zoom while working on an important project. This would normally mean your hands get taken up holding the phone too close to your mushy face. Belkin has the solution with a magsafe dock with 360° rotation and 90° tilt with smooth, quiet motors. The device is called the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit and it will automatically keep you center frame while you stay busy, and charge your phone while it’s at it via a 5W wireless charger.
It comes with 5 hours of operational battery life meaning you could potentially take it to the boardroom or lunch if you want to cause a scene. Tracking can be turned on and off via a single button, and inbuilt NFC helps instantly pair your phone to the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro.
RRP$179.99. Shipping for the stand starts Late February. Buy here.
Logitech Brio 4k Webcam
Next up is the first class quality Logitech Brio 4k Webcam. The ultra 4K HD captures every detail as the RightLight 3 and High Dynamic Range (HDR) technologies auto-adjust to help you look your best in any lighting environment. While saving time and improving productivity is key, a slick, suave setup design that exudes sophistication makes it all the more appealing.
Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand
This one untethers you from your desk but makes sure you’re never without a charge. Perfect for lunchbreak reading the Belkin portable Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand delivers a safe 7.5W of wireless charging power to your device without cables or a need to connect to a power source. The fold-out stand offers a convenient and hands-free way to stream or video call while you charge.
Logitech Zone Vibe 100
Complete your setup and truly immerse yourself in the zone with the Logitech Zone Vibe 100 – a headset that boasts 40mm speakers to deliver music and meetings with powerful bass, crisp highs, and minimal distortion.
They come in three colours and have a flip down boom mic which can be tucked away when not in use. It’s flip-to-mute and noise cancelling, perfect for if you’re working from home with kids or taking a call in a busy office. The right ear has a play/pause button for music and the cups are made with soft knitted fabric and memory foam for all day comfortable wear.
Speaking of all day, Get up to 20 hrs of listening time and 18 hrs of talk time on a full charge.
