Over the last year, I have reviewed countless tech products, from smartphones to headphones and true wireless earbuds, speakers, and office tech. Yet some of my favourite office tech items are ones I have been using for years. Others, however, are items that were just released this year and have joined my list of the best office tech. Whether you’re looking for tech gifts or want something for your own home office, these are my five favourites and are all worth your hard-earned money.
Rocketbook Pro Reusable Notebook
I used to buy cheap notebooks by the dozens to jot down notes from virtual meetings, phone interviews, and research for articles. I have totally eliminated that, and the clutter that comes with it, by exclusively using the Rocketbook Pro reusable notebook. It has reusable pages that you can write on with any Pilot Frixion pen (one comes included) and wipe the pages clear once you’re done with the included microfibre cloth or even a damp paper towel. If you want to retain the information you have written down, you can use the companion app to snap a photo and save it as a PDF, and send it to an e-mail address or cloud service. It even transcribes your text into digital text. The Rocketbook Pro is perfect for note taking, to-do lists, and more. It comes with 20 pages you can write on front and back. I have used mine again and again and purchased replacement packs of Pilot Frixion pens over the years, and it is ultra convenient. I only wish it had a built-in holder for the pen and microfibre cloth. Beyond that, it’s worth every penny of the US$55 price.
iPhone 15 Pro Smartphone and MacBook Pro M1 Laptop
I haven’t yet upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro and if you’re buying new, I would suggest going with that model. But the iPhone 15 Pro is still a fabulous smartphone, and if you can find it for a deal, even better. Most important, it still works with all the new Apple Intelligence features, as does the MacBook Pro M1 laptop (for new buyers, I’d recommend newer MacBook Pro models.) I love the seamless integration of these two devices, including the iPhone Mirroring feature that allows me to call up my iPhone on the laptop screen and use it as I would if it was right in front of me. This is tremendously useful when I’m working away on my laptop while my phone is charging in another room. It also prevents me from having to pick up my phone to access an app I can’t get on my laptop, like Signal, which can distract from my workday. Both are powerful devices that work in beautiful harmony in so many other ways as well, from the ability to access iMessages on the MacBook to fill codes that automatically enter confirmation codes sent via SMS, and more. With Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro, I can leverage features like Clean Up to remove distracting objects from photos, natural language search in photos, the incredibly fun Image Playground app, Writing Tools, and smarter Siri that integrates with ChatGPT.
Epson ET-4850 Supertank All-in-One Printer
As a long-time Epson EcoTank refillable ink printer user, I only recently upgraded to the Epson ET-4850 Supertank All-in-One Printer. While it isn’t new, released in 2021, it still works wonderfully and is the most recent model in the line. With the ink supply that comes in the box, you’ll be able to print in black and white and colour for up to two years. Refillable ink bottles are about the same price as cartridges yet don’t need to be purchased as frequently. I love the Wi-Fi connectivity so I can work from upstairs and print items remotely that I can collect when I go down to my home office. The paper tray holds up to 250 sheets and can accommodate other media as well, like photo paper. The Epson Smart Panel app can be used for simple initial set-up and printing photos right from your phone onto glossy or matte paper. I printed a selection of 4×6 images and they come out vibrant and crisp. With the option to make copies and scans as well, this is a powerhouse printer for work-from-homers. Don’t be discouraged by the $600 price tag: when you amortize this over many years without having to buy replaceable ink cartridges, and consider that this will likely be the last printer you buy for the next decade or more, it’s totally worth it.
Kensington MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen
Several nights a week, I work for an hour from a local café. Occasionally, I also decide to go to a local restaurant that has great Wi-Fi and work while I enjoy lunch and a coffee. Both places can get busy at times, and when you’re working with sensitive information, in my case sometimes embargoed news, you want to keep prying eyes away. The Kensington MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen is a great way to do that. It clips to the perimeter of the MacBook (there are models for different MacBooks and other computers) using strong magnets. You still get a clear view of your screen but if you stand to the left or right, you’ll notice that it looks completely dark to others. You get the added benefit of blue light blocking and reduced glare as well. My only issue is that it picks up fingerprints easily, so you’ll want to pack a microfibre cloth along with it. Pricing starts at $60: the version for my MacBook Pro M1 is $65.
De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Espresso Machine
The best pick-me-up when you’re ready to start a hard day’s work is a good cup of coffee. The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo espresso machine is a massive upgrade from a standard coffee machine. Add fresh beans and it will grind them to create a delicious cup of espresso, coffee, or espresso-based drink, like a latte or a cappuccino (you can use grounds, too). It comes with a built-in milk frother that, to my delight, works just as well with milk alternatives like oat, almond, or soy. As an automatic machine, there are preset buttons so you don’t have to deal with a tamper and manual process, but you can adjust things like the grind setting and strength to your liking. It’s super-easy to use. My only issue is that it’s loud and expels water every time you turn it on and off. This is to clean the machine, but you’ll need to remember to have a mug there to catch it or clear out the drip tray after every use. At about $1,000, it’s a big investment. But think of how much money you’ll save versus going through the drive-thru or buying single-use pods.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal Camera
This handy little gimbal camera has become my go-to for shooting content both while at events as well as at home. I shoot things like unboxing and review videos using the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, then connect it with the LightCut app for simple editing to create social-worthy videos for sites like Instagram and YouTube. It connects seamlessly with the DJI smartphone app as well so you can use your phone as a monitor. Hold it in your hand and shoot footage as you move seamlessly or prop it up on a table and angle the lens as needed. It comes with a built-in screen that can be oriented in portrait or landscape mode and you can even flip the lens if you want to record yourself then flip back around to follow in front of you. I’d highly suggest going for the Creator Combo, which includes accessories like a mic and mic clip, tripod, and extra battery along with a convenient case. That bundle sells for $929.
OnePlus Buds 3 True Wireless Earbuds
When it comes to price to quality ratio, the OnePlus Buds 3 are a solid option at just $140 (on sale at the time of this writing for $100!) offering decent sound, noise cancellation, and battery life. While you’ll probably want to upgrade to the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro that sell for a little more at $270 (often on sale, including right now for just $180), I find these to be the perfect stylish, comfortable buds for use during Zoom meetings or phone calls while I want to walk around the house, or for my weekend morning walks. Turn on the OnePlus 3D Audio feature and you’ll get an immersive experience. The noise cancellation and transparency modes work well, ideal for cancelling out the loud noise from my furnace or neighbours doing work or mowing their lawns in the summer. They’re ideally paired with a OnePlus phone, but you can use them with any Bluetooth-enabled device. They might not be your primary private listening ‘phones but as an everyday pair you can rely on for basic activities and bring with you for commutes or travel, they offer tremendous value for dollar.
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