Words: Jonathan Wells
Desks can be battlefields. Whether it’s computers, calendars or coffee cups, we tend to have so many knick-knacks and accessories fighting for workspace that it’s often hard to concentrate. And that’s no good at all.
In a home office, where distractions are everywhere, productivity is paramount. And so, to help you whip your work rate into shape this year, we’ve found a desk-full of the finest doodahs, gadgets and gizmos to streamline your workspace. From a smart speaker to a laptop stand, here’s everything a gentleman should have in his home office…
Carl Friedrik 'The Charging Tray'
Let’s charge straight in — with this electrifyingly elegant tray from Swedish brand Carl Friedrik. A masterful blend of form and function, the tray can charge any device with Qi compatibility, is finished in sumptuously smooth Vachetta leather (we like the ‘chocolate’ colour) and boasts a brushed aluminium base to keep all your desktop gadgets and trinkets secure.
Sonos ‘One’ Smart Speaker
It may not have the chic design credentials of the charger above, but this powerful smart speaker from Sonos is another worthy addition to your desktop set-up. Compact, clear and developed with Trueplay tuning, it has the functionality to run both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Opal C1 DSLR Webcam
With working-from-home established as the new normal, it’s time to bring every home office essential into focus — beginning with that Zoom meeting essential; a good webcam. From Opal, this option is a little better than ‘good’ — with a 7.8mm, 4K Sony sensor and more than 5x the resolution of a regular camera.
Ember Smart Coffee Mug
Your gadgets may be powered by Oakywood’s triple charging dock, but you likely rely on a different kind of fuel; strong coffee. Designed to maintain an exact drinking temperature, Ember’s smart mug will keep your coffee hot for 90 minutes. With a built-in battery, smart LED indicator and auto-sleep function, it’s perfect for deadline-filled days.
Oakywood Wooden Laptop Stand
Another handcrafted helper courtesy of Oakywood, this delicately-grained laptop stand is the perfect way to raise your computer up off a desk — and save you from craning your neck every time you need to scrutinise a spreadsheet. Ergonomic and eco-friendly, we like the option hand-hewn from sustainable, versatile oak.
Montblanc Augmented Paper
Though Montblanc’s ‘Augmented Paper’ has been around for a couple of years, it remains a well-kept secret around the office. Taking the traditional art of handwriting into the digital world, the Montblanc Hub App can digitalise, sync and organise any notes you make in this embossed-leather notebook.
Ettinger Square Valet Tray
In eye-catching ecru, this latest valet tray from Ettinger brings desktop salvation. It may not have the pioneering tech of a wireless charger or Montblanc’s notebook above, but this simple square organiser will always keep your keys, pens, coins and countless other trinkets tidy — so you can concentrate on more important matters.
Dyson ‘Cool Me’ Purifying Fan
If there’s one thing we miss about offices, it’s the air conditioning. Thankfully, Dyson’s innovative desktop fan projects cooling air using Core Flow™ technology. And, thanks to a glass HEPA filter that captures 99.95% of ultrafine particles from the air, it also doubles as a purifier — handy in a pandemic.
Apple Magic Trackpad
Wireless and rechargeable, Apple’s ‘Magic Trackpad’ is a slick, sophisticated alternative to your traditional computer mouse. The latest generation model features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
Oakywood Headphone Stand
For a final desktop flourish, how about somewhere to stow your headphones? When you’re listening to your new Sonos smart speaker, this Oakywood stand will give somewhere to hang up your headphones in neat, sleek style. And, like every other product from the brand, it’s crafted from sustainable materials.
Want more of the best tech? These are the best smartphones to buy now…
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