If you’re working from home, your schedule is probably crammed full of Zoom meetings. Still getting to know the video conferencing platform? We put together five clever tricks to help you make the most out of your video calls and maybe even help you camouflage that quarantine haircut you gave yourself with the kitchen scissors.
This hub expands what your laptop can do - Is it worth it?
When businesses started shifting workforces to remote work a year ago, many employees had to figure out how to set up a home office quickly. Even if you had the perfect space or decided the couch would do, having the right tools is even more important.
While plenty of companies supply employees with work from home gear, that’s a luxury smaller businesses can’t afford. And if all you had was a laptop and mouse, it can be difficult for a person to be as productive who was used to a two-monitor (or more) setup at the office.
Luckily, that’s fixed with a small gadget that expands your laptop’s capabilities, and a recent release from Anker adds the bonus of more storage. But is it worth the cost of upgrading or adding a USB hub for the first time?
Working from home must-haves
The must-have work from home accessory at the beginning of the pandemic was the webcam, which led to shortages globally. Not a lot of focus was put on docking stations or USB hubs that allow you to connect one or more monitors and other peripherals to your existing setup.
They come in all shapes and sizes, most with at least one HDMI port and at least two standard USB ports, and connect to a laptop via USB-A or USB-C. The latter even allows for pass-through charging, meaning one less thing to plug into your laptop.
The recently-released Anker PowerExpand 4-in-1 USB-C hub doesn’t have a bunch of expansion ports but what it does have is a built-in SSD for file storage. And that makes it worth a look for both working from home and traveling.
Anker PowerExpand 4-in-1 SSD USB-C Hub
Anker sent a sample unit of this USB-C hub for me to review with basic specs including a single 4K HDMI port, two standard USB ports and one USB-C input for pass-through charging. Now think about your own setup.
Let’s say you have a fairly modern laptop like mine, which is an HP Spectre x360 15-inch 2-in-1 PC with a single HDMI port, USB port and two USB-C ports. One of which is a much faster Thunderbolt port. I can already add a second monitor, a phone charger and a wired keyboard or mouse.
With this Anker, I can add another monitor thanks to the HDMI port and other tech like a webcam that’s a much higher resolution than the one built into the laptop. While I have a much more powerful docking station for my home office, I was able to take my setup to the patio on a recent nice day and it worked flawlessly.
Bonus: SSD and pass-through laptop charging
Review: Stealth Core Trainer
Working from home over the past year, I’ve tried to put a bigger focus on my overall fitness level. Even with nowhere to really go, the motivation still isn’t always there to just go workout.
Still, months ago, I bought a compact under-desk elliptical from Cubii that I could use while working or watching TV. It’s been a success story because I’ve used it every day since late last September.
Sleep deprived and constantly online
Get this: Even though much of America is working from home, we’re sleep deprived and 30 percent say they’re online “constantly.”
15 things under $25 you’ll use again ... and again
We’ve all heard the old saying, “Quality over quantity.” But other than big-ticket items, no one really talks about which quality products everyone should keep around the house.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve just moved into your own place or if you’ve been in your home your entire life — these products are must-haves. They’ll save you time, keep you comfortable and might even help you discover your inner interior designer.
Best tax software to get the job done yourself
Two things in life are guaranteed: Death and taxes. Unless you’re an accountant, you’ll likely dread tax season like the rest of us.
The good news is there are multiple programs out there that take the headache out of tax preparation and streamline the process, turning even the most novice employee into a tax professional with the press of a few buttons.
Tricks to get a better cell signal on your iPhone
You probably know the best place in your house to make a call on your smartphone. But what about when you just can’t get a good signal or you’re away from home? It’s super frustrating, but there are a few tricks of the trade that can help. In this Komando DIY, three simple ways to get better cell service.
Crucial thing to do before you get rid of an old printer
Every tech device in your home contains at least some personal information about you. That’s why you should wipe smartphones, tablets and computers clean before giving them away. Don’t forget to reset your printers, too.
How to buy a generator for your home
A killer storm hit Texas, and now millions of people are going without water, heat and power. Would a home generator make a difference?
How to set up your home theater
If you’ve made the decision to have a home theater, what’s best: a large flat-screen TV or a projector?
Is your business hiring any time soon? Use this deal to find the right person for free
The pandemic has affected every aspect of our daily lives, from how we communicate to the way we work. While many people were able to keep their jobs over the past year, others weren’t so fortunate.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an all-time high rate of 8.8% in layoffs for nonfarm workers in March 2020. By December, 28.4% of the unemployed were people on temporary layoff, while 38.9% had no job to return to.
New Amazon Echo screen moves with you and it's available to preorder now
Amazon
Echo smart devices have come a long way since they first hit the market. Not only are there original Echo speakers, but there are a ton of different and upgraded devices available now, too.
There’s a reason Echo devices are so popular. They are affordable and useful, too. You can use your Alexa-enabled speaker to control smart devices, track schedules, shop for items you need or help with a ton of other tasks. Plus, you can get even more out of your Alexa device with these pro tips.
20 clever, inexpensive products that fix problems quickly
Amazon
No matter how careful you are, issues with dirt, grime or funk will pop up from time to time. Cars get dirty, sinks get stained and cords for computers and other devices get tangled. It’s just part of life.
The problem is that it’s easy to spot little issues like these in our homes or offices now that we’re spending more time indoors. The pandemic has made those wall scuffs and stained sinks more apparent — and they can quickly become a sore spot.
Upgrade to the latest iPad Air at a record low price
Photo credit: Apple.com
If you’re in the market for an iPad, now’s the best time to buy. One of the most impressive models is being sold at a deep discount on Amazon. That’s the iPad Air, which is now $40 off its normal price.
Or maybe you’re in the market for a new computer. Well, iPads are a lot more powerful than you think: with a few accessories, you can turn this tech into a full-fledged computer. Tap or click here for steps on turning an iPad into a powerful PC.
Here's how to order an FDA-approved COVID test on Amazon
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Vaccines for COVID-19 are being administered across the U.S., but infections are still at an all-time high. To make matters worse, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the vaccine to rip people off. Tap or click here for four ways scammers are out to get you.
The 10 most in-demand jobs right now
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If you’re looking to start a new career, you need to keep an eye on job trends. When you’ve got a finger on the job market’s pulse, you’ll know just where to look for new positions. You can cut down on the dreary months you’d otherwise spend job hunting.
Just don't click the link!
Welcome to the first Monday of the new year. Today, you’ll learn how to start the year off right with your home network.
Working from home? Here's what to expect in 2021
We’ve finally said goodbye to 2020 and can look ahead to 2021. I bring you the most realistic predictions for tech in the coming year. It’s going to be a wild one.
Stop, thief!
Don’t you just love the holidays? Think about the lights, carols and … break-ins? Yep. Home burglaries peak about the holidays. Here’s how to protect yourself!
5 strategies to find the best Black Friday deals
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Black Friday is both a smart and overwhelming time to shop. On the one hand, there are plenty of deals to snag. On the other, there are so many deals to compare.
Follow these tips to ensure your Black Friday deal hunting is successful.