The 2019 Consumer Electronics annual tech convention in Las Vegas showcased popular new options for business owners looking to boost employee productivity. Check out some of this year’s favorites.
Laptops
Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1
The new Dell Latitude includes two innovative security features – a fingerprint reader and a contactless smart card reader. The 14-inch laptop combines an infrared camera with Windows Hello facial recognition software to unlock the device as a familiar user approaches. The new feature, called ExpressSign-In, also automatically locks the laptop when the user steps away. However, users might be even more impressed by its new long-life battery – up to 24 hours on a single charge.
HP EliteBook x360 830 G5
The new HP EliteBook has been upgraded with the brightest screen of any convertible notebook. Its new Sure View touchscreen, which is comparable to some high-end HDR TVs, is said to enhance usability over long periods of time. It is especially helpful for holding desktop video-conference calls and incorporates a Sure View privacy screen that limits viewing angles from prying co-workers.
Asus ZenBook S13
The new 13.9-inch Asus includes an HD webcam for video conference calls. However, its unique feature is a screen with a vertical-length “notch.” This hitched design not only makes it too easy to open the lid but enables edge-to-edge screen exposure. At only 0.50 inches, the Zenbook offers the slimmest display of any laptop.
Displays
Samsung SR75 4K UHD Space Monitor 32-inch
Workers with small desk space will appreciate this new Samsung Space Monitor, priced at $499. The 32-inch display mounts against a wall and then folds down, enabling up to 40 percent more usable desk space than the usual computer monitor. The screen boasts a 3,840-by-2,160-pixel resolution. The HDMI cable is conveniently fed through a slot at the back of the mount and the clamp is integrated as part of the display.
ViewSonic M1 Projector
The ViewSonic projector is a great solution to take on the road for mobile presentations. Priced at $337, the projector features a bright 250 lumens but weighs a mere 1.5 pounds – including its integrated smart stand. This means it easily fits into a laptop bag without adding extra bulk or weight. This year’s model is also the only mobile projector with a USB-C port, and the company claims 30,000 hours of operational battery life.
Power Packs
Mophie Juice Pack
One of the biggest challenges for business travelers is how to keep their cell phone charged. In this latest model, the Mophie Juice Pack smartphone case enables users to charge wirelessly while allowing access to the iPhone lightning port. The $119 case is reputed to provide 31 hours of usage and is Qi-compatible for wireless charging.
Problem Solve
In the ever-changing world of technology, it’s tempting to purchase the newest innovations. However, it is always prudent to conduct an annual technology review to identify what problems your firm might be experiencing. Open up a forum among employees to seek input regarding what issues impact their day-to-day responsibilities. For example, connectivity problems both inside and outside the office, finding better solution options to optimize communication, scheduling or project follow-up. In other words, how can you enhance productivity?
Once you identify such issues, use new technology investment to resolve problems. If you are tempted to simply buy the latest and greatest electronic devices – you could end up adding to technology problems instead of solving them.