Category Archives: Products

D-link Eagle Pro AI M32 review

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We are a big fan of the Eagle Pro AI range of routers at Small Business Answers. We have previously reviewed the D-Link M15 mesh router solution in the range for our sister publication GadgetGuy. As a small business, you may not understand what a wireless network router is or how important it is in running your business. In this review of the D-Link Eagle Pro AI M32, we will cut through the jargon and share with you the benefits of rolling out a Mesh Wi-Fi solution.

What is a Mesh Wi-Fi router?

Let’s start by talking about the problem you are solving. Employees need to connect to the internet and share information within your business location. The device they are using could be a barcode scanner, an eftpos terminal, a tablet, a PC, a printer a shared data storage solution.

To achieve this, you need a Wi-Fi router. A Wi-Fi router takes a single connection from most likely the NBN or could be a 4G/5G mobile data hotspot. And share that internet access either by Ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi signal. A router takes one connection and allows multiple devices to connect to it whilst being a traffic cop to ensure everything runs smoothly.

A Mesh Wi-Fi router allows you to have several Satellite boxes spread around your premises to extend the Wi-Fi range. Thus, you could have good Wi-Fi coverage in your showroom, back office and warehouse. Each satellite needs to be in good Wi-Fi range of each other, and this will be around 15-20 meters depending on interference like walls which reduce the signal strength. The Satellites can also be linked by Ethernet cable, allowing you to place a satellite out of Wi-Fi range.

Mesh makes extending your Wi-Fi network across a greater area easier and allows your connected devices to connect seamlessly. Older extender devices were hard to set up, and your devices did not like switching between the router and different extenders.

WHY should you consider a D-Link M32?

The D-Link M32 is D-Links fastest speed W-Fi Mesh solution. It supports a 2.4Ghz (will provide a greater range) up to data transfer speeds of 800Mbps and 5Ghz (faster speeds) up to 2400Mbps Wi-Fi frequencies.

The M32 3-pack will give you Wi-Fi coverage in a larger area up to 710 square metres for a small business or a home.

Suppose you have lots of devices that will share your mesh system. In that case, the M32 can support up to 8 simultaneous data streams with its antenna configuration. This is double what was previously supported on their M15 model. Think of it as if you had 20 people in a room 8 conversations could be happening at once, whereas once only 4 could occur. You could have more than 100 devices connected to the mesh system; they would all have to take their turn but unlikely need to communicate all at once.

The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard is supported, which means any devices supporting Wi-Fi 6 will benefit from better security, improved coverage and faster throughput.

The Eagle Pro uses artificial intelligence. This is clever software that automatically makes things work better by adjusting the signals to improve your individual situation. Let’s say your business is in a busy industrial or retail complex where each other business has a Wi-Fi network. This will mean everyone is competing for radio frequencies or channels. The Eagle Pro will work out which channels others are not using and automatically use the least congested channels.

The M32 automatically moves your connected devices between the Wi-Fi bands to maximise performance. It will also recognise some applications need more bandwidth. The software ensures that devices needing lots of internet bandwidth get what it needs to work properly, like video conferencing.

What is in the Box?

The M32, also called Eagle Pro AI AX3200 Mesh system, is available in a 3-pack for $600 and a 2-pack for $449. Having the 3rd satellite will increase your coverage from up to 510 square meters to up to 710 square metres. Range depends on environmental factors such as electrical or radio interference and physical barriers like furniture, walls, floors, or windows.

The tested 3 pack has 3 satellites with power packs, an Ethernet cable and a simple start-up sheet.

Extending your coverage further is simply a matter of adding an additional satellite. D-Link makes this simple by offering a whole range of Eagle Pro products which will all work together to expand your mesh solution.

The M32 has a 2 Gigabit LAN (local area network) port on each satellite so devices like a printer or shared storage device can easily be connected. This is useful if the device you want to connect does not support Wi-Fi. Alternatively, network traffic for the connected device is expected to be very high. Meaning it does not have to wait for its turn to communicate via Wi-Fi.

Using the D-Link Eagle Pro AI M32

All the Eagle Pro products from D-Link use the same smartphone App to set up your new router. Unlike previous mesh multipacks from D-Link, any of the 2 or 3 included 16 x 7 x 19cm satellites can be used as the box you connect to the internet. This is done with a supplied Ethernet cable that connects to your NBN modem and the yellow Ethernet port on the rear of your M32 box. Plug in the router and press the power switch next to the cable input.

After installing and opening the Eagle Pro AI app, you must scan a QR code on your phone located at the bottom of the device. The app then asks if you are setting up a new network or extending an existing one. Now simply follow the instruction on your smartphone screen, and the default answers will work well.

Once your first satellite is activated, the app will prompt you to set up additional units. You will know if the additional satellite is in Wi-Fi range when you power it up, and a solid white LED is displayed on the top of the new satellite.

You can set up a guest network to keep guests separate from your business devices and information. For example, allow cafe customers to access the internet. You can also limit customers’ speed to keep the best performance for the business. The guest’s access setup is as simple as scanning a QR code.

The Eagle Pro-AI app for your smartphone will allow you to customise your setup, receive notifications & usage reports, and set up schedules and block certain sites.

Our Take

Your small business, whether on dedicated premises or in a home, needs fast, reliable internet access. To achieve this, you want a reliable, simple to set up and run Wi-Fi router that will provide fast internet to allow all users to do their job.

The Eagle Pro AI M32 from D-Link is such a device using the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, Mesh technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure everything in the background runs well. This Mesh solution will ensure devices do not suffer from congestion and are usable throughout your entire office area.

The M32 is cost-effective, is part of an excellent ecosystem that gives you expansion options and is easy to set up.

Uniden UPP1000 Jump-start Kit review

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According to the NRMA (NSW car breakdown assistance), the most common causes of breakdown are flat batteries, flat tyres and running out of petrol. Cars are much more reliable now, and let’s face it, most cars carry a spare tyre and ignore the low fuel light at your peril. A flat battery is also something we can deal with, and we look at the Uniden UPP1000 jump start kit.

The Uniden UPP1000 is a rugged portable car battery jump start kit and USB power bank that will start a flat car battery.

What is a Jumpstart kit?

A portable car battery jump starter kit is everything you need to start a vehicle flat battery. The kit has a portable battery that can power a vehicle’s electrical system to enable the starter motor to start the engine.

WHY should you consider a Jumpstart kit?

Running a small business, you probably rely heavily on your vehicle for transport. If the battery goes flat due to age or simply leaving a light on, you are stranded and not making money. This can happen at any time and most likely when it is most inconvenient.

The whole kit weighs 1kg, and the carry case measures 21 x 9 x 13 cm, so it will easily fit in your glove box, underneath the seat or car boot. At the RRP of $200, it’s great insurance if you don’t have roadside assistance or the time to wait for them to arrive.

What is in the Box?

Modern Lithium battery technology means that a 10,000mAh battery can produce 250 cold cranking amps. That’s enough juice to start up a 7-litre petrol engine or a 5 Litre diesel engine. Thus, you could start a small truck(12v) with this device. An included jumper cable with large alligator clips allows you to connect to your vehicle’s 12-volt battery terminals.

The UPP1000 is also a portable power bank which means you can recharge your mobile phone, tablet or other devices that support USB charging. There are two USB-A sockets and one USB-C socket with a maximum output of 18 watts. There are even 3 USB-A cables included (to USB-C, Micro USB, and Mini USB)

To charge the Uniden, included in the package is a USB wall charger (240 volts) and a cig charger plug to use in your car’s 12-volt socket. From flat, it will take 7 to 10 hours to charge.

The Uniden battery is waterproof IP67, has a rugged impact-resistant rubber coating, and the electrical outlets are covered by a rubber grommet. This and all the accessories fit into a durable carry case.

Using the Uniden UPP1000

It is important to recognise that Uniden recommends that the UP1000 be recharged every 3 months to ensure it is ready to go when needed. A good habit may be to do this every time your BAS is due. If unused, the battery will lose 20% of its capacity annually and has a useful life of 1000 chargers.

When you recharge it, 4 external LED lights indicate the charging state. Each illuminated LED equals 25%, so 3 lit LEDs means you have 75% battery capacity.

If you need a torch in your car, the UPP1000 has a LED light that will last a very long time if you are not doing anything else. The light is also able to signal SOS.

To charge a smartphone etc., simply insert a USB. The external button on the Uniden battery pack operates merely the light.

Our favourite feature is that the two alligator clips are slightly different lengths. This has nothing to do with one battery terminal being further away from the other but with ensuring the two alligator clips do not touch each other and cause a short circuit. The plug into your Uniden battery has clear instructions to help you jump-start your car versus flipping through the paper instruction manual.

Don’t stress about short circuits, as the UPP1000 has several circuit safety features to keep you and the start kit safe.

Depending on just how flat your battery is (The car still needs to have a working car battery), the Uniden has 2 modes. The first is active once you connect the blue plug of your jumper cables to the Uniden battery. Match the red and black alligator clips to your red and black car battery terminals. Once you see a red and green flashing light on the jumper cable plug, you are ready to start your car.

Uniden recommends that you disconnect the jumper leads and wait 30 seconds between each additional attempt to start your car. After 3 attempts, you can try the 2nd mode called “force start”. Activated by pressing a button on the jumper cable, this mode increases the current, maximising your ability to start your vehicle.

Although we tested this unit, we did not have the vehicles to push the UP1000 to its limits. Still, Uniden shares some videos of just how powerful this unit is.

Our Take

This is a great piece of mind accessory. Whether it be being able to charge your smartphone or deal with the most common car breakdown, a flat battery. The Uniden UPP100 Jump start kit is cheap insurance. This lightweight package has everything you need and easy instructions to start your engine. Whether it be for your tradie Ute, rescuing you on that camping trip when the kids left the radio and interior light on or just the security for your partners’ car.

Wireless Security Camera buying guide

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As a small business owner, you watch over your business carefully. You ensure process is working, you count the money etc. However, do you actually watch over your business literally when you are not there?  In this wireless security camera buying guide, we will look at why you would install one, what you need to know and how to make a buying decision.

A wireless security camera is a surveillance camera that can capture video images and transmit those images with no wires back to a recording devise either on premise or to the cloud. A power cable or battery will be required to provide electricity.

WHY should you consider a surveillance camera?

The ability to watch what is going on remotely within your business means you are always in the know.

Once you may have installed a burglar alarm to protect your business or home, a security camera can do so much more.

Benefits of installing a wireless security camera:

Deterring crime– A thief does not want to be caught on video

Video proof – If an incident does occur, footage can be reviewed, and police can use images

Check up on the business remotely – Is the store busy at the moment

Employee safety– Watch and review staff member behaviour to ensure safety procedures are being followed.

Insurance claims – Camera footage can validate a claim, or the camera may lead to a discount

Notification – Be alerted a customer has entered your showroom

Progress or conditions – What is the weather or progress on a building site.

WHAT do you need to know about wireless security cameras?

There are wireless and wired camera solutions. A wireless camera solution uses a wireless network solution such as your Wi-Fi network to transport the video. A wireless camera may also have a battery enabling it to be completely wireless. A wired camera will require you to install cables running from a central recording box as well as power cables.

A wireless camera will record vision once motion is detected.

Advantages of wireless over wired camera
  • No cables need to be run back to a central recorder
  • Video surveillance can be stored in the cloud. This means images can be easily accessed from anywhere, and even if thieves remove the camera, images are preserved.
  • Installation is simpler, and a completely wireless solution may give you additional placement options to increase visibility.
  • Cables cannot be cut.
  • DIY solution. An electrician or tradesman is unlikely to be required.

Disadvantages include possible limits to live viewing and maximum resolution.

Wireless Cameras come in 3 forms:
  1. Battery operated mobile networked cameras – This product can be placed anywhere with mobile phone reception and will run until its battery runs out. The video vision is transmitted back to the cloud via mobile data.  Perfect for surveillance of a building site with no internet or power.
  2. Battery operated Wi-Fi Cameras – This is the most common type of camera which will use W-Fi to communicate back to the cloud or a base station and a battery to power the unit. This solution is truly wireless.
  3. Mains connected Wi-Fi cameras – Mains power is required, but the video signal is transferred via Wi-Fi. With a power point likely to be close by, this type of camera will allow continuous recording, which requires more electricity.

An optional Solar panel may be available to power and battery-operated charge cameras, potentially removing the need to remove the camera for mains recharging.

Wi-Fi coverage needs to be good – If you mount a camera outdoors, chances are the Wi-Fi coverage will be poor. Wireless cameras need good coverage to work properly. Wi-Fi congestion can also be an issue. Video uses a lot of bandwidth. If there is a lot of other internet traffic, the transfer of video may be interrupted. Some vendors use a dedicated Wi-Fi network to transfer the footage, but most use your shared Wi-Fi network. Most cameras will also have an SD card slot where a storage card can be inserted. This allows for local storage of images and acts as a backup if cloud storage is interrupted or not used.

All wireless cameras will be supported by a free smartphone app. This App will enable you to receive alerts, live view and watch historical recordings. The App will also allow you to customise camera settings.  Depending on features, you can also trigger alarms, turn on a spotlight and engage in a 2-way conversation.

Cloud storage enables recorded footage to be stored off-site and accessed from anywhere.  Vendor-specific, this may be free, or a fee may apply.

HOW do I use and choose a wireless security camera?

Wireless camera setup

The setup of a wireless camera is very much a DIY exercise:

  1. Connect the camera to power with the supplied USB cable. For battery models, this will charge the battery.
  2. Download the App for your smartphone.
  3. Open the App and follow the instructions.
  4. Select suitable locations for your camera, considering whether the camera can capture what you want to record and the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough.
  5. Use the App to customise settings (such as alerts) and enable cloud recording if applicable.
  6. Familiarise yourself with playback settings and how you can view live video versus recorded video.

Features you should consider when buying a wired security camera:

Outdoor or indoor– If the camera is located outside, it will need to be weatherproof|
Wi-Fi vs Mobile of 4G cameras – as discussed above
Camera types – beyond the power choice options (battery or mains power), cameras can be bought as a fixed direction or a pan & tilt model. The fixed version view can only be changed manually versus a pan and tilt model that can be rotated to change the view remotely. Some cameras will offer optical zoom, which will provide an enlarged picture without deteriorating resolution.
Battery – On battery models, what is the expected operating time between recharges
Resolution of the camera – The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the picture and the greater ability to zoom in digitally to see details such as faces and number plates. You can choose between Standard Definition (SD), High definition (Full HD) or Ultra High Definition (UHD or 4K). Each resolution jump is 4 x the number of pixels or dots.
Viewing angle of the camera – This refers to the field of vision of a camera. The larger the number represented in degrees means the camera will record a wider view in tight locations. A camera with a 90-degree viewing angle would see everything 45 degrees left and right from the centre.
Low light – Also referred to as night vision, is the cameras ability to see in the dark.  Most modern cameras will support this but look for the distance from the camera it will see. E.g. 10m.
Technology to stop false alerts – Normally based on measuring a heat source in the camera view, this technology is critical in reducing false alerts, especially on a windy night with moving vegetation. Alerts can also be programmed only to occur at certain times, like outside business hours.
Mounting kits – A magnetic mount will allow easy removal for recharging. Mounting straps allow easy installation on tree branches or poles.
Other –  various other features may be attractive to you like Siren, strobe, 2-way audio or a spotlight
Remote functionality of an App – A smartphone app will allow you to receive security alerts as well as provide live views from anywhere with internet coverage.  This can potentially remove the need for expensive security monitoring with you having the ability to review and call the police if necessary. The App will also notify you of low batteries. Multiple people can be given access to share the responsibility.
Storage – Camera’s or base stations will support an SD card to record vision on-premise. In addition, cloud backup is available from most vendors on various pay per use plans (some free).
Solar Panel – Is it available for your model, and can it be installed to orientate to the north?
Solution price and bundle options – Once you choose a brand, you will have to stay with that brand unless you start again.  Price will increase with functionality, and we do recommend you go with a known brand.  Once you know the number of cameras you need, you may buy a bundle to suit. Different compatible camera types can be purchased and added separately, assuming you have available channels.

HINTS

Once you commit to a specific brand of cameras, you cannot mix and match different brands of cameras as they will not work on the same smartphone App.  You must either start again with a new vendor or run multiple Apps.

Use the QR code to easily find the right App.

Handy features include the ability to mask a section so no video is recorded or no motion alerts triggered within a specific part of the field of view.

Are Wired security camera buying guide can be found here.

SUMMARY – Wireless Security Camera

A wireless security camera allows you to keep an eye on your business 24/7. The system can act as a burglar alarm, evidence of an event or even safety monitoring. The available solutions are simple to install yourself and can be located anywhere you have a Wi-Fi signal. Via a smartphone App you can receive movement alerts and also view cameras in real-time.  This access can be shared with others.

A configurable solution allows you to mix and match different cameras to suit your requirements, including totally wireless products that use the sun for power and the Mobile phone network.

Wireless security cameras can be purchased directly from vendors or from office supply, hardware and electrical retailers.

Jabra Elite 5 review

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Back in January, we reviewed the Jabra Elite 7 Pro. We were impressed by how these earbuds could be used as a hybrid solution for work and pleasure. Jabra has recently announced a cheaper set of earbuds that we find superior in a few areas.

What are Jabra Elite 5?

The Jabra Elite 5 are wireless active noise cancelling (ANC) earbuds allowing you via Bluetooth to make calls and enjoy media in a small discreet package. Two separate devices can be connected to your Jabra Elite 5’s, such as your smartphone and your PC. The earbuds and case are of superior build and come with a 2-year warranty.

From visual inspection and the information from Jabra, it would appear that these earbuds have a greater number of microphones. These microphones improve noise cancellation across a wider range of frequencies. These same microphones are also used to improve voice calls back through your smartphone and also help to block out wind noise.

A new feature that we have not seen before is support for Spotify Tap. A key feature on Jabra earbuds is a physical button that you can press versus a tap sensor. When Spotify Tap is enabled via your smartphone Jabra App. You can double press the left earbud to start playing Spotify, and double press left again to browse content specific to you.

The Elite 5 continues to support playback of media and interaction via the buttons. Support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa continues and is activated by a long press to the right earbud.

Another new feature is better integration with Google. It includes support for Google Fast Pair, which my Android phone immediately recognised and connected the new earbuds. Another feature I noticed is a graphical image of the earbuds on my Android smartphone. The graphic shows the battery status of each earbud and the case, which is handy to know.

The earbuds are water and dust-resistant (IP55) and will support up to 7 hours of playback with ANC on. If you have ANC off, the playback increases to 9 hours. Case charging takes the listening time to 28 hours with ANC and 36 hours without ANC. In reading the manual, you will find the charging case needs to have a 30% charge or more to charge the buds and that 10 minutes in the case will provide enough power for the buds to operate for up to 1 hour.

The charging case can be charged via USB-C or by placing the case on a Qi-certified wireless charging pad. Charging wirelessly will take around 3 hours from flat. Visually you can see the battery status on the case and the earbuds via a LED, which will flash green for high, yellow for medium and red for low.

What is in the Jabra Elite 5 Box?

The Jabra Elite 5 can be bought as either Gold Beige in colour or Titanium Black. I tested a pair of Gold Beige while I initially preferred Black but soon realised the Beige acted more as camouflage when placed in your ears which has its positives and minuses around people realising you have earbuds in.

Also in the box beyond the 2 buds and the case is a USB – A to USB – C charging cable and a small and large ear gel set to replace the medium set already fitted to best suit your ear canal.

Users can download the Jabra Sound+ app, which gives you control over settings to personalise your Jabra’s. The app will also give you an indication of the battery state and facilitate firmware upgrades.

Using the Jabra Elite 5

These earbuds were a surprise in how well they performed against the more expensive ones at $299.

The Jabra Elite 5 can be purchased directly from Jabra or Amazon for $219. The good news is Jabra offers a 100-day free return. This is key when buying headphones, as normally, you cannot return an item you put in your ear. This returns policy gives you peace of mind because you cannot try these in a store.

The better features of the Elite 7 pros are faster charging, better water and dust resistance and longer battery life.

However, to my ear, the Elite 5 sound better for both voice and music media playback. I was not expecting this, but the Elite 5 has the advantage of a further year of development over the Elite 7 pro.

The biggest difference I found with the Elite 5 was how well the buds worked for phone calls, not from a listening perspective but from a talking perspective. The new 6-mic call technology makes a noticeable difference to the other party by providing an enhanced wind reduction and background noise reduction. I test earbuds week in and week out in noisy street environments. I have a particular associate who critiques my voice quality and does not hold back if it is not good.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is my favourite earphone/headphone technology allowing you to block out the outside world. Jabra enables you to decide how much background noise you block out, and I tend to always use the maximum as it just sounds better. The downside is people start talking to me, not knowing I am wearing earbuds which causes a issue. I should also point out that from a safety perspective, this can also be problematic. One click of the left earbud activates hear thru, allowing you to hear ambient noise clearly. I use the earbuds on my bike and overcome this by only wearing one earbud. Speaking on being on the bike, I find the wind noise is noticeably reduced when listening to podcasts with this new model.

For those wondering how well a Jabra earbud sits in your ear. After using them for 10 months, I have never lost an earbud or had it fall out whilst on my bike, and I have had one occasionally fall out when bumping my ears at home. So far, they have bounced and not broken. You can feel when they become loose and quick whilst in your ear re seats them. Suppose you remove a bud from your ear. In that case, this action will automatically pause any media you are listening to or mute a phone call.

Our Take

For an $80 saving versus the Jabra top-of-the-line, these earbuds outperform where it counts in listening to media and making phone calls. Any small business person will benefit from the versatility of these buds, allowing you to have a clear business conversation one minute and listen to your favourite media the next. The push button click of the earbuds is a feature I like confirming the action to touch of the feature you have just activated.

Hybrid working tools

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COVID changed a lot in our society, especially the acceptance of working from home. Although many never want to leave home again, a vast majority now look for some type of hybrid work environment requiring hybrid working tools where they split the week between the office and the home office.

Research has shown that working from home is more efficient, saving a lot of commuting time but removing office socialising and interpersonal communication and ideas.

In this guide, we will look at some products and services that make life easier for the hybrid worker

Hybrid working tools are more than just a laptop

Many organisations are now seriously considering their real estate needs, and the hot desk, although previously popular, is now becoming the norm. This means that the worker no longer has their own desk, and anything they need will be kept in a locker in the workplace, transportable in their bag or at home.

Suppose you are going to carry around your desk. In that case, it is important to consider your back and the implications of lugging around a big bag full of tech and stationery. The good news is that, in theory, we are now living in a mostly paperless world, so you should not be carrying around reams of paper.

Below is a list of products and services that you might consider for your hybrid working tools:

Small lighter PCs

In a soon-to-be-published GadgetGuy review, we looked at the merits of replacing a PC with a Chromebook. With so much of our work now being cloud-based, it removes the need for a powerful client device to do our work. A Chromebook is lighter, has a longer battery life, and is much cheaper. Chromebooks aside, if you are going to lug a laptop between home and work best, go for one that is light and, as a result, has a smaller screen. Look for models that boot up fast with SSD for storage.

Monitor

Hopefully, you will have a monitor available to staff on shared work desks and a provision for them to also have a monitor at home. At around $300 each, these are a worthwhile investment. A large monitor enables easy viewing of documents and spreadsheets if you have a small-screen laptop.

To connect the monitor to the laptop, you must consider different models and connection standards like HDMI or USB-C. This will ensure all workers can take advantage of the monitor.

PC Stand

Probably not a product you would think of, but a laptop stand allows you to elevate your screen to eye level, so you are not hunched over and end up with back issues. The second advantage is it raises your inbuilt webcam to a more flattering angle. Hence, others are not literally looking up your nose.

Twelve South has just launched a potable desktop stand that can raise your laptop by up to 55cm and weighs less than 1kg. Included is a travel sleeve so you can easily transport the stand between home and work or even the coffee shop. The keyboard angle can be adjusted between 0 and 45 degrees, and the stand allows you to easily align with an external monitor.

Keyboard

A Bluetooth keyboard removes wires and makes typing with a laptop much more productive. Small Business Answers looked at the Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard, which is pricy but fantastic. Still, more economical models can easily be found.

Although carrying a keyboard between work and home is not something we would suggest. You can purchase lightweight Bluetooth keyboards weighing the same as your mobile phone that will work with your PC, tablet and smartphone.

Mouse

Even though a laptop comes with a trackpad, a wireless mouse will make life much easier. Having extra buttons and wheels will increase productivity, and a quality mouse will be far easier to use. This is one of those products you say; why did I not get one of these sooner? We have reviewed the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, which gives you a new level of precision. An alternative to look at is the Logitech Lift mouse, which offers an ergonomic solution by taking the controls into a more vertical position. The benefit is less wrist strain.

Headphones

When in the office, chances are you will be in a high-density hot desk environment. The downside of this is the noise generated around you and the impact that will have on any phone calls.

Using a headphone solution for calls with noise cancelling technologies will help you hear the telephone conversation better and allow you to be heard by the other calling party.

We have reviewed an on-ear solution from Poly. The Voyager 4320 will function with or without a base station and even detect if they are picked up or removed to answer a call or mute a call automatically (respectively).

A more portable solution that is just as handy on public transport is the Jabra Elite 7 pro. They are in-ear earbuds with noise cancellation and can be paired with multiple devices such as your PC and smartphone.

If you are a mobile worker spending a lot of time in a vehicle or in a situation where you want to ensure your voice is heard, look at the Jabra Talk 65. Note this is a one-ear device.

Internet access

As a hybrid work, you or your staff will need reliable internet to complete the job. Hopefully, this is already covered at home or in the office, and an NBN-type solution will be your best bet. Note a wired ethernet connection to your PC will always give video calls a better quality.

A wireless broadband solution is also important as a backup, enabling you to work on the move. Most mobile data solutions will do the job if living in a major city.

If you work in a remote area or one with poor coverage, we recommend you read the following guide.

Cloud applications and storage

Unfortunately, becoming a hybrid worker means you are putting your company’s data at risk. This risk can come from losing your PC on a commute to a piece of hardware failure due to being bumped or dropped.

Keeping your data on the cloud is a safe and efficient solution to overcome this. This can be done either via your office productivity suite like Microsoft Office 365 or Google G suite.

Alternatively, you can look at a cloud storage provider that provides you with a virtual hard drive to keep your files safe.

The advantages of cloud storage are that you can easily collaborate your work with others and even all work on the same document simultaneously. Especially if your team is all working remotely, this is advantageous.

Hybrid working tools

If you are now working or planning to work in a hybrid way, then working the old way with tools designed for a fixed office location may not favour you. Kitting yourself out with a few hybrid working tools should provide you with productivity and ergonomic improvements.

Can a Chromebook be used for business?

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Setting up or even maintaining computers in a business can be a very expensive and complicated process. So is there a better way? Can a Chromebook be used for business? This guide will look at why you might consider a Chromebook, what you need to understand, and how you decide which one to buy.

A Chromebook refers to a laptop or 2in1 that runs Google’s Chrome Operating system. The experience is a pure web browser interface and will not run windows applications.

WHY should you consider a Chromebook over a PC for business?

We live in a connected world. If you visit Officeworks, it isn’t easy to buy a piece of standalone software that you load onto a computer. Everything is now cloud-based solutions, and you use your browser to access your application via the internet. A business will most likely use an accounting package like Xero, a CRM database, a POS system or even a spreadsheet, all accessed via the internet.

Why would you not use a Chromebook?

Suppose your business needs a standalone software application with many dedicated computer resources (e.g. memory, fast processor etc.). In that case, a chrome book is not for you.
If you need to work mostly independent of the internet or there is simply no internet, then a chrome book is not for you.

Why should you consider a Chromebook?
  • Prices of Chromebooks are considerably cheaper than a PC, and this is because the hardware requirements are significantly lower.
  • A Chromebook’s reliability is likely higher as it is a simpler Operating system with no extra software that is loaded, whether for applications or hardware drivers. Thus everything is simpler, and it is unlikely you will need the services of an IT Guy.
  • Light and compact. A Chromebook is likely to be far less power-hungry so that batteries can be smaller and last all day. Thus delivering you a small package, especially if you are on the road.
  • Instant On. A Chromebook does not need to load lots of code to start and will open at the press of a button, ready for you to access information.
  • Cloud-based storage means you never run out of capacity, and the information is backed up automatically.
  • Android Apps designed to run on smartphones and tablets will run on a Chromebook

WHAT should I know about Chromebooks?

The Chromebook itself does not need to be very powerful. Almost everything you do is done online or, more correctly, in the cloud. Thus although the hardware is not as powerful, the user will not experience any disadvantage over a much more powerful PC. However, one caveat is that if your internet connection is not reliable, this will affect performance.

A Chromebook was designed with security in mind and will be safer than a Windows or macOS computer. Security updates happen automatically, and no viruses or malware are known to target Chromebooks. Indeed, you do not have to buy antivirus software.

Unlike a PC, a Chromebook comes standard with productivity software for word processing, spreadsheet, email, presentations etc. The Google productivity suite is the core software; however, Microsoft applications can be installed just like downloading an app on your smartphone.

You will never lose your work because everything is in the cloud and saved when you type it. Thus, assuming you have an internet connection, you will never regret ever not saving a document or forgetting to back up your computer.

If you are without the internet, you can still use your Chromebook to read email, take notes, create and edit documents, spreadsheets and slides, view and edit photos, listen to music, watch downloaded videos and play games offline.

Collaboration is key for sharing information with your workmates, so everyone is updated. As everything is stored in the cloud, sharing the latest information is a simple one-off permission click to allow others to share real-time data.

No extra software is needed, but if you need something, additional Android apps can be installed.

A Chromebook will connect to printers, keyboards, a wireless mouse and most importantly, an external monitor to give you the flexibility to work off a large screen.

HOW do you decide which Chromebook to buy?

Unlike our guide on which PC I should buy, your choice is determined by how you will use the Chromebook. A basic Chromebook can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, and more expensive models can have touchscreens and be used as a tablet, giving more flexibility on the road.

Options you will consider when choosing a Chromebook:

Screen size will determine the size of the unit, which may be important if you require to take the Chromebook on the road. Sizes vary from 10 to 15 inches.

A chrome book can come in the following form: laptop, convertible or detachable tablet. We like the fact you can use it as a tablet. To support this, the screen may be detachable from the keyboard, or the keyboard may swing behind on 360-degree hinges.

A touchscreen improves your ability to interact quickly with your Chromebook, especially when it is hard to use a keyboard. A stylus may also be useful, especially if you want to make handwritten notes or draw.

Consider the battery life, and will it last you the time you expect to be away from mains?

Colour is the case, not the screen, if fashion is important to you. A protective cover is also a good idea and may help position the unit.

Ram will be in the 4 to 8GB range. With 4GB is adequate for most users.

All Chromebooks use solid-state storage rather than spinning hard drives. As storage is online, you would only consider a larger capacity if you want offline access.

Some Chromebooks now have expanded keyboards with a number pad to the right of the letter keys for those working with lots of numbers.

Processor variants are available but are not as important as a PC specification as all the tough computing work will be done in the cloud.

Connectivity is a consideration if you require an onboard 4G/5G connection and also if you need Wi-Fi 6 over Wi-Fi 5.

Other options to consider include the quality of the camera, availability of extra USB ports and support for wireless charging.

The following brands sell Chromebooks in Australia:  Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo.

HINTS

Suppose you still need to run a standalone PC program. In that case, you can use Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Chromebook to access traditional desktop software via another computer. This app allows you to access a running PC from any location and emulate the screen on your Chromebook.

To research this topic, Small Business Answers trialled an ASUS CM3000DV Chromebook. Our findings were quite the opposite of what we expected. We thought a Chromebook would not suit business, but we completely changed our minds. The Chromebook could handle everything I had done on a 13-inch i5 Intel notebook. TheCM3000 has a detachable cover that acts as an adjustable stand in either horizontal or vertical orientations. The detachable keyboard allows 1.5mm of movement on each key, giving a realistic typing experience while keeping the package compact. Two features I loved were the included stylus and a 15-second charge providing 45minutes of use. (yes, you did read that correctly)
The CM3 is 8mm thick with a 10-inch display and up to 12 hours of use. It is a touch screen device and weighs only 0.51kg. A front 2M camera, rear 8M camera, microphone, and stereo speakers enhance multimedia capability. It only has 1 x USB-C socket so you may need a USB hub, but it supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth connectivity. For those familiar with the Google ecosystem, it helps Google Assistant and comes with one year of 100GB of Google cloud storage. Our test unit had 4GB of RAM, a 2Ghz processor and a 64GB SSD drive but we would have had no idea about this as the Chromebook just worked.

SUMMARY – Can a Chromebook be used for business?

Can a Chromebook be used for business? Yes!

When deciding to use a Chromebook, you must ask, is chrome OS the right choice for you? It will change your current mindset but remember the kids are doing it fine at school as their first computer, and they don’t know any better.

A Chromebook is a browser and app-based device that uses the internet and the cloud to do all the work. Almost every type of application today is on the cloud, so an expensive notebook computer may indeed be overkill versus a Chromebook.

A Chromebook can still be bought in different configurations, and carefully consider which options best suit your needs.

Is this you ? bon.elk Elevate laptop stand review

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Does the picture look like your desk with a pile of paper reams supporting your notebook?
In this review, Small Business Answers looks at the bon.elk Elevate Laptop stand and the benefits it can bring.

A Laptop stand is a raised platform for your notebook or laptop PC that sits on your desk to promote better posture and allow the screen to be positioned at eye height.

Benefits of a bon.elk stand:

  • A laptop stand allows a laptop to be positioned at different angles and heights.
  • A purpose-designed stand will safely secure your high valued laptop, minimising the chance of damage from falling.
  • Designed to dissipate heat and ensure correct airflow, so your PC does not overheat.
  • Aesthetically looks good. Far better than a box or reams of paper.
  • Allows Ergonomic positioning, which will reduce neck pain and ensure you are not hunched over looking down at a laptop on your desk.
  • The laptop camera is positioned at a much more flattering angle, so other viewers are literally not looking up your nose.
  • A universal tray with an indented section allows convenient storage of other items like a pen or smartphone.
  • Silicone feet prevent the whole stand from easily sliding on your desk.

The practicality of the Elevate laptop stand

Customisation is the name of the game with the Elevate laptop stand with possible heights from 56mm to 215mm above the desk. The aluminium stand tilts 2 directions allowing you to not only pivot up but also change the angle of the platform the keyboard will sit on. The pivot points are tensioned, so some effort is required to move them. A laptop up to 5kg can be supported. The stand will suit a laptop with a screen size from 11 to 17 inches.

Although this stand will fold flattish for transport, it is not for mobility, and it is a set it up and leave on your desk product.

The stand is available direct and from leading retailers for $99.95

Our takeaway from using this bon.elk Elevate laptop stand

In truth, I was not using reams of paper as we are always running out of paper and the photo above would have meant the paper stand height would have constantly been changing. In reality, though, I was using a shoe box. Now my PC is higher positioned directly at my eye height. The screen is also slightly closer, which makes the screen easier to read as I can angle the keyboard. A USB cable positioned behind my 2nd monitor restricts my positioning. The inbuilt camera is higher, which will improve my profile image in video calls.

I often find it is not until you use a new product that you realise what you are missing; in this case, I firmly believe the bon.elk Elevate stand will improve my posture, which means less back pain after hours at the desk.

Logitech MX MASTER 3S mouse review

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You don’t know what a product can do till you find time to have a good play with it. This is exactly what happened when I reviewed the Logitech Master 3S mouse. I had been reviewing the MX mechanical keyboard and learnt about its extra features. This prompted me to dig into the features of the 3S mouse, and I am very pleased with the outcome.

The Logitech MX Master 3S is a high-quality precision mouse enabling additional functionality with customisable buttons and the use of your thumb.

What makes MX Master 3S mouse different?

This mouse has 7 buttons (including the centre scroll wheel button) and 2 scroll wheels. A standard mouse has 2 buttons and possibly 1 scroll wheel. The two traditional mouse buttons are where you expect them to be. The five additional buttons all come with a default function. Still, by launching the Logi Options+ app, you can customise each switch to perform a task. There are 45 options to choose from, some of which can be seen in the diagram below. Your thumb plays a big role in accessing the extra buttons and scroll wheel.

Further customisation of functions is available by applications such as your browser, excel or adobe application.

The MX Master 3S is great for creative and engineering work where fine detail is important. The mouse optical sensor can be set up to 8,00DPI, allowing precise movement. This mouse will work on a glass table which a normal mouse cannot.

The mouse allows usage on up to three devices by pressing a button on the underside to switch between devices. Further, If you also have an MX keyboard and Logi software. You can control different devices simply by moving your mouse between screens even though they are other Windows and Mac PCs. The keyboard will respond to the device your mouse pointer is on.

What’s in the box

At an RRP of $169.95, this keyboard is certainly at the top end.

Opening the box, you will find the mouse, a Bluetooth dongle (in case your PC does not have Bluetooth built-in) and a USB-C charging cable (USB-A to USB-C). This cable’s quality is excellent and has a Velcro strap for cable management.

The mouse is available in colours of graphite or white.

What I liked about the MX Master 3S mouse.

I previously reviewed the Logitech vertical mouse but found its ergonomic design did not suit me. The 3S, however, does suit me. I find it comfortable to use and extremely responsive, and the extra buttons are easy to reach. The mouse’s height is higher than I was using, making it a bit tight in my desk. I have a separate keyboard shelf that must be fully extended to use the mouse properly.

The game-changer for me has been to customise the buttons. I do a lot of copying and pasting as well as screen sniping and back button, so no surprise these have all been reprogramed. This saves me time and makes the functions so easy to access.

The scroll and buttons are very quiet, and scrolling can be done quickly, which is useful on a web page. The side scroll is also brilliant on spreadsheets.

Setup

The MX mouse uses a low-energy Bluetooth wireless connection. My PC is six years old and runs Windows 10. I charged the mouse to full and turned on the power switch to set up the mouse. With no software being downloaded, my PC immediately produced a popup box asking if I wanted to connect the mouse. I said yes, and it was operational in seconds.

Logitech has a PC application Logi Options+ from which firmware can be upgraded, mouse buttons can be customised, and scroll speeds changed. A handy feature is the customised settings can be backed up to the Logi cloud.

The battery percentage indicator is shown in the app and the windows Bluetooth page. A 1-minute charge will give you 3 hours of use, and a fully charged battery is quoted as providing 70 days of use.

Should you upgrade your mouse to a Logitech MX Master 3S

The Logitech MX Master 3S mouse is an investment in your productivity and comfort. If you are still using the mouse that came with your PC or a cheap one, you will immediately question why you did not get a better mouse sooner.

Whether a professional wanting better accuracy with the mouse or simply a user that a few extra custom keys will increase your productivity, this product will likely pay for itself.

Its design is super comfortable, and the buttons respond with a satisfying click. This mouse allows your thumb to come into play, adding a whole new world for extra functionality.

Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard review

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For 10 years, I have used a keyboard that came with a PC from a major brand. The letters are painted on, and you can no longer see some of the keys. A and S, to be specific. I liked the mechanical feel of it, and the other keyboards did not feel quite right. Then a week ago, I received a Logitech MX mechanical keyboard. Suddenly my old keyboard did not feel right.

The Logitech MX mechanical keyboard is wireless, battery powered and has illuminated keys. It has a sturdy design and each keystroke has a reassuring feel and sound.

Be sure to read Small Business Answers buying guide to keyboards.

What is a mechanical keyboard?

You are probably using a chiclet keyboard. A chicklet keyboard is a soft touch keyboard where the buttons are part of a membrane of switches.

A mechanical keyboard is one where each key is a physical button, and each time you press a key, there is a distinctive typing sound. When typing on a mechanical keyboard, the amount of play or the depth the key recedes is greater than on other types of keyboards. This gives a very responsive feel to typing. Mechanical keyboards also make the familiar click noise.

What’s in the box?

At an RRP of $269.95, this keyboard is certainly at the top end. A Mechanical mini is also available for $229.95, removing the number pad.

Opening the box, you will find the keyboard, a Bluetooth dongle (in case your PC does not have Bluetooth built-in) and a USB-C charging cable (USB-A to USB-C).

You can customise your experience by feel and sound when ordering this keyboard. You can choose between three customised switch types that each have a distinct feel and sound, and your choices are tactile quiet, linear or clicky. See the website before you make your purchase to understand the differences.

Why should you buy the Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard?

When you remove the keyboard from the box, it seems very heavy. This translates to what appears to be a very sturdy construction, but more importantly, it sits solidly on your desk and does not move around. This gives you a very solid platform to type from. Not being a touch typer, I find the illuminated keyboard a welcome addition. I have this on my notebook keyboard, and as it gets dark at night, I forget to turn the light on as I do not need it.

The keyboard has many shortcut keys which boost productivity. Microphones can be muted, PC locked, video fast-forwarded or snip instantly activated. If the 24 predetermined keys don’t suit, you can customise the keys to perform other shortcut tasks.

The biggest advantage this keyboard has is my typing speed increased. Not because I did some courses but purely based on the tactile interaction. $270 seems a lot, but if my productivity increases, this cost will be covered in less than a month.

Other features of MX Mechanical

If you have more than one computer or a TV or tablet, you would like to connect this keyboard. You can have up to 3 separate devices and seamlessly switch between the three with a simple press of one of three buttons. The keyboard will also suit a Windows or Mac environment with familiar keys symbols for both. If you also have an MX mouse and Logi software. You can control different devices simply by moving your mouse between screens even though they are other PCs. The keyboard will respond to the device your mouse pointer is on.

A handy feature when you forget to regularly charge is that a 15-minute charge will power the keyboard for a full day of use. However, you’re probably sitting at a fixed desk anyway, so you could run the supplied cable permanently if you wanted

The keyboard is made from almost 50% of recyclable materials.

Setup

The MX mechanical uses a low-energy Bluetooth wireless connection. My PC is six years old and runs Windows 10. To set up the keyboard, I charged the keyboard to full and turned on the power switch. With no software being downloaded, my PC immediately produced a popup box asking if I wanted to connect the keyboard. I said yes, and it was operational in seconds.

Logitech has a PC application Logi Options+ from which firmware can be upgraded, keyboard shortcuts can be customised, backlight turned on/off, and battery saving mode toggled. A handy feature is the customised settings can be backed up to the Logi cloud.

Customisable keys can also be application-specific which is extremely useful to those in creative or engineering type fields.

The battery percentage indicator is shown in the app and the windows Bluetooth page. My Battery usage so far has been around 2% a day.

Logi quotes up to 15 days of usage with the backlight setting or 10 months with the backlight off between charges.

Should you upgrade your keyboard to a Logitech MX mechanical

If you could be more productive by typing and activating functions faster, would that be worth spending $270? The Logitech MX mechanical keyboard was a surprise as I did not believe it would have such an impact on my productivity.

The backlit keyboard and shortcut keys enhance its capability. Its sturdy construction and weight ensure its stability as you type. Keys are responsive and give a reassuring tactile feel and noise.

The setup is seamless, and within minutes you could also have customisable keys to suit specific application functions.

Note if you want a silent keyboard, this is not the one for you.

Save power with smart lighting

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As the cost of electricity in Australia is expected to increase significantly, your cost of doing business will increase. This guide will look at how you can save power with smart lighting and understand what smart lighting can do for your business.

A smart light can follow a schedule and be controlled remotely. A smart light contains software and can communicate with an App on a smart phone or a smart assistant like Google assisteant or Siri.

WHY should you care about lighting power usage?

 Let us compare light bulb technology. The following lighting technologies each generate the same amount of light. Let us assume lights are on 60 hours a week. The energy rate used is $0.27/Kwh

TechnologyPower consumptionAnnual cost to runLife
Traditional Bulb60watt$50.541000 hrs
Halogen downlight50 watt$42.122000 hrs
Fluorescent Bulb12 watt$10.1115,000 hrs
LED Bulb9 watt$7.5825,000 hrs

Thus, you could save up to $43 a year for every light bulb. If you had 25 traditional bulbs, you could save $1000 a year by going to LED.

A LED light also has a lifespan of around 25,000hrs, meaning you will buy and change a lot fewer light bulbs.

WHAT can I do with a smart light?

The last one out, turn the lights off. How many times have the lights been left on overnight? Perhaps you have a window display that you want to be left on for a certain time.

A benefit of smart lights is that they can be scheduled to turn off and on at certain times. Thus your office lights could be programmed to turn on Monday to Friday at 8am and off at 6pm. Lights can be grouped together so they all act the same, and separate groups can be made to enable certain lights to run at a different schedule. Such as a display window.

Smart lights will also allow you to change the brightness of the light, and some also allow the colour to be changed. The Nanoleaf smart bulb we tested allowed 16 million possible colours. Practical uses of this include being able to set moods within displays or even adjust the colour temperature throughout the day

HOW do you set up smart lighting?

If you purchase a smart light bulb and place it into a standard socket, it will perform just like a regular bulb with the main switch turning it off and on. However, if you download the suggested app onto your smartphone, the various smart light features mentioned above become an option. The light switch must be left on for the smart functions to work, and the globe will switch off as per its schedule.

Set up of the app is pretty simple after it is downloaded by establishing an account and then following the on-screen instructions. Once the bulb is visible on the app, it can be grouped with others, and the various settings can be applied.

HINTS

Small Business Answers tested the Naoleaf essential range of light bulbs to help write this story. A 3-pack of smart lights can be bought for $79.99 from their website.

Not all smart bulbs work the same, and different brands will use a separate app to manage the bulbs. Check if there is an App for your smartphone’s operating system. Once you commit to a brand, it is best to stay with it so you have control over a single app. The connection with the lights might be with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. A Bluetooth will consume less power running the globe on standby but can only be controlled if the smartphone with the app is in range.

Some smart lights will also work with smart assistants so you can ask Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa to turn the light on etc.

SUMMARY – Buying a smart light

Introducing smart lighting into your business will save you money compared to conventional lighting and ensure the lights are only on during office hours.

Businesses wanting more creativity with displays can use them to change colours and brightness to make your business stand out.

Depending on your existing light fittings, evolving to LED smart lighting will pay for itself in the first year.