At a glance
By Adam Turner
1. TIMEFLIP2 time tracker
Perfect for tracking billable hours, the desktop 12-sided TIMEFLIP2 keeps a log of tasks throughout the day with a simple flip.
It’s also a “Pomodoro timer” that can help split work into “sprints” and can be synchronised with Google, Apple and Outlook calendars.
The TIMEFLIP2 is fully customisable and comes with 42 stickers for different tasks, along with another customisable 100 blanks.
The little gadget links to the smartphone via Bluetooth, with the app letting users analyse how they spend their time as well downloading time sheets and reports.
2. Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) smart screen
This compact smart screen means Google Assistant doesn’t just tell – it also shows – when it comes to answering queries.
Capable of streaming music and podcasts, it also has gesture support so that audio playback can be paused simply by raising a hand.
When idle, the Google Nest Hub doubles as a digital photo frame.
3. Amazon Kindle eBook reader
Amazon’s Kindle fits an entire library into a slim and portable package. It’s easy to toggle between the latest business books and fiction bestsellers, and built-in access to Amazon’s eBook store means there is always something to read.
The e-Ink display is kinder to the eyes than a tablet or mobile phone, and the battery life lasts for weeks instead of hours.
New models include a built-in audiobook option, so there is no excuse not to get lost in a good book.
4. reMarkable 2 tablet
Perfect for taking handwritten notes, the reMarkable 2 features a 10.3-inch monochrome e-Ink screen, like an eBook reader, rather than a tablet-style LCD screen. This helps the device look and feel more like paper when writing on the screen with the supplied stylus.
The reMarkable 2 converts handwritten notes to text, so they are easy to store and search, plus it can be used to read and annotate PDF, Word and PowerPoint files.
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6a
Samsung’s smartwatch allows users to quickly check notifications, send texts and even make calls without needing to reach for the smartphone.
The health and fitness features are great for counting steps, tracking workouts and reminders to get up and move around after sitting for too long.
The watch is designed to pair with an Android smartphone, but iPhone owners can enjoy similar features with the Apple Watch Series 8.
6. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
Great at noise cancellation yet smart enough to let users hear what’s important, the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation earbuds connect via Bluetooth. They’re perfect for listening to podcasts on the office commute, and they sit firmly in the ears to stay put while exercising.
These earbuds are designed to pair with an iPhone, but Android users have the option of Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro instead, which offer similar features.
7. Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless noise cancelling headphones
These Sony headphones are perfect for noisy environments, like busy offices or planes. They connect to other gadgets wirelessly via Bluetooth, but come with an optional cable connection, so they can also be plugged into the computer or in-seat headphone jack.
The headphones are comfortable for prolonged wear and include a built-in microphone for making hands-free calls while on the move.
8. Satechi Bluetooth Extended Keypad
Satechi’s wireless extended keypad works with both Windows and Mac laptops, offering a full number pad, navigation arrows and shortcut keys.
The keypad is USB-rechargeable, with up to 80 hours of run time between charges and a standby time of up to 100 days.
9. Epson WorkForce ES-60W portable document scanner
Supported with Optical Character Recognition, this wireless scanner is great for digitising paperwork and printed receipts on the go.
The scanner works with laptops, tablets and smartphones, weighs only 300g, runs on batteries or can be powered via USB.
Along with saving files locally, the scanner can also send files directly to a range of cloud services, including SharePoint, OneNote and OneDrive.
