Home Electronics Journal

Working from Home -
Consider Comfort, Convenience and "Cool Factor"

Sometimes it seems that working from home, versus 'going' to a traditional office, is now the norm. And while technology has provided this ‘freedom' it is not uncommon for the home office to consist of hand-me-downs from other rooms in the house and outdated computers that are on their last leg (let’s put it this way – my home office looks NOTHING like what I see in the Pottery Barn Catalog!). So, step it up a bit and equip your home office with the right tools and your days working at home will fly by.

Some concerns telecommuters face are choosing products that are built for one – an industrial size copier isn’t going to work; are user-friendly – no on-site assistance means you have to take care of that paper jam yourself and are aesthetically pleasing – especially if your work station is in plain sight. And, while being economical is important don’t skimp on quality. Spending a little more will save you money, and stress, in the long run.

Looks and Brains! These Computers Have Both

While some remote workers are lucky enough to receive a company computer many have to tap into personal budgets to set up shop. If the bulk of your business hours will be spent at your desk we recommend the Dell Inspiron 537s. This slim desktop comes in an array of vibrant colors to match any room and it’s on sale starting at $499 (a $128 savings). Plenty of power, lots of storage space and fun entertainment features make it a hit for work or play. It’s your office so customize your Dell Inspiron 537s as you wish. Road warriors will need a lightweight laptop that can get up and go when they do. Dell’s new laptop, Adamo, has a trendy, sleek design. Weighing in at 4lbs and under an inch thin, it can slide in your briefcase or backseat in a snap.

So Much More than Just a Printer

The Epson Artisan 810 will practically do everything but bring you coffee. Save on desk space and print, fax, copy and scan with this all-in-one printer. Whether you’re faxing a 30 page color presentation or printing high-definition 4” x 6” family photos quality will never be compromised. Super speedy and easy to use, this model comes with a two year warranty and lifetime customer phone support for on-call assistance. It can be yours for only $299.99 with free ground shipping. If you’re looking to spend a little less but still want a first-rate all-in-one printer the Epson WorkForce 310 packs a punch. Priced at $99.99 after a $30 instant rebate, this ink-jet printer saves time, energy and paper.

Sit Back and Relax

You probably wouldn’t be able to select your seating in an office but working from home lets you choose a chair that is big on comfort. The Seatability Solace (S-2159), is an ergonomic masterpiece, offering a comfortable foam seat and the patented Elasticity System ™ with a series of bands that provide unbeatable support. And its stylish design will make your home office easy on the eyes, and the back. Right now this model is on sale for $322, a nearly $400 savings. A similar model, the Seatability Idealchair (STB-J-802FAS) features a back and seat with the same unique bungee design for $349.