Technology is meant to help improve our lives by making things more efficient and simpler.
This is especially true for today’s working professional where they might need all the help they can get, especially if they are on the move and need to reply emails, create presentations, and stay up to date on the latest news.
Below is a guide of some of the best gifts that you could get for the professional in your life.
Lenovo Yoga Book
The laptop scene is changing. It seems that more OEMs are starting to believe that hybrid devices that can act as tablets or laptops are the way of the future, and the Lenovo Yoga Book is a great example. In fact what makes the Yoga Book stand out from the competition is its Halo Keyboard which doubles as a keyboard and a drawing tablet when you flip it over.
The device also comes in either an Android version or a Windows 10 version so depending on your preference, there are two platforms to choose from, both of which will be powered by an Intel quad-core Atom X5-Z8550 processor under the hood and is priced starting at $500.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4
When we think of hybrid devices, there’s a good chance that Microsoft’s Surface Pro series comes to mind. The devices represents Microsoft foray back into the hardware business, and its latest Surface Pro 4 model shows how far Microsoft has come. Featuring a touchscreen display and also its famed Type Cover, it is powered by an Intel Core i5/i7 processor under the hood with Windows 10 calling the shots. Microsoft is selling it on their website for the base Intel i5 4GB RAM priced at $700.
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Lenovo Yoga 910
There are hybrid devices that come with detachable displays, like the abovementioned Yoga Book and Surface Pro 4. However if you’d rather not have a detachable display, not to worry as Lenovo also has the Yoga 910. This is a hybrid multimode device with a display that can flip over backwards to double up as a tablet, which will come in handy when there isn’t much room.
One of the highlights of the Yoga 910 is its 13.9-inch display that is available in 4K resolution (Full HD is also an option). It can also be configured to be powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, so if performance and mobility is what you’re after, not to worry as the Yoga 910 should be more than capable of being up to the task at hand if you’re willing to spend $1,050.
Dell XPS 13
If more conventional laptops are your thing, Dell’s XPS series has always been a crowd-favorite, with the XPS 13 sporting a sleek design and performance that some are actually offering as an alternative to Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pros. With a 13.3-inch display with a resolution of up to 3200×1800, it certainly looks pretty great. The latest refresh from Dell (priced starting from $800, or more for the touch model) will also see the laptop equipped with Intel’s latest-generation processors.
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HP Envy 13
If Dell’s XPS 13’s features aren’t for you, not to worry as the HP Envy 13 is a laptop (priced starting $800) that could be a worthwhile alternative. Configurable from an Intel Core i5 processor up to a Core i7, the laptop will feature the latest generation processors from Intel. It also has a 13.3-inch display that ranges from FHD up to QHD+, with a touchscreen model being one of the options. HP is also continuing their partnership with Bang & Olufsen for their speaker/audio technology. Starts at $700.
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Samsung Galaxy TabPro S
Microsoft’s Surface Pro series of Windows tablets have certainly set the standards as far as hybrids are concerned. However Samsung could prove to be a worthy competitor with the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S, a Windows 10-powered tablet that comes with a keyboard accessory that looks like it could give Microsoft’s Type Cover a run for its money, more so given that it is bundled free. With a 12-inch 2160×1440 display, it also comes with nifty features like the ability to unlock the tablet using your Samsung smartphone’s fingerprint sensor. Those who are interested will be able to pick one up for about $700.
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HP Pavilion Wave Desktop
Say you’re not the type that travels much and usually works from home or from an office, this means that tablets and laptops might not be the best solution. If a desktop is what you’re after, the HP Pavilion Wave is a truly unique desktop that could be worth your consideration, especially if multimedia is your thing.
One of the unique features of the Pavilion Wave is that they have kind of built the computer inside Bang & Olufsen speakers that can output 360-degree audio. This means that sound quality seems to be its primary focus. If you’re after a sleek and minimalist computer setup that would look good on your office desk, this could be it for a price starting at $600 with a bundled 23-inch display.
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HP Elite X3 Windows SmartPhone
It has only been in recent times that HP has gotten back into mobile, and one of the smartphones that they launched earlier this year is the Elite X3 which is powered by Windows 10 Mobile. Now the choice to go with Windows 10 Mobile is interesting, but HP has a reason for doing so, and that is because the smartphone can also be used to power the Lap Dock, a 12.5-inch Full HD display that turns the Elite X3 into a laptop. It is priced at $800 with the Desk Dock with the Lap Dock sold separately for an additional $600.
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Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is Samsung’s current flagship of 2016. It features curved edges on the side and sports a 5.5-inch QHD display. So far the reviews of the handset have proven to be largely positive and with its unique design and features, we don’t see how it couldn’t appeal to the professional on the go. For those who are interested, the Galaxy S7 Edge is available from a bunch of different carriers, or alternatively you can purchase the unlocked version for about $600.
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Samsung Gear S3 Classic
Being productive doesn’t always mean working with a computer, and that’s where smartwatches come into play. The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a great example, thanks to its fashionable design, you could wear it with a suit and no one would think twice. The ability to receive notifications on your wrist also means that users can stay on top of the latest updates, emails, and messages. The Gear S3 Classic is priced starting at $300 and customers can choose from additional bands that range from $30-$40.
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Huawei Watch
If Samsung’s Gear S3 isn’t for you because it runs on Tizen, and you would like to more compatibility with your Android smartphone and have access to Android apps, then perhaps the Huawei Watch could be worth considering. Just like the Gear S3 Classic, the Huawei Watch features a pretty discreet design that doesn’t scream “hi-tech gadget”, so if you want something that blends in with your work clothes and allows you to stay on top of emails, the Huawei Watch could be it. It is priced starting at $350 and will be available in a bunch of different bands and colors.
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HP Sprout Pro Display with 3D scanning
Computers are a necessary tool these days as far as most professionals are concerned. However if your profession or someone you know whose profession might have the need for scanning objects, then the HP Sprout Pro could be for them. This is essentially a computer that has the ability to make scans in both 2D and 3D. There is also a pen and a mat that can be used as a whiteboard of sorts, so if you’re making presentations over Skype, you can use the pen and mat to make notes. You will be able to get one for yourself for $2,200 via HP’s website, or from $1720 on Amazon:
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LG 34-inch UltraWide QHD IPS Curved Monitor (34UC88-B)
The idea of curved monitors is that it is supposed to provide a more immersive viewing experience. Curved displays also tend to be extra wide which means that they are great for professionals who might need to have multiple windows opened and docked side-by-side, and the LG 34-inch UltraWide QHD IPS Curved Monitor could be the answer. It is available in Thunderbolt or non-Thunderbolt options, depending on your preference, and is priced starting at ~$489 (no Thunderbolt) or $525 (Thunderbolt).
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Trackr Bravo & Trackr Atlas
Sometimes professionals need to move around a lot or travel to multiple countries. This means that they need to carry a lot of items with them, like a laptop, their suitcase, a camera and so on. This is where Trackr comes into handy as this is a Bluetooth tag that can be attached to their belongings, and an accompanying smartphone app that can help them locate it.
Trackr has also recently updated their devices to support Alexa, meaning that if you own the Echo, Tap, or Echo Dot, you will be able to use voice commands to search for items instead of turning to your phone. The Trackr Bravo is priced at $30 for a single unit while the Trackr Atlas is available for pre-order at $40 for a single unit.
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Zuta Labs Pocket Printer
Sometimes you need to print something on the go, but you might not always have access to a portable printer. This is where the Zuta Pocket Printer comes into play. How this printer differs from other prints is the fact that you don’t actually feed it any paper. Instead you place the printer on top of a piece of paper, or any surface for that matter, and it will glide across it and print as it moves.
Its small stature and the fact that it is powered by a rechargeable battery means that it can be brought with you anywhere and used anytime. It is priced at $300 and is available for pre-order, with additional ink cartridges priced at $20 each.
Bt.tn
You know those Amazon Dash buttons that basically allow you to order products at a press of a physical button? That’s pretty much what Bt.tn is, except that instead of being product specific, users will be able to configure it to do whatever they want. For example it can be used to connect and control IoT or smart home devices. It also works with the IFTTT platform where upon pressing the button, it will trigger one of the IFTTT recipes.
Professionals can even customize Bt.tns and send them to customers, where upon pressing it, they can place orders instantly, such as replenishments for paper, snacks, printer ink, and so on. The customized Bt.tn is priced at €99, while the regular model will retail for €69.
Darma Smart Cushion
Working those long office hours is probably not doing your back any favors. This is why there are ergonomic chairs, and why devices like the Darma Smart Cushion exists. This is a cushion that when you sit on it, it will monitor the way you are seated and can let you know when you have a bad posture, and will also provide you with tips on how to sit better. Given that it is a cushion, it also means that it is compatible with pretty much any chair. You can grab one for yourself or for someone else at $189 via its website.
Logitech MX Anywhere 2
As much as trackpads on laptops have improved over the years, sometimes it is much quicker to just use an external mouse. The Logitech MX Anywhere 2 is one of those options because not only is it small, but it is also wireless which makes working on the go a cinch as you won’t have to deal with tangled cables.
It also features the Darkfield technology means that it is capable of working even on glass surfaces. Boasting a usage time of about 2 months on a single full charge, the MX Anywhere 2 can also be quickly charged in 4 minutes and provides up to a full day’s worth of usage if you’re in a rush. It is priced at $80.
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Logitech PTZ Pro Camera/Logitech Group Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is a part of conducting business whether it be with new clients or with colleagues from a different branch. If you’re looking for a new video conferencing system, Logitech has a couple of options in the form of the PTZ Pro Camera which according to Logitech is aimed at large rooms and event spaces, or the Group Video Conferencing system that is aimed more at group videos.
One of the main differences between both systems is that the Group Video Conferencing system will come with expansion microphones, thus allowing for others to be heard clearly if they are in a bigger room and are further away from the main microphone. The Logitech PTZ Pro is priced at $800 while the Group Video Conferencing system will retail for $1,000, or $1,250 with 2 expansion microphones.
