Smart home office gadgets for designers and developers

Working from home is great, but there are probably some things you're missing from the office. If you're a designer or developer, the tools you have or don't have can make or break your work. That's why we've rounded up a selection of home office gadgets just for you. So you can get your work done more efficiently and get to doing anything else other than work.

Home Desk Setup / Credits: Damian Patkowski via Unsplash

When creativity strikes, the last thing you want is to be without the tools you need to get the idea out into the world. Working from home now instead of your fancy office with their free lattes? Well, you probably need some better tools at home. Because we’re guessing your employer probably didn’t let you take a bunch of their expensive, fancy equipment home with you. Unless they’re really cool. And if that’s the case, never leave that job ever. To ensure your creativity stays on point while you’re physical distancing, we have a list of home office gadgets for designers and developers. We all desperately need your creativity right now.

And if you want to some, shall we say, interesting ideas for your home office, CNN has some examples. At least a liquor cabinet as a desk will give you a semi-Madmen vibe and get you to the scotch faster.

Shortcuts make your life easier

One of the biggest things you can do is get office gadgets that allow you to have personalized shortcuts. You know your workflow, and you know where it can be improved to make your life easier. These gadgets will help you do just that.

Microsoft Smart Surface Dial

Work smarter, not harder with the Microsoft Smart Surface Dial. Compatible with the Microsoft Surface and all Windows 10 devices, this device gives you unprecedented control and precision right at your fingertips. The Surface Dial can sit on your desk or even on the screen of your device. Depending on your movements, you can manage a variety of functions. For example, click and holding the Surface Dial displays a full menu for you to explore. It’s like a shortcut for your shortcuts. Great for artists and designers, you can fine-tune details such as your brush size with just a slight rotation.

Elgato Stream Deck XL Live Content Creation Controller

It’s so easy to use the Elgato Stream Deck XL Live Content Creation Controller that you just need to give it a single touch to make changes. This advanced stream controller has an eight-by-four-inch grid with 32 keys that you can customize. Each LCD button is easy to see at a glance, and you can make them have static or dynamic icons. With this content controller, you can create content at a studio level—even from your basement.

Loupedeck CT Custom Editing Console

Whatever type of content you create, the Loupedeck CT Custom Editing Console lets you craft it how you want. Whether you want to edit photos, videos, or music, you can do so on this minimalist deck. This creative tool has a large central dial, six smaller dials, buttons, and screens. Through these interfaces, it gives you instant access to your software. This tool integrates seamlessly with your favorite software, from Adobe Lightroom Classic to Final Cut Pro X. Set the Loupedeck CT on your desk and pair it with your mouse and keyboard to create your most efficient workspace setup yet.

Polyend Tracker Standalone Audio Workstation

Make your best music yet with the Polyend Tracker Standalone Audio Workstation. It may look retro, but it allows you to create modern music. Because there aren’t other hardware trackers on the market, this music station truly stands out from the rest. It’s easy for anyone to use, as it has a large knob and screen along with an ergonomic keyboard. With capabilities from FM radio to Wavetable and Sampler to Granular Synthesizer, this standalone audio workstation ensures you’re always inspired.

You’re going to need a good monitor

This one is pretty obvious, but we have some awesome home office gadgets you might not have seen before, like the Whiteboard. With sharp color and tons of screen space, you’ll be working at your optimum  with one of these home office gadgets for designers and developers.

The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K PremierColor Monitor

If you are a designer, you’re going to love the new Dell UltraSharp 27 4K PremierColor Monitor. With lifelike colors, exceptional clarity, and striking details, this monitor from Dell meets the HDR10 standards. This monitor also comes with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and will show you true-to-life visuals. Thanks to the Rec. 2020 color space, you will be able to work on the most color-critical postproduction editing like a pro. The 3840×2160 Ultra HD 4K resolution will also capture four times more details than Full HD. 

The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K PremierColor Monitor with Flowers on the Screen

SideTrak USB Screen Portable Dual Monitor

Working with a dual monitor is a fantastic way to improve your productivity. If you’re used to working with a dual-monitor setup, you know how awful it can be to go work at your favorite coffee shop without it. Now, there’s the SideTrak USB Screen Portable Dual Monitor. The screen works with most Mac laptops, PC and Windows laptops, and Chromebooks within the 13″–17.5″ range. All you have to do is download the free software. Once you’ve done that, you can just attach the portable screen, and you’re ready to go within seconds. Get more done, anywhere.

Raspberry Pi 4 Miniature Single Board Computer

You might think you have a compact computer, but it’s probably not as small as the Raspberry Pi 4 Miniature Single Board Computer. This tiny computer offers a dual display option through its two micro HDMI ports. So, while it may be small, you can accomplish all you need to do. This miniature desktop computer can do a lot more than meets the eye. It’s even capable of supporting a gigabit Ethernet cable. And depending on how much you need this single board computer to accomplish, you can choose 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB of RAM. 

Raspberry Pi 4 Miniature Single Board Computer in Use

LG UltraWide 49-Inch Monitor

Make the most out of your time in front of the screen with the LG UltraWide 49-Inch Monitor. Featuring an incredibly large display area, this monitor helps improve productivity regardless of what you’re working on. Boasting an impressive 49-inch monitor, the UltraWide comes with a curved screen that displays crystal clear image quality. Thanks to its 32:9 aspect ratio, the UltraWide eliminates the need for multiple screens. In addition, it has a 5120 x 1440 resolution, which is the same as dual 27-inch Quad HD monitors. 

LG UltraWide 49-Inch Monitor on a Desk

Microsoft Surface Hub 2S Interactive Whiteboard

The Surface Hub gets a facelift this year as it’s upgraded to the Microsoft Surface Hub 2S Interactive Whiteboard. This device is more than just a digital whiteboard. It also provides a Windows 10 platform for conference calls and other collaboration tools. Plus, it’s perfect for agile teams. When paired with the easel on wheels and mobile battery, this portable interactive whiteboard easily goes where you go. This device’s whiteboard technology makes it easy to creatively brainstorm your next big idea.

Don’t let anyone steal your ideas

Working from somewhere other than the company office and on their internet is going to require that you have a VPN. In case your arch-nemesis follows you home, sits outside, and tries to sneak onto your network, they won’t be able to. Of all the home office gadgets for designers and developers, one that protects your intellectual property should be at the top of your list.

Syfer Network Protection Device

Online privacy and security are only 15 seconds away with the Syfer Network Protection Device. Plug in, protect, and get on with your life. Compatible with all smart devices, Syfer steps in to stop invasive data collection practices. Syfer also boasts robust security protections, leveraging trusted threat intelligence feeds and proprietary artificial intelligence to make sure that your home or business is protected from the latest cyber threats. Syfer’s real-time protection ensures that your network is always receiving the latest in privacy and security.

Mudi 4G LTE Privacy Router

Typical wireless routers leave your information vulnerable to hackers, but the Mudi 4G LTE Privacy Router keeps your data secure. This cryptography device protects your data, whether you’re a business person or a backpacker. While internet-based crime is a threat, this 4G LTE wireless router helps make sure you aren’t a victim. Acting as a cyber shield of sorts, this internet privacy device keeps hackers out without restricting your usage. This 4G LTE router helps you use the internet anonymously through the Tor service. This encrypts your data and bounces it around randomly. Plus, this device provides wide VPN compatibility with access to more than 25 providers.

Type faster, better, and easier

And even more securely. Don’t get slowed down by your old keyboard or trying to type on your iPad. Come on, you know better. Get a new keyboard. It’s a definite must-have home office gadget for designers.

Apple All-New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro

Get the most out of your new iPad Pro with the Apple All-New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. This keyboard makes typing on your tablet a breeze, and it even has a trackpad that works seamlessly with iPadOS. And that’s not all this new Magic Keyboard offers. In fact, it even comes with a USB-C port that allows pass-through charging. Thankfully, this iPad Pro keyboard also has a design that protects your device both front and back, so you feel safer using it anywhere. Moreover, it has a unique floating design that allows you to magnetically connect your iPad Pro.

Apple All-New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro with iPad Attached

Microsoft Modern Fingerprint ID Keyboard

Unlock your world with a touch of a button with the Microsoft Modern Fingerprint ID Keyboard. Superbly sleek and wonderfully slim, this revolutionary keyboard is a welcomed addition to your Windows setup. The Modern Keyboard connects to your computer via the included cable, or you can go wireless with Bluetooth. While seemingly standard, the Modern Keyboard has one key futuristic feature. To the right of the keyboard is a fingerprint ID sensor. Simply place your registered finger on the ID key and the Modern Keyboard unlocks your device. 

Ready to get that creativity flowing now? Being more streamlined and having the tools you need is going to make a huge difference in your workflow. Do you have other items you find help? Let us know in the comments!

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