Regardless of your role in the commercial real estate world, there's a good chance that you spend a lot of time away from your desk. This is as true for corporate real estate staffers and leaders as it is for the brokers that they hire. Staying productive on the road takes more than just a laptop and a cell phone. Here are the best technology gadgets that will keep you working at 100 percent, all of the time.
Bluetooth Earbuds
A good set of Bluetooth earbuds do three things for you. They let you stay on the phone, hands free, whether you're sitting, walking, standing or driving. They give you a way to block out outside noise -- like the chatty person in the middle seat, and they let you have entertainment. Consider stereo earbuds for better noise blocking, and take a good look at those in a neckband, since they are not only comfortable but big enough to be hard to lose.
Wireless Router With Battery Pack
Buying these two pieces of technology together reaps multiple benefits. The wireless router lets you expand your hotel's wi-fi (useful in atrium hotels where the signal doesn't always make it to the back of the room) or connect to a wired device, while the battery runs the router, charges your devices or both. When you don't need the router, it still works as a battery, as well.
Five (or More) Port USB Charger
If you carry a phone, earbuds and tablet, you already need three USB ports. Instead of playing around with multiple chargers or looking for USB ports that work, bring a multi-port charger so that all of your technology can get juiced up all at once. By the way, if you also carry a FitBit, Bluetooth speaker and personal hotspot, five ports won't be enough.
Personal Hotspot
Believe it or not, there are still places where you can't get a wi-fi signal. There are even more places where the person that knows the wi-fi password is out to lunch. Carrying your own hotspot, or a cell phone with tethering capability that you know how to use, means that you're always online. Consider a hotspot that is unlocked so that, if you have to, you can take it abroad, get a local SIM card, and have low cost internet without roaming charges.
Power Strip
Since you can never find an outlet when you really need one to power or charge your technology, bring your own. Even a small three-outlet power strip (or extension cord if all of your devices use two-prong plugs) can keep you running at all times.
Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse can make using your laptop more comfortable and more efficient. In a pinch, it can even do double duty as a PowerPoint clicker, as well.
Bluetooth Speaker
While Bluetooth earbuds can cover most of your audio needs, sometimes it is nice to listen to your personal entertainment without anything in your ears. In addition, if you need to share audio or host a speakerphone call, your Bluetooth speaker can serve double duty.
When you go out to buy these and other pieces of road warrior technology, remember that these types of accessories are frequently subject to high mark ups in retail stores. In addition, some of the brands that are sold on line, like Anker and HooToo, offer better quality than the usual standbys at lower prices. Buying online can save you time and money. Buy audio devices in store, though, so that you can try out the technology you like (or easily return the ones you don't).
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