Dialing in to meetings can be a major hassle if you’re not properly equipped, and there’s nothing more annoying (or potentially embarrassing) than struggling to be heard because you’re not using one of the best microphones, or dealing with flickering or laggy video in the middle of a presentation. And proper tech isn’t the only consideration; making sure you’re comfortable is key to making sure you’re efficient. It’s a lot harder to draft documents or plan budgets when you’re being constantly distracted by the kink in your back from the cheap, uncomfortable office chair you’ve got jammed in front of your desk. The XPS 13 also features a beautiful 13-inch screen that can be upgraded all the way up to 4K resolution, making it one of the sharpest laptop screens available. And weighing in at a very slight 2.7 pounds and only 0.3 to 0.46 inches thick, it’s incredibly portable in case you do need to shuttle into the office (or just into the kitchen so your workflow doesn’t get interrupted while the coffee brews). In his review, Andrew praised the XPS 13 for its lavish design, excellent audio, and tiny footprint. This monitor also supports high dynamic range (HDR) technology, and though it may not hit the peak brightness and color range some HDR-mode enthusiasts look for, the monitor delivers an excellent experience for both media watching and professional photo or video editing. Our reviewer pointed out a couple of features that similar models (especially the 27UK650) don’t have: built-in speakers and a USB-C port. The USB-C input gives it extra versatility for connecting to and charging today’s laptops and other devices. Added all up, you’ll get the premium features and performance you pay for with the LG 27UK850. The Pro also boasts an excellent 12-hour battery life, so it’ll function through even the most intense work marathons. It’s also shockingly affordable, given the attention to detail, features, and design touches packed into this lightweight gem, and easy to recommend for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune to stay connected to their colleagues while working remotely. In testing, our reviewer was gob struck by the Pro’s quality at this price point, and called it one of the best Bluetooth headsets available. One of the most overlooked, but most important features of a webcam is adjustability, and here the HD Pro delivers in spades. It comes with a universal clip to easily snap it into a laptop or monitor, and also has an incredibly handy 360-degree swiveling base and articulating support, to make sure you can pivot it to the perfect angle regardless of your setup. James, our product tester, loved the sleek design and true HD, and also praised the quality audio the Pro was capable of capturing. The real standout feature of the MFC-J985DW, however, is Brother’s INKvestment technology. These cartridges allow for incredibly efficient printing, meaning a cost per page that’s one of the lowest of any printer currently manufactured. Each cartridge is capable of producing 2,400 black pages or 1,200 color pages at a ridiculously low one cent per page for black and five cents per page in color. That nod to cost efficiency means that, over the long term, this Brother printer is one of the most affordable options available. After thoroughly testing it for review, Will loved the Brother’s speed and quality, and was blown away by the high-capacity INKvestment cartridges. The MX Keys is a low-profile membrane keyboard that offers the full functionality of a keyboard that you would find in your office, and its rounded edges and brushed aluminum finish are very sharp. Even diehard mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will find little to complain about from the sharp and precise feedback of the backlit keys. The MX Master 3 mouse is the latest iteration in Logitech’s lineup of productivity inspired designs, While it may lack the super-high DPI settings of most gaming-oriented mice, the ergonomic form factor and smartly based buttons make this mouse incredibly comfortable to use. A standout feature is the scroll wheel that operates in traditional steps by gently pushing it up or down, but unlocks and flies forward if you give it a firm push. The mouse also features a discrete button that lives under the flat of your thumb and defaults to displaying all of your active windows for easy task management. Both of these devices are rechargeable via included USB-C cables and can be paired with your device either via Bluetooth or by using the included 2.4Ghz wireless dongles. These are peripherals designed with professionals in mind, and unless you’re left-handed, the appeal is quite clear. The Purple seat cushion takes that same design philosophy and applies it to a smaller form factor meant to accommodate car seats or office chairs. If you’re someone that spends a solid number of hours each day behind the wheel or sitting at a desk, the Purple seat cushion provides ample support wherever you need it. The cushion, itself, comes with a machine-washable slipcover, a convenient carry handle and is rubberized on one side to make sure it stays put. The semi-firm support offered by its gel lattice may not appeal to everyone, but is perfect for anyone recently recovering from surgery, suffering from lower back pain, or who just can’t get comfortable sitting down. While this investment can seem a bit frivolous, there are few better ways to quickly expand the connectivity of your laptop at home. Pair this with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and you’ll be good to go. More important to note, the X-Chair offers advanced lumbar support technology to help keep backaches at bay during the workday. It also comes with an optional customizable massage feature for the lumbar support, so you can keep working all day. Will Fulton is a tech writer and reviewer with extensive knowledge around PCs, peripherals, accessories, and consumer electronics. His byline has appeared in a number of top tech publications, and has been writing for Lifewire since 2018. Andrew Hayward is a tech journalist with nearly 14 years of experience under his belt. He’s written for many of the leading tech and gaming publications in that time, and specializes in smartphones, smart home tech and, more broadly, consumer tech. Rebecca Isaacs has been writing for Lifewire since 2019, covering consumer technology, home office products, and accessories. She’s has her own home office setup complete with a standing desk, mat, office chair, ergonomic mice, and more.
