There are so many gadgets and doo-hickeys in the marketplace that it is easy to be swamped by information on what you need, what is nice to have.. and what is a Kindle anyway?
I am a recent convert to gadgets. Until about 3 years ago I saw them as pretentious adornments of wanna-be experts. (Bit harsh maybe?) Today, they rule my world and everywhere I go I make sure I have at least some of my gadgets and gizmos with me.
They give mt he ability to communicate with the world, stay in touch with events, be more professional in training and seminars, provide better services, and to help me pass the time.
This is a run down of the 7 most useful gadgets that I have today. (Okay, 6 that I have and one that I want. (Badly!!)) Which brings us top the other problem of gadgets, they DO tend to be a bit addictive...
1. The Blackberry(Not the iPhone mind you!)
I am part of the blackberry crowd, not the iPhone crowd. What does that mean? Well, I use it for business not for recreation. Same goes with LinkedIn and Facebook as I see it. (Actually, I don't really GET Facebook to be honest)
Since I got my blackberry it has transformed my life. I arrive at work ready to go, having caught up with overnight emails, news releases and postings to the web site.
At any time I am able to check through what's going on with a particular project or theme within the company, as well as having read through my daily digest of news, blogs and "brain food". (Word of the day etcetera)
I can't live without this thing today, it is as invaluable to my work life as it is to my social networking life. My only hope is that RIM and others will continue to innovate and to bring new applications into the market that I can use with it.
2. My Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera
Okay, so I'm not a great photographer. (Or even a good one) But I do take this thing everywhere with me. Why? Because you never know what you are going to want to recall for future.
Today, I have a great digital catalog of shots of courses I have run, seminars where I spoke, clients I have come to be very close to, companies and their installations (approved of course) as well as shots of the surrounding scenery and the cities where they were located.
It is hard to think of a time when I won't be traveling so much. But, that doesn't mean I should take my regular trips around the world for granted. So a while ago I started to record them. Europe, the UK, the USA, Latin America, the Middle East. All fantastic locations, all unique, and now all recorded easily. (And loaded to Picassa mainly!)
3. Kindle(One that I want)
Okay - this thing has really set me on fire and I really want one. But between Amazxon being sold out, and the fact that I don't currently live in the USA, it is a pipedream.
Why do I want one? No more carrying books around!
Imagine having ready access to a searchable, readable, and markable library of 200 reference books for client management, engagement, and functional specialties? And without the back pain of carrying books around!
The added ability to have my favorite newspapers and magazines in there (as well as my regular blogs) means that I am sold on this. (I am posting a separate review later)
4. iPod
Why the iPod as a business accessory? For me it was easy. I travel. I travel a lot. More than I should do. This means long amounts of time on planes, where it is pretty hard to keep working all the time, in airports, on trains, and sometimes as a passenger in cars.
So I use the iPod to wile away the moments listening to great music, watching videos, listening to the Stephen Covey audio books (and other Audiobooks from Red Audio) and generally trying to feed my mind on things other than a steady stream of business information. I would be dead of boredom without this little lifesaver.
5. Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision
Skype changed the way I communicate with the world. This device made it possible to extend that.
This is the best webcam I have ever owned. Background light adjustment, sensitive microphone, great vision quality, good management of the "connection speed" issues, and an easy to use and easy to set up technological device - means this is a no-brainer for me.
This web conference tool comes with me everywhere, and at all times now I can fire up my Skype system and have a web conference with anybody in the world. (who'd a thunk it?)
6. Logitech 2.4 GHz Cordless Presenter
This thing is a lifesaver. (Yes, I'm a fan of Logitech)
Easy USB adapter lets you plug into your PC and change slides while wandering around the room. Add this to the pointer and black screen functions and it is another vital device that I would not be without. I had a training course the other day without it and it was only then I realized how much I depended on it.
really, do yourself a favor with this one. Great stuff!
7. Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers
Another great gadget and backpack filler for me. Great for presentations, USB powered (again), good sound quality and a wonderful way to present small videos and training tools to my courses where ever I am in the world. Another one I don't leave home without.
