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7 must-have gadgets for your desk to make you more productive

Time is money. Spend a little to save a lot with a macro pad, a smart notebook, and other efficiency boosters.

7 must-have gadgets for your desk to make you more productive
[Source photo: FotoBob/Getty Images]

Whether you’re working from home, in a traditional office, or part of a hybrid experiment, your desk serves as the command center for your daily operations.

But even the most motivated among us can struggle with distractions, disorganization, and procrastination. That’s where the right tools come into play.

Here are seven essential gadgets that can transform your desk into a productivity paradise.

Macro Pad

A programmable macro pad can streamline your workflow by allowing you to assign complex commands or frequently used functions to physical buttons.

This customizable tool can save you countless clicks and keystrokes throughout the day, especially for tasks like coding, video editing, and data entry.

Some even come with built-in screens that allow you to quick-launch apps and utilities.

Smart Notebook

Combine the tactile satisfaction of handwriting with the convenience of digital storage using a smart notebook.

These innovative devices allow you to jot down notes or sketches, then easily digitize and organize them for future reference. Some models feature reusable pages, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Smart Speaker

Voice-controlled smart speakers can be powerful productivity aids. Use them to set reminders, schedule appointments, control smart home devices, or quickly look up information without taking your eyes and hands off your work.

Many also integrate with popular productivity apps and smart home devices like lights and door locks, allowing for hands-free task management.

Wireless Charging Dock

Keep your devices fully charged and your desk clutter-free with a wireless charging dock.

Many models can charge multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring your smartphone, earbuds, or smartwatch are always ready when you need them.

Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that uses focused work intervals followed by short breaks.

While plenty of apps are available for phones and computers, a dedicated Pomodoro timer on your desk serves as a visual reminder to stay on task and take regular breaks, helping you maintain focus and avoid burnout.

Some are more complicated than others, so be on the lookout for ones with pre-set time intervals that can be quickly rotated to set things in motion.

Desktop Power Strip

A desktop power strip with both AC outlets and USB ports brings extra juice within arm’s reach, eliminating the need to crawl under your desk to plug in devices.

Look for one with a built-in clamp so you can avoid knocking it off your desk. Nothing says irony like crawling around under your desk to retrieve the thing that’s supposed to prevent such situations.

Universal Docking Station

If you use a laptop, a universal docking station is a great way to simplify your setup.

These devices allow you to connect multiple peripherals—such as monitors, a keyboard, and an external hard drive—to your laptop with a single cable. That makes transitioning between home and office setups a breeze and reduces cable clutter on your desk.

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