Don’t Waste Your Money on These 3 Overpriced Office Electronics
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Nicholas Morine
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Whether you work from home or commute to the office a few times a week, it’s crucial to have a workspace with the right gadgets that boost creativity and make the day more comfortable. The office is not just a place where deals are made — and connections are formed — but also the source of one’s income.
Therefore, having a well-stocked supply of the right gear is vital for increased performance and productivity. While it’s important to equip your office with the most efficient and functional supplies to enhance motivation and workflow, remember that you don’t need every new tech item to create a healthy work environment. Here’s a list of overpriced office electronics you can avoid.
1. Gaming Laptops
Everyone has different needs for their jobs and desk setup, but gaming laptops aren’t worth the hefty price tag for most people who aren’t gamers on the go. While they are well-suited for everyday use, are portable, and are designed to provide high performance, there are also many cons. Gaming laptops can be loud and heavy, may have overheating issues, and typically have a poor battery life. With gaming laptops ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $12,000, you’re better off sticking to a desktop or regular laptop for your office needs.
2. High-End HDMI Cables
The HDMI port has become one of the most important and used connectivity options in recent years, and these days, it’s tough to find a streaming device, smart TV, or computer that doesn’t have at least one. But don’t let the proliferation of 4K and 8K fool you into thinking you (necessarily) need an overpriced HDMI cable.
While you don’t want to buy a cheap cable that can cause a glitchy connection, you don’t need to overpay. Just be sure that the HDMI standard you require for your device is matched by the quality of the cable.
The latest HDMI standard is HDMI 2.1b, per CNET, and if you actually are running high-end hardware, you may require an ultra high speed HDMI cable to match.
3. Smart Microwaves
Work deadlines often leave little time for leisurely lunches, so if you find yourself in a time crunch, microwaves are an easy way to heat up a quick snack or leftovers.
However, avoid falling for a $300 smart microwave. While the idea of controlling a microwave from your phone sounds like a great idea, you still have to put the food into the microwave, so you might as well turn it on yourself.
There might be a few instances where smart microwaves are convenient, but there have been complaints of food not being heated up thoroughly. “In order to get consistent cooking out of this microwave, you’ll definitely want to stop and stir your food during cooking to prevent hot spots,” a reviewer from Business Insider stated.
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