10 Essential Digital Resources For The Home Business On A Budget

INTRODUCTION

You need specific tools to thrive as a home business owner, so we’ve gathered these ten digital resources for you. With this office kit, you’ll be able to get the job done without going over your budget.

All items listed, except the docking station and external hard drive, are resources I use in my home business. If I were using a laptop as my primary office computer, I would use the docking station to connect to a desktop monitor and possibly other peripherals.

In place of an external hard drive, I use Google Drive as an online file storage and sync app. For more information on backup options, read my blog, “5 Recommended Cloud Storage Services For The Small Business.”

You may ask whether to use a desktop or laptop computer or both. Or maybe an all-in-one computer would be best? To help with these questions, read my blog, “Finding the Right Computer for Your Home Business.”

Please use the comment section at the bottom or our contact form if you have questions or suggestions.

_{(We independently select these products — if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.)}

1. HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop

The HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice quality or features. It boasts an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U 4.0GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. And if that wasn’t enough, the HP 720p HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone ensures high-resolution video calls whether you’re working from home or on the go.

Technical Details

Standing screen display size	‎17.3 Inches
Max Screen Resolution	‎1920 x 1080 Pixels
Processor	‎2.1 GHz amd_ryzen_5_5500u
Processor Count	‎4
RAM	‎8 GB DDR4
Hard Drive	‎256 GB SSD
Graphics Coprocessor	‎AMD Radeon™ graphics
Average Battery Life (in hours)	‎8 Hours
Operating System	‎Windows 10 Home

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2. HP Pavilion TP01 Business Desktop

The HP Pavilion TP01 Business Desktop Intel i3-10100 3.60GHz Processor is an excellent desktop computer for businesses and professionals who need a dependable machine that won’t break the bank. It has 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB PCIe SSD drive, making it perfect for those who need something that can handle heavy use without issue. With 4 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 HDMI port, a USB 3, 1 Type-C Geni port, SDXF Reader, and 1 x Headphone/ Microphone Combo Jack, this desktop has all the essentials. Additionally, it comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home 64 edition.

Technical Details

Processor	‎3.6 GHz core_i3
RAM	‎8 GB DIMM
Hard Drive	‎256 GB Solid State Hard Drive
Graphics Coprocessor	‎Intel UHD Graphics 630
Processor Count	‎4
Number of USB 2.0 Ports	‎4
Number of USB 3.0 Ports	‎4
Series	‎Pavilion TP01
Operating System	‎Windows 11 Home

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3. HP All-in-One PC Desk Computer

The HP All-in-One PC Desk Computer is perfect for anyone seeking an affordable and powerful all-in-one desk computer. Its specs include a 2.6 GHz amd_ryzen_3_2300x processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256 GB SSD hard drive. In addition, the AMD-integrated graphics allow for smooth gameplay or video streaming experiences. Lastly, its 4 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 ports make it simple to connect all necessary peripherals and devices.”

Technical Details

Series	‎HP All-in-One 22-dd0032
Standing screen display size	‎22 Inches
Operating System	‎Windows 11 Home
Processor	‎2.6 GHz amd_ryzen_3_2300x
RAM	‎8GB DDR4
Hard Drive	‎8 GB SSD
Chipset Brand	‎AMD
Card Description	‎Integrated
Graphics Card Ram Size	‎8 GB
Number of USB 2.0 Ports	‎4
Number of USB 3.0 Ports	‎2

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4. Sceptre E248W-19203R 24″ Ultra Thin 75Hz 1080p LED Monitor

Sceptre 24″ Professional Thin 75Hz 1080p LED Monitor is an excellent choice if you’re budget-conscious but still want a high-quality LED monitor. With its thin bezel design, it’s perfect for both home and office use. Plus, the Full HD resolution delivers crystal clear images, while the 75Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gaming action. And since it has built-in speakers, you don’t need to buy separate ones!

Technical Details

Standing screen display size	‎24 Inches
Series	‎E248W-19203R
Screen Resolution	‎1920×1080
Max Screen Resolution	‎1920 x 1080 Pixels
Color	‎Machine Black
Product Dimensions	‎21.59 x 7.02 x 15.83 inches

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5. HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One Wireless Color Printer

The HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One Wireless Color Printer has what you need for your home office at a reasonable price. With auto 2-sided printing, you can save time and paper, while borderless printing gives you professional-looking results every time. Plus, the self-healing Wi-Fi ensures that you always stay connected, even if there’s a hiccup with your internet connection. And with an input/output capacity of 100 sheets/25 sheets, you’ll easily handle even the most significant print jobs.

Technical Details

Manufacturer	HP Printers
Product Dimensions	14.21 x 17.03 x 5.2 inches
Item model number	ENVY 6055e
Customer Reviews	4.1 out of 5 stars

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6. Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station makes connecting multiple devices to your laptop easy. With four USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, you’ll have plenty of options for connecting external devices – perfect for an expanding work setup from home or a busy office desk on the go! Plus, the black color looks great with any laptop, so you can keep that polished look no matter where you work.

Technical Details

Brand	‎Plugable
Item model number	‎UD-3900
Number of USB 2.0 Ports	‎4
Number of USB 3.0 Ports	‎2
Color	‎Black
Power Source	‎DC

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7. Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Wireless Mouse

The Logitech M720 Triathlon mouse is the perfect device for those who use multiple computers or devices regularly. Its easy-switch feature allows you to toggle between three different devices with a simple push of a button, and its contoured shape and textured rubber grips make it comfortable to use for long periods. Furthermore, it features an advanced optical tracking sensor for precise control on almost any surface, and dual connectivity that allows you to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or the included Logitech Unifying Receiver. The mouse also provides side buttons and a scroll wheel for easy navigation, and it is available in black.

Technical Details

Brand	‎Logitech
Series	‎M720 Triathlon
Item model number	‎910-006036
Average Battery Life (in hours)	‎24 months
Operating System	‎Windows 10, 11 or later, Linux +no software support legal footnote, Chrome OS, macOS 10.5 or later, iPadOS 13.4 or later, Android 5.0 or later

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8. Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard Stainless Steel Ultra Slim Full Size Keyboard

The Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard is perfect for anyone who wants a straightforward, dependable wireless keyboard. This no-frills keyboard is ideal for those looking to declutter their desk or prefer being unencumbered by a wired connection. The robust and reliable 2.4GHz wireless connection of the Arteck guarantees uninterrupted typing sessions. The Arteck’s slender and smooth design is perfect for those constantly moving or with limited space, and it can easily withstand regular wear and tear. Plus, with its quiet keys and detachable USB receiver, the Arteck provides users with a hassle-free typing experience.

Technical Details

Product Dimensions	16.85 x 4.92 x 0.55 inches
Item Weight	14.9 ounces
Item model number	HW192
Batteries	1 CR2032 batteries required. (included)

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9. Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD

You are introducing the Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD. This external hard drive is perfect for storing your essential files and documents. With 1 TB of storage space, you’ll have plenty of room for everything you need. The Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD is easy to use and compatible with Windows and Mac computers. Plus, it comes in a sleek black color that will look great with any setup. Order your Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD today!

Technical Details

Hard Drive	‎1 TB Portable
Brand	‎Seagate
Series	‎STGX1000400
Item model number	‎STGX1000400
Operating System	‎Windows®10, Windows 8, Windows 8
Color	‎Black
Hard Drive Interface	‎USB 3.0

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10. Logitech C270 HD Webcam

Looking for an affordable and easy-to-use webcam? Check out the Logitech C270 HD Webcam! With a wide field of view and crystal clear HD 720p video, it’s perfect for Skype calls, webinars, and even recording videos. Plus, the built-in microphone with noise reduction ensures your voice comes through loud and clear. And setup is a breeze – connect the webcam to your computer’s USB port, and you’re ready to go!

Technical Details

Brand	‎Logitech
Series	‎960-000694
Item model number	‎960-000694
Color	‎Black
Rear Webcam Resolution	‎8 MP
Batteries	‎1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
Manufacturer	‎Logitech

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The Best Scanner For The Home Office In 2022

Finding The Best Scanner for Your Home Office

A scanner is an important piece of equipment for any home office. Not only do they make it easy to scan documents and photos, but they are also useful for creative projects or to keep track of your finances. If you’re in the market for a scanner, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In this blog post, we will discuss the key features to look for when buying a scanner.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER:

Document Types

• Size – In selecting a scanner, the document type is the first step. And the first thing to consider when it comes to document type is size. Will they be letter or legal size? If so, an A4 printer will be your pick. But if you want to scan larger items, you will need an A3 scanner.
• Black & White or Color – Another feature that goes back to the document type will be color. Most scanners you find can scan in either format, color, or black & white. But if color is a necessity, you will want to check for sure when selecting a scanner that it can process in color.
• Resolution – A further feature related to document type is resolution. This is an important consideration if you will be scanning photos and need good quality scans. In this case, a scanner with a DPI of 400-600 will be preferable.
• Simplex or Duplex – Duplexing is a feature that allows the scanning of both sides of a document in one procedure. The main question related to duplexing is whether you will be working with two-sided documents. Only feeder scanners are capable of duplexing so if you will need duplexing, you will also need a feeder. This is not a problem unless you have the need to scan bound documents.

Scan Features

• Scanning Volume – Next, you want to consider how much scanning you’ll be doing. The following two features are particularly significant for higher volume scanning:
• Feeder or Flatbed – A feeder scanner, which feeds the pages you are scanning, can be helpful if you do a lot of scanning or if your scanning involves multiple-page papers. A feeder is distinct from a flatbed scanner because it can automatically feed pages for scanning. A feeder also gives you the choice of duplex scanning. Unfortunately, if the multiple-page documents you need to scan are bound, such as with a book, you will need a flatbed scanner.
• Speed – The speed of a scanner is crucial if you will be doing a lot of scanning. You measure speed in pages per minute (ppm). Normal scanner speeds range from 20 ppm to 200 ppm. The lower ranges will be enough for the average home office. If you are doing a high volume of scans, you will need a higher ppm scanner.
• Software -A final consideration when choosing a scanner is the driver or software that comes with it. The terms driver and software are interchangeable. They make the scanner work. The software creates the documents that come from the scans. You will want to check and see what types of documents the software can make. The default document output that most scanners produce is a PDF. But you may need to create DOCX or RTF documents with your scanner. And if you are scanning photos, you will need TIFF, JPEG, or similar file types.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

If you have worked through the previous section, you are almost ready to select a scanner. But here are a few more technical considerations:

All-In-One

An all-in-one machine can do three or four things. It can print, scan, and copy. Sometimes it can also fax. The all-in-one is a good choice for your home office. Instead of three or four pieces of equipment, there is only one taking up office space. If you are considering an all-in-one, my blog “How to choose the right printer for your home business: A Guide” will be a good read for you. This is a partner blog to this one, helping you to make a good choice with both printer and scanner.

Specialized Scanners and Accessories

A final consideration is whether you need a specialized scanner. This will be the case if you need:

• Large format/high precision scanning
• Specialized book scanning
• Mobile scanning
• Networked scanning
• Check scanners /MICR readers

High Capacity

This would be higher capacity than what we discussed above about volume. I mention these specialized requirements to call attention to the need to check scanner capabilities. You want to make sure the scanner of your choice can meet your needs in these areas. I won’t go into detail about these needs in this blog, but you should be aware of them.

Compatibility

You will want to ensure that the scanner you choose is compatible with the other equipment in your office. For example, is it compatible with your operating system? Does it need more processing or memory than what your computer has? Although there is usually no conflict, it is a good idea not to take compatibility for granted.

SELECTING THE SCANNER:

_{(We independently select these products — if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.)}

Now that you have all the selection details out of the way, it is time to look at some scanners. Here are a few possibilities for you in four different categories.

Flatbed Scanners

Feeder & Duplex Scanners

High Capacity Scanners

All-In-One Printer/Scanner

_{(We independently select these products — if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.)}

Conclusion:

Choosing the best scanner for your home office can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as how much scanning you’ll be doing, the type of documents you need to create, and compatibility with other devices. But with these considerations in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect scanner for your needs.

Questions? Do you have any questions about choosing a scanner for your home office? Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer them!

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How to Choose The Right Printer For Your Home Business

If you have a home business, then you know that having a reliable printer are both essential tools. But with all the different options on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for your business. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the right printer for your business. Tips on choosing the right scanner we will address in a later blog.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right printer for your business. The type of business you have will dictate the type of printer you need.

Considerations

• The volume of printing you need to do: If you only need to print on occasion, you can get away with a less expensive printer. Yet, if you do a lot of printing, you will need a more robust printer that can handle the volume. 20 ppm for moderate print output will work for most home office settings. If your printing is heavier than that, 30-40 ppm may be necessary. Over 40 ppm is getting into heavy-duty usage and under 20 ppm will be rather slow.

• The type of documents you need to print: If you only need to print simple documents, you can get away with a basic printer. But, if you need to print more complex documents, you will need a more advanced printer.
  • Simple – Letter size, single-sided, black & white
  • Complex – Legal or Ledger size, double-sided, color
  • Special – Banner or poster
• The quality of the prints: A third consideration is the quality of printing you will be doing. Will it be high-quality documents or photos? When we turn to quality in printing the focus is on DPI, or dots per inch. The higher the number of dots per inch, the higher the quality of printing. As a general rule this guide you can follow this guide:
  • For a letter or business document with graphics, 300 dpi will look fine.
  • A higher-quality document such as a  handout for the board of directors will call for 600 dpi.
  • For the average photographer, 1200 dpi is excellent for photos.

Type of Printer

Inkjet Printer

An inkjet printer will meet all the requirements above, but not at a commercial volume. Inkjets create a clean, sharp image that is suitable for both high-quality paperwork and photo printing. When it comes to big-volume production, but, it falls short. It is slower than laser printers and more expensive to run. They only print about 220 pages for each standard ink cartridge. This can add up to considerable expense. Though inkjet printers have a lower purchase price than laser printers, they close the gap with the cost of ink with a higher printing volume.

Laser Printer

A laser printer may meet both the higher volume printing and high-quality printing needs. You’ll pay a higher upfront cost for a laser printer, but the lower cost of printing will make up for it. A regular high yield ink cartridge that costs $41 will print 600 pages on average. Yet, a high yield laser print cartridge that costs $45 will print about 1,800 pages. This is $.07 per page for the inkjet compared to $.025 per page for the laser. What about the cost of the printer? You can buy a low-end inkjet color printer for less than $100. Compare this to a low-end laser black & white printer for about $120. A color laser printer will start at around $180. In either case, you can have a wireless printer for these prices. With either an inkjet or laser printer, you don’t have to pay more to get better print quality. Most of the time, you’ll get more features (like automatic duplexing) if you pay more, with no change in print quality. An example of this is the HP DeskJet 4155e, with a purchase price of $124.99 on Amazon. The print quality for this printer, or DPI, is 1200 X 1200. You will pay $100 more for a printer such as the HP Envy Inspire 7955e, to get a DPI of 4800 x 1200. The price is $219.89.

SuperTank Printer

Supertank printers are inkjet printers with a tube system instead of individual ink cartridges. The printers drawn ink through tubes from high-capacity ink tanks. These tanks are filled from high-capacity ink bottles. Replacement ink bottles include enough ink to print thousands of pages and cost under $20.Cost of SuperTank printers start at around $190.

Conclusion

To summarize, the best printer for a business depends on:

• The nature of printing
• The quantity of printing
• The budget

An inkjet printer is an excellent choice for high-quality documents and photographs. A laser printer is a better option when producing larger quantities of material. But the SuperTank printers can step up to the task of volume printing as it brings down the cost per page.

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Finding the Right Computer for Your Home Business

In this blog, I will be discussing considerations to help impact your computer choice. I’m not referring to a brand choice, but the type of computer. And in particular, which kind of computer will best suit the needs of the home-based business. Is it a desktop, laptop, or all-in-one computer? In case you are not familiar with the all-in-one computer, it is one in which the monitor and computer are one unit. 

I should emphasize that this is not an assessment of which is the better computer in general. Such efforts will likely end in a draw. This old debate between desktop and laptop has become pointless. Laptops have improved to the point of being equal to the power of the average desktop computer. So our question is about which computer best meets the needs of your home-based office?

Step One – Computing Location:

Stationary or Mobile – Let’s begin with the question,  “Where will you be using your computer  most of the time?” Will your answer to this question need a stationary or portable computer? Or might it include both?If your answer is ‘stationary,’ all three options are still in the running.  Skip Step Two and proceed to Step Three to consider your computing requirements.

We independently select these products — if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Step Two – Computing Location Part 2:

If your answer in Step One was ‘mobile,’ your next question is, “How much of your work is mobile and how much is in the office?”  

• If one-half or more of your work is in the office, move on to Step Three. 
• If less than one-half of your work is in the office, selecting a laptop may be your best choice. In that case, and you can stop here and begin shopping for your laptop computer unless you want to continue.

NOTE:  If more than one-half of your work is away from your office,  I’m assuming that your computing requirements are lite. So they will not go beyond the capabilities of a laptop. If I am wrong in this assumption about your work, you will need to continue with Step three.

Step Three – Computing Requirements:

Now our questions change direction. No longer are we talking about the location of your work, but of usage. For what functions do you use your computer most often?

Standard processes:

• Word processing & spreadsheets?
• Are we accounting with QuickBooks or similar software?
• Web design?

More demanding processes:

• Graphic design?
• Video editing?
• Photography?

Is more than one-half of your work outside your office? Does your computer usage fall within the standard processes? A laptop computer should be a good fit for you. Regardless of your computer choice, you still want to avoid a low-end computer. You do not want to be spending a lot of your time watching wheels spin as you wait on your computer. Here are some recommended minimum specifications:

• At least 8 GB of RAM 
• An Intel Core i5 or equal processor
• An 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless network adapter. 

Do your regular tasks fall within the more demanding processes? Your computer may need some extra specifications not found in the list above. If you are an experienced graphic designer, for instance, you may already know what you need. But a beginning graphic designer needs to get input from those experienced in design. I will not try to address the specifications of these specialties. I wish to point out that specific computing tasks may need more specifications. So I recommend that you explore those specifications based on your computing requirements. If you need beefed up specifications in your computer, your choice may need to be a desktop. A desktop will allow greater flexibility and capacity. 

Step Four – Desktop vs Laptop vs All-In-One vs Docking Station:

By this point, we may have left mobile users behind. A laptop is the best, and may be, the only choice. There is no need to consider anything else.
If the bulk of your work is in the office, all three computers can compete for your choice:

• In-office & standard usage – If most of your work is in the office you need not default to a desktop computer. Particularly if your computer usage falls within normal processes. A laptop or even an all-in-one may be the best choice for you.
  • You may prefer the simplicity of the laptop. Set it on the desk, plug it in (or not), and you are ready! The same goes for the all-in-one. The only difference is that the keyboard is not built-in.
  • Or, your desk may be too small to squeeze a monitor and keyboard on it along with everything else. And where will you set the case? This same argument may apply to the all-in-one, or it may not. It will save space over a desktop computer but not over a laptop.
  • Even if your work is not mobile, you may want to take your work to the patio or elsewhere on occasion. This argument doesn’t work well for the all-in-one. It is not hard to move but will not fit on your lap. It will also need a power source which is not true of a laptop.
  • Screen size is a significant advantage for the all-in-one over the laptop. All-in-one computers come with up to 27-inch screens. Of course, this is no advantage over the desktop.
• Docking Station – A docking station can serve as an alternative to the all-in-one computer. It is a good solution for the person who prefers a laptop but also wants a larger screen. When in the office, connect your laptop to the docking station. The docking station will, in turn, connect the laptop to one or more screens of whatever size you want.
• In-office & more demanding usage – Does your work stay in the office and is your computer usage of a more challenging nature? If your work needs fit this description, I am not attempting to address your needs in this blog. The possibilities are too many and diverse. 

The Best of Two Worlds:

There is one last consideration in your choice of computer. This consideration has been on your mind throughout this blog if you are like me. Why not have the best of both worlds and choose a desktop AND a laptop? That is my choice. More than one-half of my work is at my desk, and I like a little more power and larger, dual screens. So I invest a little more in my desktop and not as much in a laptop. If less than one-half of my work was at the desk, I would invest more in the laptop than the desktop. Using two computers can also be a solution for the person who needs to be mobile while needing a more powerful computer for graphics work.

We independently select these products — if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

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