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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What Is A Pad Printer And How Can It Help Your Home Business?

• Introduction
• What Is Pad Printing?
• Basics of Pad Printing
  • How does a pad printer work?
• Cost of getting started
  • Print Projects within your business
  • Pad Printer Business
• Ideas For Identifying Business Clients
  • Individual Customers
  • Business Clients
• Conclusion

Introduction

What Is A Pad Printer? If your business transfers two-dimensional images onto three-dimensional objects, that question could interest you. Your quality might be lacking if you use screen printing or another technique rather than pad printing. The pad printer is made specifically for this print job.

But you may also be looking for a way to take your home business to the next level. Pad printing can benefit your existing business but can also be an avenue for diversifying your business or starting a new one.

What Is Pad Printing?

Pad printing is an indirect offset where ink from a laser engraved plate is transferred onto a 3-D object using a silicon pad. Thanks to pad printing, a process once difficult or impossible to complete is now available for customization. With the pad printer, it is possible to print on such materials as:

• Aluminum
• Cellulose acetate
• Ceramics
• Chromium-plated surfaces
• Coated surfaces
• Cotton
• Duroplastics (phenolic and melamine resins, glass-fiber reinforced polyester, and epoxy resins)
• Glass
• Gold-plated surfaces 
• Leather
• Metals
• Nickel-plated surfaces
• Paper
• Plasticized PVC
• Polyester (PES)
• Rubber
• Silicone rubber
• Synthetic leather
• Wood
• and many more

By broadening the types of materials you can print on, you also enlarge the number of doors opening for starting a new business or expanding an already current one. With being able to print on any of the following surfaces, your printing ventures could include:

• 1. Custom coasters
• 2. Ceramics such as mugs, plates, and bowls.
• 2. T-shirts
• 3. Golf balls
• 4. Keychains
• 5. Magnets
• 6. Notepads
• 7. Pens
• 8. Mousepads
• 9. Stickers
• 10. Glassware Decoration
• 11. Metal Signage
• 12. Promotional Items such as pens and buttons
• 13. Product Labeling
• 14. Barcodes

This list is not exhaustive, but it should pique your thinking about the limitless options. These choices might be made available as promotional goods for your company or to sell, or you may contract with other firms to print on products they create or market.

Basics of Pad Printing

How does a pad printer work? 

Three components are necessary for a pad printing machine to deliver a print to an object: the plate, the ink cup, and the pad.

The Plate: The printing plate holds the image you want to engrave on the object. Common ones are plastic – thin metal plates covered using photosensitive plastics. They are known for their flexibility, cheapness, and easy printing. Another type is the steel plate, known for toughness and durability and better suited for large production runs.

The Pad: The mechanism that transfers ink in a pad printing machine is called the printing pad. With the image on the pad, the pad stamps it onto the object.

Pads are silicone, with the type and hardness depending on their purpose. Pads also come in diverse shapes and sizes, determined by the application and artwork.

The Ink Cup: An ink cup is a mechanism that contains the ink printed on a component. The ink cup travels over a plate containing the etch and then returns, leaving only a tiny amount of ink in the etched region.

The ring and cup are the two essential parts of an ink cup. The plate has a ring that slides over the cup to limit ink to locations on the plate consistent with the image. Some manufacturers use ceramic, metal, and plastic rings in their products.

For more details, go to: 

• Step by Step Guide:  https://www.printinginternational.com/story-printing-international/what-is-pad-printing/
• Training & Expert Advice: https://itwtranstech.com/services/training/

Cost of getting started

Suppose you’re wondering how much it costs to begin pad printing. In that case, the answer is relative to whether you plan on utilizing it for existing business ventures or starting an independent pad-printing-based business.

Print Projects within your business

With an established business, you may wish to print your company name or logo on goods as a marketing technique. For example, publishing your firm’s name and logo on coffee mugs as a giveaway is an option. You may rent a little pad printer for $310 from here. A printer with this price range would come with supplies such as ink, paper, and plates, but not necessarily the printer itself.

Pad Printer Business

There are a variety of print projects that a company may undertake. Therefore, the cost depends on the nature of the job. Other factors contributing to the cost are the size and quantity of the product to be imprinted. To give an example, I’ll utilize one case study; you may tailor it to your needs.

This example will use mugs as the product of choice using the Printa Systems ready-made printing system.

The Printa System provides you with the high-quality equipment needed to run your business and the expert training necessary for success. With this particular plan, you are leasing to buy the 990 Series Silver Pad Printer System. The cost of the machine is $3995, with shipping totaling an extra $110—making the total $4105. Your contract stipulates that you pay out this lease at a manageable monthly rate of $138.75 for 48 months. At the end of this period, you will own the equipment.

It is wise to keep it simple and start with a niche market such as mugs. But the equipment you purchase will enable you to branch out and print many other things like water bottles, pens, glasses, cups, and golf balls. You won’t need to purchase any extra machinery.

In addition to the equipment, you will also receive training on how to use it. The session covers setup, preparation, artwork, printing, and more topics. This way, even if you have never worked with a printer, you can get started without trouble.

Go to this link to explore the information further.

Other Ideas: This is only one way to secure the printing equipment. However, this example may serve as a guide for the cost and capacity of a pad printery. Furthermore, this method allows you to start without making a significant financial investment.

Go to https://www.printa.com/business-resources/how-to-start-a-mug-printing-business for more information about the printa system.

Ideas For Identifying Business Clients

After you’ve decided to start your own pad printing company and have acquired your equipment, you will now need print jobs. Enlisting jobs may be the most challenging part of launching a print shop business for you. Where can you locate customers, and how will you entice them?

Individual Customers

If you operate a home-based business, realize that foot traffic will not contribute to your success as it would for a store-front operation. Your primary customers deliberately seek out your products or services online or through word of mouth.

Any mode of advertisement or promotion (aside from a street-level sighting) places you on equal footing with the store-front business owner. Those ads can easily direct customers to your website, make a phone call, or send an email inquiry.

Business Clients

You’re not limited to only finding individuals as customers; business clients are another great option. If you pad print any products, find businesses that make and sell those same items so they can use your service for imprinting purposes.

Teaming up with this type of business can make sense financially because you would print more items and get stable work. In other words, having just a few contracts like this could be all your company needs to do well. Once established, you can increase your production with more of the same printing or start imprinting onto different products–or both! This way, your printing volume will go up, along with how much money you’re making.

Here are some reasons why choosing a B2B approach to identifying print jobs might be wise. These ideas come from the article, “Why B2B is a Better Choice for a Print Shop Franchise,” published by Signarama Franchise.

Conclusion

To summarize, pad printers can be highly beneficial to home business owners:

Business projects can help you create professional-looking marketing materials and personalized gifts and save money on commercial printing services.

Start a new business: Starting a pad printing business can be a great way to earn extra income from home. Anyone can get started in this rewarding field with a small investment in equipment and supplies! 

Please share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below. What would you like me to write about? Contact me at: wayne@digitalchowder.com

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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