T101.3b - Computer Peripherals, Acc. and Routers |
The sections below identify relevant topics and products I use or have used for decades to gain digital efficiency. Many of these are like paint brushes to a painter or tools to a mechanic.
As you will see below, all of this added to tech trauma and tech stress. Adopting a more cloud based orientation dramatically decreases the stress.
The sections below include:
As you will see below, all of this added to tech trauma and tech stress. Adopting a more cloud based orientation dramatically decreases the stress.
The sections below include:
- Monitors
- Monitor Cabling
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Mouse Pad
- Printer/Copier
- Scanner
- Wireless Router
1) Monitors
A computer with less than 2 monitors is barely a computer. The video cards in laptops all support two monitors by default. That was a suggestion not just a feature!
I prefer smaller monitors and the use of multiple monitors. The larger the monitors, the less you can use. I also don't need anything that has a resolution higher than what I use on my laptop. The 4:3 viewing ratio was replaced by 10:4 around 2008, so that is no longer an issue. The prior was in fact better for multiple monitors. Keeping your focal length about the same when using multiple monitors decreases eye strain. A monitor with a tilt is good, and one that tilts and pivots is better but more costly,. As long as they tilt, that works for me.
I prefer smaller monitors and the use of multiple monitors. The larger the monitors, the less you can use. I also don't need anything that has a resolution higher than what I use on my laptop. The 4:3 viewing ratio was replaced by 10:4 around 2008, so that is no longer an issue. The prior was in fact better for multiple monitors. Keeping your focal length about the same when using multiple monitors decreases eye strain. A monitor with a tilt is good, and one that tilts and pivots is better but more costly,. As long as they tilt, that works for me.
- 18" Monitor -- They make them, but max res is often limited to 1366x768
- 20" Monitor -- Ideal for three across (1600x900 resolution is pretty typical)
- 21.5" Monitor -- Ideal for two side by side. A little large for three across (IMO).
Monitor #2
21.5" Monitor -- Asus VS228H-P 21.5 -- $110 -- at amazon
Amazon sells 2 monitors with an octopus type arm system for $400 at the same link.. I've built my own, modular monitor stands for cheap. The look nice. A slight industrial look. Will feature those somewhere else.
21.5" Monitor -- Asus VS228H-P 21.5 -- $110 -- at amazon
Amazon sells 2 monitors with an octopus type arm system for $400 at the same link.. I've built my own, modular monitor stands for cheap. The look nice. A slight industrial look. Will feature those somewhere else.
2) Monitor Cabling
Likely the most confusing of all consumer cabling systems. Photos of all of these are below the intro descriptions...
Monitor Cabling #4 - HDMI to VGA adapter at Amazon for $10 - at amazon
This is used on PCs and Chromebooks. Macs require the Mini Display port to VGA below... (for monopolistic reasons).
This is used on PCs and Chromebooks. Macs require the Mini Display port to VGA below... (for monopolistic reasons).
Monitor Cabling #5a - Mini-Display Port / Thunderbolt Port (Apple) to VGA (preferred solution as compared to DVI version below) adapter at Amazon for $8 -- at amazon
If you don't buy the 3:1 above for a Mac, you will want to buy something like this. While Macs have an HDMI port that you would think you can use instead of the Mini Display port, the HDMI to VGA adapters (as shown in the next section) do not typically work because Mac does not energize one of the power pins -- by behaving this way, you are required to buy this Mac specific product (see how this works?)
If you don't buy the 3:1 above for a Mac, you will want to buy something like this. While Macs have an HDMI port that you would think you can use instead of the Mini Display port, the HDMI to VGA adapters (as shown in the next section) do not typically work because Mac does not energize one of the power pins -- by behaving this way, you are required to buy this Mac specific product (see how this works?)
Monitor Cabling #5b - Mini-Display Port / Thunderbolt Port (Apple) to DVI (avoid if possible due to DVI confusion)
The Mini-Display Port (aka Thunderbolt Port on Apple products) is a small profile video out connector patented by Apple, found on their laptops. Since there is no such port on any Monitors, it is always part of an adapter. The image at right shows a 3:1 adapter -- at Amazon
NOTE: For MAC laptops, you should always plan on using the Mini-Display Port to VGA converters. The Mini-Display Port to DVI does not seem to work consistently with most monitors, likewise, the HDMI to VGA adapters also don't work for macs...
The Mini-Display Port (aka Thunderbolt Port on Apple products) is a small profile video out connector patented by Apple, found on their laptops. Since there is no such port on any Monitors, it is always part of an adapter. The image at right shows a 3:1 adapter -- at Amazon
NOTE: For MAC laptops, you should always plan on using the Mini-Display Port to VGA converters. The Mini-Display Port to DVI does not seem to work consistently with most monitors, likewise, the HDMI to VGA adapters also don't work for macs...
CLOSING COMMENTS ON CABLING..
Mini-Display Port/Thunderbolt -- Most commonly found on Mac laptops. The preferred method of connecting an external monitor to a Mac Laptop. !! IMPORTANT!! You will likely need a MiniDisplay Port to VGA adapter. (Possibly a MiniDisplay to DVI, but choose VGA for less headaches if monitor accepts VGA) . HDMI ports on Macs don't have the power pin energized. This enables the sale of their proprietary cabling for millions a year.
HDMI -- Primarily for connecting a computer to a TV versus a computer to a computer monitor. If you try to use an HDMI connector from a Mac to a monitor that supports HDMI, it likely will not work as the Mac doesn't have the power to drive the connection (for some reason). You will need to use the VGA/DVI port on the monitor.
VGA to DVI adapters -- Not as straight forward as one might thing as the DVI pin connections must always be correct for both ends of the DVI cable.
VGA to HDMI -- Not sure if they work
HDMI to VGA -- Ideally used for Mac laptops, but they don't work for Mac Laptops.
MiniDisplay Port/Thunderbolt to VGA -- The simplest, most guaranteed way to connect a Mac laptop to an external monitor.
Mini-Display Port/Thunderbolt -- Most commonly found on Mac laptops. The preferred method of connecting an external monitor to a Mac Laptop. !! IMPORTANT!! You will likely need a MiniDisplay Port to VGA adapter. (Possibly a MiniDisplay to DVI, but choose VGA for less headaches if monitor accepts VGA) . HDMI ports on Macs don't have the power pin energized. This enables the sale of their proprietary cabling for millions a year.
HDMI -- Primarily for connecting a computer to a TV versus a computer to a computer monitor. If you try to use an HDMI connector from a Mac to a monitor that supports HDMI, it likely will not work as the Mac doesn't have the power to drive the connection (for some reason). You will need to use the VGA/DVI port on the monitor.
VGA to DVI adapters -- Not as straight forward as one might thing as the DVI pin connections must always be correct for both ends of the DVI cable.
VGA to HDMI -- Not sure if they work
HDMI to VGA -- Ideally used for Mac laptops, but they don't work for Mac Laptops.
MiniDisplay Port/Thunderbolt to VGA -- The simplest, most guaranteed way to connect a Mac laptop to an external monitor.
3) Keyboard
As indicated, I use a laptop, typically with the base keyboard. While the wireless items are great, I find the hassle of plugging in and charging to be a nuisance. If it was up to me, we just have wired keyboards and mice.
Keyboard #1 - Mini Keyboard
I own this mini-keyboard. It' handy as a programmer who works on a laptop as it feels like a laptop and the motion to get to the mouse can be very short since there is no number pad. -- $20 at amazon
(note there is a slightly cheaper one, but it does not have the same keys). The one I own actually doesn't have the usb ports built in.
I own this mini-keyboard. It' handy as a programmer who works on a laptop as it feels like a laptop and the motion to get to the mouse can be very short since there is no number pad. -- $20 at amazon
(note there is a slightly cheaper one, but it does not have the same keys). The one I own actually doesn't have the usb ports built in.
Keyboard #2 - Wired External Keyboard w/ keypad
Logitech K120
Inexpensive and Functional -- $12 at amazon
I prefer those without keypads, but this is a great inexpensive keyboard for a spare or a work environment.
Logitech K120
Inexpensive and Functional -- $12 at amazon
I prefer those without keypads, but this is a great inexpensive keyboard for a spare or a work environment.
Keyboard #3 - Wired External Keyboard w/o keypad
I have a few of these Red Dragon keyboards and like them a lot. They are gaming keyboards but work well for my general use and programming needs too. They are relatively inexpensive. They have some with no back-light that are a little less expensive. In the $30 range My second choice in keyboards.
I have a few of these Red Dragon keyboards and like them a lot. They are gaming keyboards but work well for my general use and programming needs too. They are relatively inexpensive. They have some with no back-light that are a little less expensive. In the $30 range My second choice in keyboards.
Keyboard #4 - Wireless External Keyboard w/o keypad
Microsoft wireless ergonomic keyboard. I have one of these and have grown to really like it. Took a few days or a week to get use to the split keyboard. I don't use the separate keypad. $60 range. My first choice in keyboards.
Microsoft wireless ergonomic keyboard. I have one of these and have grown to really like it. Took a few days or a week to get use to the split keyboard. I don't use the separate keypad. $60 range. My first choice in keyboards.
4) Mouse
A computer is barely a computer without an external mouse (IMO). Touchpads were meant for confined use situations like airplanes, not production and primary use environments (IMO). They simply aren't as quick and efficient in production use and require a lot more fancy mental jumping jacks, especially in things like spreadsheets.
A two button mouse with a scroll wheel is critical for efficient use of a computer. The addition of a button that can be assigned to a back command is also highly recommended. The MAC mice are pretty, but not functional for major commercial use.
A two button mouse with a scroll wheel is critical for efficient use of a computer. The addition of a button that can be assigned to a back command is also highly recommended. The MAC mice are pretty, but not functional for major commercial use.
Mouse #0
Kensington Pro Fit Full-Size Mouse
Wired
The ergonomics on this low cost mouse are great. It's over-sized. My favorite low cost mouse and arguably my favorite mouse, even over the expensive Logitech MX at this point.
Kensington Pro Fit Full-Size Mouse
Wired
The ergonomics on this low cost mouse are great. It's over-sized. My favorite low cost mouse and arguably my favorite mouse, even over the expensive Logitech MX at this point.
Mouse #1
Logitech Performance MX Mouse -- rechargable -- $60 -- my favoriate -- at amazon
The ergonomics on this one are the best for my hand.
Logitech Performance MX Mouse -- rechargable -- $60 -- my favoriate -- at amazon
The ergonomics on this one are the best for my hand.
Mouse #2
Logitech m705 -- $34 (buy used for $20) -- 3 year battery -- thumb back -- recommended low cost solution - at amazon
Logitech m510 $25 high thumb buttons (less desirable)
Logitech m500 - less desirable
Logitech m705 -- $34 (buy used for $20) -- 3 year battery -- thumb back -- recommended low cost solution - at amazon
Logitech m510 $25 high thumb buttons (less desirable)
Logitech m500 - less desirable
Mouse #3
3 button usb wired mouse -- AmazonBasics or Belkin -- $7
(or comparable)
3 button usb wired mouse -- AmazonBasics or Belkin -- $7
(or comparable)
Mouse #4
The Logitech Wired Mouseman was the best mouse every made. They discontinued it because no one would have bought anything else and they could not have sold the wireless products at a premium.
It was soooo good, used ones on ebay go for $120. (when they were $20 new..). This is a classic example of "product suppression for profit".
The Logitech Wired Mouseman was the best mouse every made. They discontinued it because no one would have bought anything else and they could not have sold the wireless products at a premium.
It was soooo good, used ones on ebay go for $120. (when they were $20 new..). This is a classic example of "product suppression for profit".
5) Mouse Pad
Mouse Pad -- a $5 item. Should it really be listed separate? Based on my experience in offices, yeah... you'd be shocked at how many times people don't have mouse-pads for all their mice and they don't have a mousepad in their travel bag!!
I personally have modified a mouse pad so it fits perfectly between 1) my computer 2)my monitor base and 3) Frankies feet (as you can see there is a very narrow alley for my arm to rest).
Some people really like the ones with a gel bubble edge. I've tried them and the idea is nice, but have not found them to work for me in full time use. The force a single position as opposed to allowing me to flow around.
I personally have modified a mouse pad so it fits perfectly between 1) my computer 2)my monitor base and 3) Frankies feet (as you can see there is a very narrow alley for my arm to rest).
Some people really like the ones with a gel bubble edge. I've tried them and the idea is nice, but have not found them to work for me in full time use. The force a single position as opposed to allowing me to flow around.
6) Printer / Copier
Small Printers for consumer and small office use are potentially one of the most frustrating devices of all peripherals. We are 25 years into the digital age and you won't find a printer with a 5 star rating on Amazon. That is no accident. We supposedly put men on the moon 50 years prior ( before computers could talk to each other?) -- We have self driving cars, but no one can make a stable home/ home-office / small-office printer? That's no accident. Xerox just loves to get monthly contracts for printers for small and mid size offices. That market doesn't exist if there are good consumer models.
Your options include:
Your options include:
- Black and White or Color laser printers and color ink jet printers
- Printer only or multi-function device
- Wired, Wireless or Network printer
- Brother and HP use to be market leaders in the 90's. I was an HP fan until they started packaging all kinds of bloat ware with their software. I've owned HP, Brother, Lexmark and several others. It's really pot luck. I'd suggest buying a printer that has been around a little while so if it has bugs, others have had the opportunity to be the guinea pig.
- Finding one that has wireless printing that works without burps and hiccups is the secret, and it isn't always easy to find that. If you don't need to use wireless printing, avoid it like the plague and your life will be simpler.
- Finding good reviews for multi-function printers are darn near impossible, because with so many functions, some one always complains about something.
- If printing is critical to office function, it is advised to have 2 printers setup or a backup in waiting.
Printer # 1 -- HP 8600 series / 8700 series
I've recently worked in a small office that has two HP 8610 printers/copiers setup . They have performed amazingly well. Their wireless functionality sees lags sometimes when you hit print, other times it does not.
$130 -- at amazon
I've recently worked in a small office that has two HP 8610 printers/copiers setup . They have performed amazingly well. Their wireless functionality sees lags sometimes when you hit print, other times it does not.
$130 -- at amazon
Printer # 2 -- Color Laserjet
If you are willing to spend $300-400 I really like the color lasers. I believe the printing costs are lower on those and the support for many is actually okay. Toners are pricy of course, and if you get a bad one or something doesn't go well with one, there's a lot more lost than with ink jets. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing many on amazon with more than 50-60% 5 star reviews. The Canon seems to have the best right now (7/14/2019)
If you are willing to spend $300-400 I really like the color lasers. I believe the printing costs are lower on those and the support for many is actually okay. Toners are pricy of course, and if you get a bad one or something doesn't go well with one, there's a lot more lost than with ink jets. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing many on amazon with more than 50-60% 5 star reviews. The Canon seems to have the best right now (7/14/2019)
== Multiple Printers ==
If you work in an environment where printing is critical, get two identical printers and put them online next to each other. You want identical printers so you can keep one set of spare ink on hand and you only have one learning curve for setup and maintenance.
If you work in an environment where printing is critical, get two identical printers and put them online next to each other. You want identical printers so you can keep one set of spare ink on hand and you only have one learning curve for setup and maintenance.
7) Scanner
Trying to run a modern day small business without a nice scanner is nearly impossible IMO AND you are going to need a Mac or a PC to setup and run the better scanners. There is no scanner yet that you can plug in and remotely program (like with phone app) to scan directly to cloud. Trying to use the scanner on multi-function printers is often times very trying, time consuming and frustrating. As soon as you have the money to do so, invest in a scanner. If you had a telephone line for a fax, you will make up the savings by eliminated that phone line (and converting to a fax server for your fax needs).
Fujitsu has been the market leader in scanners for decades. I have had a few longevity issues with mine, and the support was very quick and very good.
Fujitsu has been the market leader in scanners for decades. I have had a few longevity issues with mine, and the support was very quick and very good.
Scanner #1 -- Fujitsu Scan-snap
If you aren't familiar with these, as soon as you become familiar, you will likely start to see them at almost all higher production office work stations (most typically you will see them all over the health care work environments).
The current model is iX500. I would not suggest going wireless with this unless you have to (I just don't go wireless with anything when I don't have to). Update 12/19/2017 - we are testing the wireless functionality and we had some burps wireless is not a valid option on this for production use IMO. Can't manage all the settings and there were scanning page limits (believe it or not).
The software on this has all the bells and whistled, but it's old and obviously the developers are gone. There are some not so great messages put in by folks who were probably not english as a first language, and they've never been fixed.
This device is typically around $425.
7/14/2019 -- it looks like there is a new version, ix500 and here's a video. It looks like you still need a PC/Mac to setup the scanner . It looks like it got a full software makeover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqM_Kmf0FUc
If you aren't familiar with these, as soon as you become familiar, you will likely start to see them at almost all higher production office work stations (most typically you will see them all over the health care work environments).
The current model is iX500. I would not suggest going wireless with this unless you have to (I just don't go wireless with anything when I don't have to). Update 12/19/2017 - we are testing the wireless functionality and we had some burps wireless is not a valid option on this for production use IMO. Can't manage all the settings and there were scanning page limits (believe it or not).
The software on this has all the bells and whistled, but it's old and obviously the developers are gone. There are some not so great messages put in by folks who were probably not english as a first language, and they've never been fixed.
This device is typically around $425.
7/14/2019 -- it looks like there is a new version, ix500 and here's a video. It looks like you still need a PC/Mac to setup the scanner . It looks like it got a full software makeover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqM_Kmf0FUc
Scanner #1a -- Brother
Brother makes a scanner comparable to the Scan Snap. I've never used it. Would be curious if anyone has used both if they could compare them.
Brother makes a scanner comparable to the Scan Snap. I've never used it. Would be curious if anyone has used both if they could compare them.
Scanner #2 -- Iphone App
For very scanning documents without dozens of pages, there are some really easy and good Iphone apps that make life a breeze. These should not be overlooked for someone who does very intermittent scanning. The apps are free to under $10 and you own them for life?!
I own JotNot Pro. -- $5
A scanner app for a mobile device is one of the best small investments a small business person can make....
For very scanning documents without dozens of pages, there are some really easy and good Iphone apps that make life a breeze. These should not be overlooked for someone who does very intermittent scanning. The apps are free to under $10 and you own them for life?!
I own JotNot Pro. -- $5
A scanner app for a mobile device is one of the best small investments a small business person can make....
8) Wireless Router
When working they work great. When not, can be frustrating as heck.
In general, these things got great in the late 2000's. A $20-$30 device was (and still is for most) all that is needed. There is a lot of marketing futzing in retal these days because most are only carrying $100-200 routers, and if you didn't know any better you might think that was all needed when it's not remotely needed.
Many commercial internet service providers (AT&T and Comcast) provide a Modem/Router combo with the password on the side of the router. Likely some of the easiest and most stable devices.
In general, these things got great in the late 2000's. A $20-$30 device was (and still is for most) all that is needed. There is a lot of marketing futzing in retal these days because most are only carrying $100-200 routers, and if you didn't know any better you might think that was all needed when it's not remotely needed.
Many commercial internet service providers (AT&T and Comcast) provide a Modem/Router combo with the password on the side of the router. Likely some of the easiest and most stable devices.
Wireless Router #1 - Removable Antennas
I've owned Netgear, Linksys, Belkin and others. I generally use with basic settings and dhcp. In early 2000s I used vpn functionality some along with more complex routing and filtering but not much since then.
I was turned on to TP Link devices when we had the need for a directional antennae. They have worked well and the added benefit of a adding a directional antennae is huge. You have to buy the slightly more expensive version to get the one where the straight antennas screw off so you can add the directional antenna. (shown below)
This device has numerous upgraded features making it good for places like restaurant/bar locations.
TP Link TL-WR841-ND -- $37 -- at amazon
I've owned Netgear, Linksys, Belkin and others. I generally use with basic settings and dhcp. In early 2000s I used vpn functionality some along with more complex routing and filtering but not much since then.
I was turned on to TP Link devices when we had the need for a directional antennae. They have worked well and the added benefit of a adding a directional antennae is huge. You have to buy the slightly more expensive version to get the one where the straight antennas screw off so you can add the directional antenna. (shown below)
This device has numerous upgraded features making it good for places like restaurant/bar locations.
TP Link TL-WR841-ND -- $37 -- at amazon
Wireless Router #2 -- Directional Antenna
This was the only lowcost brand I found with simple directional antenna solutions
This was the only lowcost brand I found with simple directional antenna solutions