Mini-speaker for a laptop

1. Mini-speaker for a laptop: Very handy when you’re trying to cull quotes from a video with less than optimal sound. The speaker can also be used with a Zoom or iPod, and the sound will amaze you. My speaker cost around $15 on sale at a major office-supply retailer. They come in all colors, shapes and sizes.

2. Stackable locker shelves: Adaptable to the small home office and a great place to put a calculator, paper clip holder and pencil sharpener. I freed up a good amount of space on my desk and even found room for a vase with a flower. These are very inexpensive.

3. Plug-and-play projector: A definite aid for any writer who needs to do presentations for a group. These projectors aren’t cheap, but being able to plug one right into your laptop and segue into your presentation makes it worth the cost.

4. Laptop cooling board: Very useful for older laptops that tend to run hotter than newer models. Some boards even have a cushion.

Laptop light

5. Laptop light: Small and snakelike, this is great for travel or using when you’re rooming with someone who’s sleeping and your night-owl creative urge kicks in. The lamp plugs right into your laptop.

6. Portable external hard drive: Can save you much pain if your computer crashes. This is also useful for storing old photo files that take up a lot of space on a hard drive. Prices for these have really decreased as more models have become available.

7. Bluetooth headset: You really need this if you travel or drive a lot and have to take calls.

8. Shredder: These come in numerous styles, sizes and prices. No office should be without one because it’s the only way to make sure no one gets that old bank statement or credit card you no longer use.

9. USB flash drive: Makes travel a snap and also offers a great way to store graphics or other files you want to keep as backup or verification. Prices for these have really come down, and you can even buy them shaped like cartoon characters. I seriously considered one that looked like Curious George because I thought it’d be easy to spot it in my work bag. I declined when I saw the look my writer friend gave me when I blurted out the benefits.

10. Automatic trash can: I’m serious. You can now find a lidded trash can with an automatic sensor; it runs on batteries. Essential? No, but it’s fun and allegedly germ free.