Digital nomadism has quickly evolved from being a trend to a transition, and has increasingly become a way of life for many professionals. Nowadays, professionals have the freedom to work from anywhere, from the tropics of Bali to co-working spaces in Lisbon, but they also have challenges, including inconsistent wi-fi connections, multiple places to work, and maintaining a charge to remain productive. Often, remote workers can experience challenges to productivity.
As the work-from-anywhere world continues to change, one way to overcome the challenges of working remotely is by having the right tools. Digital nomads not only want to look for places with good internet service, but also want to make sure that their device is, most importantly, charged up and ready to work at all times. A wireless fast charger and power bank are essential accessories for digital nomads to create an efficient mobile workspace and help them be as productive as possible.
1. Wireless Fast Charger: Save Cord Space, Keep Power Running!
Why You Need It
Cable management can become an overwhelming hassle in today’s modern world, but wireless fast chargers offer a simple yet elegant solution that makes workplace management simpler while keeping devices charged up. Digital nomads working remotely from cafes or airports will find these fast chargers particularly helpful, as they allow them to keep working uninterrupted while their devices stay charged. Simply placing their phones on charging pads can increase productivity by freeing them up for work rather than cable management issues.
Purchase Smart:
- Power Is Important: It’s crucial to understand the charging speed when selecting a wireless charger. A 15W charger is better for your device than a 5W charger. Check to make sure your device supports some standard of “fast charging” protocols like Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC) so you can get the most power from your device.
- Qi Compatibility Is Key: Most smartphones these days don’t work with standards outside of Qi. If you have an Apple, Samsung, or Xiaomi brand smartphone, for example, you can be sure a wireless charger that is Qi compliant will work with it. If both your charger and device support a fast charging protocol, you will get faster charge times; otherwise, you will be wasting your time.
- Portability & Design: As a wireless charger is an accessory for your smartphones, look for chargers that are slim, lightweight, and portable, including those with foldable plugs or built-in cables for portability. Many chargers are designed with a nonslip material to keep them in place in busy or moving environments, which is ideal for digital nomads on the go.
- Beware of Heat: Wireless charging can create some heat and can consequently impact charging speeds and battery life. Many manufacturers will recommend chargers with adequate heat dissipation features, like fans or heat sinks, to protect devices while maintaining charge speed.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of your charging surfaces to maximize charging efficiency while minimizing your risk of inefficient charging, slow charging, or interruptions. Aligning devices properly can be beneficial for charge efficiency, and proper placement reduces your risk!
2. Power Bank: Rely On Us for Backup When Outlets Disappear
Wired Vs Wireless: Freedom Choice
When it comes to keeping devices charged on the go, power banks are an indispensable must for digital nomads who travel or work in remote areas without access to power outlets. Portable chargers such as wireless power banks are great way to stay productive while on the road; there are two primary types of power banks: wired and wireless – wired power banks tend to offer faster charging, with multiple charging ports; while wireless power banks provide convenience and ease while working, making them great for quick phone top-ups while working or traveling.
Consider what type of device charges your power bank can support instead of solely its mAh rating when making your decision. Here is a handy guide:
- Light Duty (5,000- 10,000mAh): Perfect for quick phone charges or powering earbuds
- Day Tripper (10,000-20 mAh): Delivers multiple phone charges while also charging tablets or wireless earbuds.
- Power User/Weekender (20000mAh+): Perfect for multiple full device charges or laptop power (with high PD support).
- Select a power bank with 1.5 to 2 times more capacity than your device(s), to account for conversion losses and ensure you always have enough juice when needed.
Key Features for Nomads
- Output Power Is King: For digital nomads, fast charging is of utmost importance. A power bank that supports Power Delivery or Quick Charge technology with an output of at least 65W should allow for swift laptop or multiple device charging.
- Ports, Ports, Ports: More output ports are always better! For optimal charging results, at least 2 USB-A ports and one USB-C (input/output) port should be present to charge multiple devices at the same time, including your phone, tablet, and even laptop simultaneously.
- Ultimate Portability: For ultimate portability, polymer battery cells offer lightweight yet safe power source solutions. Select a power bank with a flat design for easier packing and transportability.
- Additional bonuses: Solar charging (limited practicality but useful emergency feature), digital display panel, as well as sturdy casing, can add value.
Pro Tip: For optimal battery performance, ensure your power bank is charged between 30-80% often to prolong battery life and match its charging protocols with those of any devices you charge with it.
3. Portable Mouse: Convenience in Your Back Pocket
Why Ditch the Trackpad?
While trackpads may get the job done, they are not always the ideal solution when working on precise tasks like documents, spreadsheets, or design projects. A portable mouse offers superior productivity by offering precise control while simultaneously relieving hand fatigue. For digital nomads, this solution could prove especially helpful as it doesn’t take up as much space in their bag or suitcase.
Nomad Essentials
- Design: When searching for ultra-thin or foldable designs that easily fit in your bag, look for ultra-slim or foldable models.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth mice save USB ports while being compatible with multiple systems, making them ideal for use across a range of devices.
- Battery Life: For maximum productivity, ensure your mouse has a long-life battery. A rechargeable option should last months before needing replacing or charging again.
4. Foldable/Rollable Keyboard: Complete Your Full-Size Desk Anytime and Anywhere
Beyond On-Screen Hassle, Mobile device users may feel constrained when typing on an on-screen keyboard. A foldable keyboard offers the full-sized experience of typing on a traditional keyboard while being easily portable.
Foldable keyboards offer an enjoyable typing experience when used for email and document writing, including emailing and document writing. Look for waterproof or splash-proof designs for increased durability when traveling.
5. Portable Monitor: Expand Your Screen and Increase Productivity
Portable monitors are game-changers for digital nomads. By turning any space into a dual-screen workstation, portable monitors provide digital nomads with the flexibility of working on multiple projects simultaneously and increasing productivity.
Key Considerations
- Size & Weight: For those on the go, 13-16-inch monitors offer the ideal combination of portability and screen space.
- Connectivity: USB-C is the preferred cable type to provide seamless power and video transfer via a single cable.
- Resolution and Brightness: For optimal clarity in varied lighting environments, aim for at least 1080p resolution with 300 nits brightness in your monitor selection.
6. ANC Headphones: Silence the Chaos, Focus Your Mind
Your Concentration Shield
Your Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones are essential to maintaining focus when working in noisy environments, such as an airplane cabin or a cafe with multiple people talking at once. By blocking out unwanted noise and providing protection from distraction, ANC headphones allow you to complete your tasks more efficiently without becoming disoriented by outside sounds.
Beyond Noise Cancelling
Comfort is key when listening for extended sessions, so when looking for headphones with foldable designs, it is essential that they provide excellent call quality and battery life, as this will make them useful tools both at work and leisure.
7. Portable Laptop/Tablet Stand: Ergonomics on the Go
Posture Is Productivity
Spending long hours hunched over your device can lead to discomfort and decreased efficiency, but portable laptop stands can provide relief by elevating the screen closer to eye level, relieving neck strain and improving posture, creating an affordable solution that promotes both comfort and productivity.
Key features:
- Lightweight and Stable: When selecting a stand, look for one that is lightweight yet provides stability to prevent wobbling during use.
- Adjustable Heights and Angles: Make sure it has adjustable settings to maintain an ergonomic eye level, minimizing neck and eye strain.
- Device Compatibility: Your product should work on different devices, including tablets and laptops.
- Setup and Storage Ease: Search for stands that are quick and effortless to assemble, as well as simple storage when not needed.
- Durable Materials: Aluminum stands are ideal for their strength and their heat dissipating abilities, keeping devices cool.
Conclusion: Create Your Ultimate Nomad Arsenal
By investing in accessories like wireless fast chargers and power banks, digital nomads can overcome common challenges faced in working remotely, such as staying connected and staying energized on the move. Not only do these accessories enhance efficiency, but they can also add comfort during long workdays. The strategic use of these tools allows remote workers to create an optimal workspace wherever they may be located for productive and focused work sessions. Investing in such gear shouldn’t just be seen as an unnecessary luxury, but rather as an essential investment by anyone taking remote work seriously.