If you’re a power user — let’s say you need to manage large data sets remotely or your job demands a serious processing load for high-end graphics — then you want a notebook with muscle enough to stand up to the daily grind. Check out this setup and a few flash extra tech items that might come in handy as well.
1. Notebook: Packing power, features and an onboard NVIDIA graphics controller, this Lenovo W700 ThinkPad [1] comes in multiple configurations — sporting up to 8 gigabytes of RAM and even a solid-state drive if you want to pop for one. It’s no lightweight in capability or heft (weighing in at 8-plus pounds).
2. Port Replicator: A ThinkPad Advanced Mini-Dock [2] will let you plug in and get down to business without fussing with cables and peripheral inputs.
3. Notebook Stand: Although far from a necessity, the addition of a ThinkPad Adjustable Notebook Stand [3] will let you vary the level and angle of the W700’s 17-inch screen until you forget you’re working on a notebook PC. The stand can also come in handy if you use the notebook side by side with multiple external monitors (note that the dock clicks into the stand).
4. & 5. Keyboard and mouse: If you use a desktop replacement, don’t shortchange yourself on keyboard comfort when at an actual desk. The Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro keyboard and mouse bundle [4] are wireless so you can place them where it makes the most sense for you.
6. Card Scanner: Even in an e-gov world, the business card swap remains a constant. To convert cards to digital content and load their data to your contact manager (or export it to Excel), check out an IrisCard Mini 4 Scanner [5].
7. Flash Drive: Here’s something handy: The 4GB Lexar JumpDrive Secure II Plus [8] has an external gauge so you’ll know when you’re about to max out on secure stow-and-go capacity.
8. Surge Protector: An APC Back-UPS ES 750 [7] desktop unit will give you time to power down properly, plus its green master/control feature can automatically shut down idle peripherals.