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Working On The Go This Summer? As A Seasoned Remote Worker, Here's My Essential Kit List For Productive Working In The Most Awkward Of Locations

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We're well and truly into summer travel season, and if you're planning on integrating some remote working into your vacation, it's worth considering your setup. My own job is largely laptop-based, and over the years I've done a decent amount of working away from my office desk, whether at events or in order to keep things ticking over during time off. The biggest lesson I've learned is that a few well-chosen remote-working accessories can make a huge difference.

I rely on a laptop riser so that I'm not hunched over a table (my back will start hurting after around an hour, and it's all downhill from there). If my laptop is raised, I'll then add in a portable keyboard to make typing easier — my tip is to pick one with the same proportions as your regular keyboard, so your fingers know where to go — and a wireless mouse.

If I'm going to be in meetings, a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones is essential to keep things private and ensure I don't miss any info if the background noise is louder than I'd like. I also use them to help me focus in potentially distracting scenarios.

A recent addition to my own setup is a portable second monitor. It felt like a luxury when I bought it, but it's been worth every penny for me. I'm often hopping between different apps and referencing information from other sources, so having that extra screen real estate has been invaluable.

Below, I've rounded up my recommendations for an ideal remote-working setup, including premium options and budget-friendly alternatives. Not all jobs will require all this kit, so I'd recommend picking-and-mixing to suit your needs.

Remote working essentials

ASUS
ROG Harpe Ace Mini

Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Discreet aesthetic
  • Small, comfortable size

Cons

  • Small size isn’t for everyone
  • High price
  • Scroll wheel is a bit stiff

Logitech Pop mouse

Logitech
POP Mouse

Pros

  • Satisfying clicks
  • Good customizations
  • Easy three-way switching

Cons

  • No side buttons
  • No wired or 2.4GHz wireless
  • No rechargeable battery

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Pros

  • Fantastic, detailed sound with rich bass
  • Class-leading noise-stopping power
  • Comfortable and premium, with folding design
  • Great smart features

Cons

  • 24-hour battery life is weak
  • Some will prefer a more neutral sound
  • No USB-C audio input
  • No LE Audio support (but it's promised)

The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 over-ear noise-cancelling headphones

1More
SonoFlow Pro HQ51

Pros

  • Customizable, satisfying sound
  • Effective ANC
  • Fantastic battery life

Cons

  • App situation is a bit messy
  • Button controls appear a little cheap
  • Build feels slightly flimsy

Anker 737 PowerCore 24K power bank

Anker
737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)

Pros

  • A powerful 140W output
  • A screen that shows charge rates
  • Premium build quality

Cons

  • Chunky dimensions
  • Higher priced
  • No UPS mode

Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank with USB-C cable extended from the body and 100% showing on LED display

Anker
87W 20000mAh Power Bank

Pros

  • Large power output
  • Well-made
  • Integrated USB-C cable

Cons

  • Some rivals are smaller
  • Unnecessarily powerful for many
  • Display lacks detailed information

Ugreen Laptop Stand for Desk Adjustable, Macbook Stand

UGREEN
Foldable Laptop Stand

Amazon Basics Foldable Laptop Stand, 6-Angle Adjustable, Lightweight Portable Design, Recommended for Ergonomic Viewing, Fits 10 (25.4 Cm) - 15.6 Inches (39.6 Cm) Laptops, Silver

Amazon Basics
Foldable Laptop Stand (UK only)

Tonmom Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser, White

Tonmom
Foldable Laptop Stand (US only)

Logitech K780

Logitech
K780 keyboard

Logitech K380

Logitech
K380 pebble keys keyboard

Pros

  • Comfortable to type on
  • Thin and compact
  • Great, useful shortcuts
  • Arrow keys are great

Cons

  • Surprisingly cheap
  • Keys might be too small for some
  • Not rechargeable

Portable monitor

Arzopa
Z3FC portable monitor

Pros

  • Lightweight and thin for travel
  • High refresh rate for gaming
  • 2.5K resolution
  • Sleeve and braided cables included
  • Better speakers than you might think

Cons

  • No built-in battery
  • Can be clunky using the OSD
  • Runs warm after a while
  • Washed-out HDR on Switch 2

ASUS ZenScreen MB27ACF on a white background

ASUS
ZenScreen MB27ACF 27-inch portable monitor

Pros

  • Big screen
  • Portable
  • Thin
  • Ideal for collaboration
  • 2.5K resolution
  • 99% sRGB
  • Includes kickstand, hanging hooks, and monitor arm

Cons

  • Not everyone needs a 27in portable display
  • Average brightness
  • Not wide color gamut