Comfortable chairs

Take care of your back!

A comfortable office chair is essential for programmers who spend long hours sitting at their computers. The ideal chair should provide back, neck and lumbar support, with adjustable height and back inclination. Adjustable armrests can also be beneficial. When it comes to materials, preferences vary between leather and breathable fabric. It's recommended to avoid inexpensive "director's chairs" that may look good but lack proper ergonomics. Instead, a simple fabric-covered ergonomic chair that maintains a natural back position is preferable.

Gaming Chairs

USB hub

With the increasing use of USB C for charging in laptops, the number of available USB ports has become a major concern. As a result, the USB hub industry has rapidly evolved to offer stylish and multifunctional gadgets that go beyond basic plastic boxes. These modern hubs come with built-in card readers, HDMI ports, direct LAN connection and other useful features. When choosing a hub, it's important to consider the number and type of USB ports it offers. Cheaper hubs often use outdated first-generation interfaces, which may be suitable for basic peripherals like flash drives, mice, or keyboards, but not for demanding devices like external SSDs or monitors.

Widescreen monitor

When it comes to monitors and chairs, it's important for programmers not to skimp on quality since these items are used frequently and for long periods. Many programmers used to rely on bundles of two 24 or 27-inch screens, but recently, there has been a shift towards recommending massive widescreen 2K/4K IPS-based monitors. These monitors allow for split-screen mode, enabling programmers to keep important information in view simultaneously. Unlike TN screens, IPS displays offer stable picture quality even when viewed from different angles, ensuring readability. Additionally, the increased resolution prevents pixelation issues. Ideally, the monitor should have a stand that can rotate 90 degrees (portrait mode) and support PBP mode. Features like Flicker-Free technology and other eye strain reduction technologies are highly desirable. Ultimately, personal preference plays a role in selecting the right monitor.

Widescreen Monitors

Laptop stand

Laptop users should consider investing in a comfortable laptop stand for an improved working experience. A high-quality stand allows for optimal positioning of the laptop keyboard, providing a comfortable tilt for the hands. While the market is filled with simple plastic stands designed for gaming laptops, it's advisable to choose a reliable metal model like the Hoco PH52 Plus or BASEUS Laptop Stand. These stands offer adjustable height options and are built to last even after years of active use, unlike their plastic counterparts.

Keyboard

It's a pleasure to work on high-quality mechanical keyboard.

Choosing the right keyboard for coding is a matter of personal preference and comfort. Some individuals prefer ergonomic asymmetrical membrane keyboards with low key travel, such as the Logitech Ergo K860, while others lean towards mechanical keyboards with distinct clicks. The key factors to consider are comfort, minimal fatigue during long working hours, low noise level, and reliability to avoid frequent replacements and readjustments. In our opinion, the ideal keyboard option would be a wired model with a palm rest, subtle backlighting for working in low-light environments, and moderately quiet mechanical switches that can be easily serviced and replaced. Examples of keyboards that meet these criteria include the Logitech G815 or the SteelSeries Apex 5.

By the way, quite recently we published materials with tips on how to choose a keyboard in general, and how to choose the right option for games.

External SSD

Programmers often work with large amounts of data such as project files, code, data bases and other resources. An external SSD provides additional storage, consolidates files, and frees up space on the internal hard drive. Its high operational speed facilitates quick loading of projects, code compilation, and database operations, enhancing the development process. Backup should not be underestimated, as an external drive with backup software can be a lifesaver in unforeseen circumstances. In 2023, purchasing an external HDD is not recommended due to the affordability, compact size, speed, and reliability of SSDs, which lack mechanical parts found in traditional hard drives.

Vertical mouse

When searching for the top gifts that IT professionals desire, vertical mice often make the list. These unique devices have a vertical design that helps reduce wrist strain. Using a regular mouse can put the hand in an unnatural position, causing constant tension in the hand muscles. This can lead to reduced blood flow and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Vertical mice provide a more ergonomic alternative, alleviating these issues for improved comfort and well-being.

Wireless charger

There are two types of people when it comes to cable management: those who don't care about it and those who are driven to despair by messy and tangled cables from chargers, laptops, and mice. For the latter group, a universal wireless stand or platform can be a partial solution. These devices can replace multiple cables for smartphones, tablets, headphones, smartwatches, and other mobile gadgets, helping to declutter and simplify the charging and organization process.

Noise isolating headphones

Noise-canceling headphones can be a game-changer for those who are constantly distracted by ambient noise and conversations while working. The popular option is TWS wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, which effectively dampen various background noises using built-in microphones and ANS algorithms. Alternatively, old-school closed-type overhead models like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro can serve as a good alternative. These headphones offer a comfortable shape, adjustable fit, and excellent passive noise isolation, making them popular among session drummers. The only drawback is that wearing them for extended periods can cause ear fatigue and discomfort in hot weather.

Noise Canceling Headphones

Humidifier

British scientists say that a humidifier increases operating efficiency.

Humidifiers may not be considered essential yet, but many people have experienced their positive effects. Low humidity can lead to discomfort, dry eyes, nose, and lips, as well as a slightly increased risk of catching a cold. A humidifier helps maintain an optimal level of humidity, promoting comfort and preventing dryness in the eyes, nose, and throat. Studies have also suggested that optimal room humidity aids concentration and attention, which contributes to increased efficiency. For compact or medium-sized rooms, an inexpensive ultrasonic humidifier with a 3-4 liter tank is recommended, capable of humidifying a space of 25-35 square meters for 12-15 hours. Examples of such humidifiers include Xiaomi Mi Smart, which can be controlled via a mobile application, and the Cooper&Hunter CH 2940T, which features a built-in flavor option..

CMask for sleep

A sleep mask is a beneficial gadget for everyone, not just limited to IT professionals. However, considering our focus on increasing efficiency, it would be remiss not to mention it. A quality sleep mask with Bluetooth headphones can shield you from both noise and light, whether you're at home or traveling. You can also connect it to your smartphone, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music or answer important calls without needing to open your eyes. An intriguing alternative is the specialized Bose sleep headphones, which offer soothing melodies and relaxing sounds like crackling fire or ocean waves.

Computer glasses

The human body functions as a delicate ecosystem with various interconnected factors. A poor-quality monitor can strain your eyes and the blue light emitted can be irritating, making it difficult to fall asleep naturally. After a restless night, you might want to rest a bit longer instead of enduring computer work, relying solely on the power of energy drinks. Computer glasses have gained attention recently as they filter out the blue spectrum of backlight, reducing eye strain and promoting better sleep. One notable fan of such glasses is Erling Haaland, the talented football player who is currently making waves in the English Premier League as part of Manchester City.

Antistress toy

A fluffy ginger cat is the best stress reliever, but not everyone is as lucky as the author of this text. The alternative is a Pop It chewer, a spinner, a simple dimple, and any other thing that can be crushed, squeezed, shaken or thrown while you deal with compilation errors and other unpleasant nuances of work.