Getting back into the swing of things at work in the New Year can be a bit of a drag, but when you have a functioning office to come back to it makes it a lot easier. At ConnectedWomen we’ve asked several business women what gadgets they most need (and want) to make the transition from play to work in 2010 much smoother.

It seems as though our women want a combination of form and function, with some practical products to get the job done, but also some fun gadgets to make their work lives easier, more colourful or less mundane.

The practical side of life
The Beauty Tutor director, Sarah Donges from Balmain started the working year with a new printer for her home office. She told www.connectedwomen.net.au that it took her a while to decide after researching models online.

“I just bought a really good snazzy printer for the home office. I needed a new one and a really good one to print out photos of my clients wardrobes,” Donges said.

“It is a HP colour laserjet CH1212 multifunction so it scans and prints. I’m really happy with it,” she added.

Willmott Forests NSW/ACT state manager sales and marketing, Kedra Egan from Sydney’s North West also said she needs a printer, but she hasn’t yet made the effort to buy one.

“I have a new desktop PC at home and I’ve also recently received a new work laptop but I’m definitely in the market for a new printer as my current one is broken,” Egan told www.connectedaustralia.com.

Complete overhaul
Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) pharmacy contracts and data maintenance clerk, Megan Duval (pictured) said her SOHO needs a total overhaul.

“Since myself and my partner moved into our new house in Winston Hills we haven’t upgraded the computer or even connected the internet. I don’t want to sit in front of the computer when I get home but when my partner needs to email invoices, or we’re researching and booking flights and accommodation for a holiday or looking up a restaurant review, it’s more convenient to be able to do it at home. So we’re going to buy a new desktop PC,” Duval said.

Working on the go
Donges works from home, a serviced office in Sydney’s CBD and travels around Australia to detox people’s wardrobes and take clients shopping, so she needs her mobile office in full working order. She said she always has her Blackberry and her laptop with her, both of which she “couldn’t live without.”

“I have a 3G wireless USB stick with Vodafone but I’m going to spend the extra money and switch to Telstra very soon. At the moment the reception at my house isn’t very good, or even just outside the Sydney CBD. It’s more expensive but I need it,” Donges said.

“I think a portable hard drive is so important for your business too. If you lose your laptop or its contents, it makes your life unmanageable,” she added.

Egan is also constantly on the go, travelling interstate and overseas and she agrees with Donges that her Blackberry is a critical business tool, which she had upgraded earlier this week.

“I also intend to invest in an in-built Bluetooth car kit this year because I’m driving between appointments during most of the day, while I love my Bluetooth headset, it zaps all the battery from my phone,” Egan said.

Where to buy? Where to buy?
The women we spoke to seem to be inclined to stay in their local area to purchase their product of choice, but don’t mind shopping around to find the best deal.

“I bought my printer through Harris Technology, after researching online I called them and I found them really knowledgeable. They helped me decide between a few models,” Donges said.

“I will probably head down to my local shopping centre, or maybe the Homemaker Centre and shop around. There is a selection of retailers including The Good Guys, JB (Hi-Fi) and Harvey Norman there so I would probably find a good deal,” Egan said.

“Hopefully I can find an assistant who can actually help me, and help me find the best product to suit my needs. I hate it when you expect an honest opinion and you can tell they’re just trying to “sell” you something,” she added.

Duval also said she will shop around when buying her new computer and believes Harvey Norman and The Good Guys a logical place to start.

It’s not all work and no play
Although women do appreciate the importance of a fully functioning office, not all the products are desired on a “needs” basis.

Being a personal stylist, Donges loves “pretty things” so she would also appreciate some extra bling in her work life. When hearing about Swarovski’s range of USB storage devices and earphones, she said she would love to have some pink crystal sparkle hanging from her laptop or Blackberry.