Marine Office Top 5:
So it has been about eight months since we have started building out the nav-station on Wavelength to accommodate project/office work. We looked for a light weight screen, speaker/mic and web cam so that we could get work done while at the boat.
1. Audio – Mic/Speaker – Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone
Need to sound good! Nothing worse than super faint or way too loud audio while in a video or audio conference. Tested a bunch of devices from native audio, turtle beach and others before we settled on the Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone. Why we like it… Easy to connect – you can use USB-c connection or connect via bluetooth. You are able to connect multiple devices. We like to keep it connected via the USB-c cable that it comes with to get that wired audio when marina/hotspot WiFi may be lacking. Makes a cool noise when you power it up. Has a secret mute button that only you can see/activate. Battery is also awesome lasting more than a full day on one charge.
2. Monitor – KOORUI 24 Inch Business Computer Monitor Full HD
This affordable monitor is easy to stash and it is nice and light. Also bright and clear when in use – weather viewing video, spreadsheets, or predictwind.com! There are quite a few options in this area that are likely equally as good, just make sure the power consumption and ports will be sufficient for your vessel.
3. WebCam – Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Webcam for Business
We went with a midgrade webcam that we love. Bonus it has a built in mic if you ever needed a backup mic. Clear picture!
4. Background – Posterboard!
Tried some different options but currently rocking a posterboard from dollar store / any office supply store, cut to fit the nav-station area. Prevents light coming through the portal and messing up video background. Looking to update with some wallpaper/ darker options at some point. This is an option that is working for us for now, that is low cost and effective!
5. Blue-light glasses – TIJN Blue Light Glasses
So not really yacht-specific item here – but we love our bluelight glasses. With them we get a couple extra hours without feeling completely drained on long projects. They don’t feel uncomfortable, and don’t cause headaches like some other models we have tried.
We have tried a whole bunch of different electronics that we did not like, so hopefully this saves you some of the hassle we went through to find products right for us. Of course these are just some of the things that we value having aboard to complete our mobile office….let us know what your ‘must haves’ are for your offshore office // sailingcaliber@gmail.com