CES 2012: Five Ways to Boost Productivity with New Tech Tools A look at technologies that can have you working and living more efficiently.

By John Patrick Pullen

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

LAS VEGAS – The exhibit halls are crowded and bustling at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, and you can bet the long days and frantic energy have attendees thinking about working smarter -- not longer. Thankfully, some of the technology showcased here hits on that nerve, from cutting down on the devices in your shoulder bag to keeping your body running at optimum efficiency.

Here's a look at devices we found here that can amp up your output in five ways:

HD Media Router 3000
D-Link's HD Media Router 3000

1. Monitor your business remotely, wirelessly: Time spent futzing with your business's wireless network is pure waste. D-Link's sub-$200 HD Media Router 3000 minimizes over-the-air traffic by turning power outlets into possible network connections. Additionally, the device's Cloud Services lets managers use iOS apps to do everything from monitor attacks on the network, view sites visited and even connect with D-Link Cloud Cameras to monitor the workplace.

Calisto 835
The Plantronics Calisto 835 speakerphone device

2. Rout all your calls to one place: Whether it's between a plain old telephone or a mobile, fumbling between phones can be a thing of the past with the Plantronics Calisto 835. At about $200, this desktop speakerphone device uses Bluetooth to connect to your cellphone, USB to hook up with your computer and the wall socket to link to your phone line. The backlit screen is bright and responsive, giving the Calisto a flashy, futuristic feel. It comes with a clip-on microphone that allows you to take calls no matter what you're doing.

Related: CES 2012: Go Green With These Money-Saving Gadgets

Jawbone Up
The Jawbone Up bracelet

3. Fine-tune your body: You use all sorts of metrics to make sure your business is operating to optimum capacity, but what about your employees? Jawbone Up is a $99 data-gathering bracelet that works with your iPhone to catalog activities such as sleep, movement and eating.

By making sure you and your staff are getting enough shut-eye, exercise, and nutrition, you can ensure your bodies and minds are as productive as possible.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13
The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13

4. Trim down your tech footprint: Lugging around both a tablet and a laptop can become a hassle. Later this year, the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, which will launch with Windows 8, will combine both in a svelte, 13-inch device. The 1600 x 900 resolution screen will blow the current tablet market away, and its battery is expected to last around 8 hours.

But with an expected price tag of about $1,000, road warriors should take notice of this two devices-in-one bargain.

Related: CES 2012: A Preview for Small Business

Motorola Elite Silver
The Motorola Elite Silver headset

5. Think, speak and text on your feet: If you think better on your feet, the Motorola Elite Silver might be the headset for you, packing HD-audio and dual microphones to block out background noise, and it connects to your handset.

The $129 headset's free MotoSpeak Android app reads SMS messages aloud and allows users to reply, or initiate new texts by speaking. The device's travel case doubles as a charger so, when it's not in use, the Elite Silver is safe and sound.

Based in Portland, Ore., John Patrick Pullen covers travel, business and tech for Men's Journal, Fortune and others.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Leadership

6 Creative Ways to Improve Internal Communications at Work

These creative internal communication hacks could be the secret weapon your team needs to boost productivity and actually enjoy staying in the loop.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'Applications Are Surging': Small Business Administration Reports Significant Growth in Loan Approvals

The Small Business Administration launched its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative last month.

Money & Finance

Make Money on Autopilot With These 5 Smart Passive Income Ideas

Five innovative ways to earn money even when you're sleeping.

Business Process

You're Not Too Small for a CRM — Here's Why It Matters For Your Startup

The first sign that you need a CRM often appears when things start falling through the cracks

Growing a Business

Want to Boost Your Profits by Up to 95%? Focus on This Underrated Metric.

Tracking this metric isn't just smart — it's a game-changer for retention, growth and staying ahead of the competition.