5 Essential Tech Tools For Telecommuters

This arsenal of gadgets, including mobile hotspots, wireless headsets and battery boosters, helps remote staffers stay connected.

learn more about Larry Alton

By Larry Alton

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Remote workers enjoy the freedom of getting to work from anywhere in the world without being tethered to an office space. You could choose to work from the comforts of home, for instance, or even relocate to another country entirely.

If you plan to take your work on the road, here are five gadgets that can help you stay connected no matter where you end up:

1. Mobile Hotspot

Commuters rely heavily on Wi-Fi hotspots. But what if you arrive at a coffee shop and discover that the wireless network is down? You won't ever miss a deadline if you have a mobile hotspot on hand. These small devices allow you to tether multiple gadgets to a mobile Internet connection. Check with your cellular carrier to see how much a mobile hotspot plan costs.

Related: 5 Big Questions to Ask When Your Company Is Going Nowhere Fast

2. Wireless Headset

Are you constantly taking calls on-the-go? Being able to do so hands-free and cord-free can be a major boon for productivity. A wireless headset enables wearers to work while multitasking around the house or even during commutes. These headsets generally connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and allow for a range of several feet between your phone and the headset.

3. Unlocked Smartphone

If you're planning to travel outside of the United States, then it would be wise to consider investing in an unlocked smartphone with GSM capabilities. This way, you'll be able to purchase a carrier plan and a SIM card wherever you travel to avoid expensive roaming charges.

An unlocked phone can be indispensable -- especially when making calls from abroad. Before you invest in a particular phone, check its antenna capabilities to make sure that it will operate overseas. Some smartphones have a difficult time connecting to cellular network bands abroad.

Related: Set These 3 Boundaries For a Sane Balance of Work and Life

4. Cloud Storage

As a telecommuter, your equipment is at a higher risk of loss or theft. You might lose a device by forgetting it while out and about, or it might even get stolen during your travels. You can protect critical data by backing up your computer and devices to a cloud storage account. Unlike a hard drive backup, files stored in the cloud are accessible from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.

5. Battery Boosters

Telecommuters rely heavily on mobile technology. After accessing your work files and using GPS throughout the day, the batteries on your smartphone or tablet will drain quickly. Carry a battery booster with you so that you'll have extra power in the event of an emergency.

Related: How a Ghostwriter Can Breathe Life Into Your Startup's Content Strategy

Larry Alton

Freelance Writer & Former Entrepreneur

Larry Alton is an independent business consultant specializing in social media trends, business, and entrepreneurship. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Leadership

How to Detect a Liar in Seconds Using Nonverbal Communication

There are many ways to understand if someone is not honest with you. The following signs do not even require words and are all nonverbal queues.

Business News

American Airlines Sued After Teen Dies of Heart Attack Onboard Flight to Miami

Kevin Greenridge was traveling from Honduras to Miami on June 4, 2022, on AA Flight 614 when he went into cardiac arrest and became unconscious mid-flight.

Business News

Jake Paul and Lindsay Lohan Fined $400,000 for 'Illegally Touting' Crypto

The SEC just disclosed that eight celebrities agreed to a massive settlement without admitting guilt.

Marketing

After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.

Author Karen Inglis breaks down the strategies and tactics you need to generate awareness and sales for your self-published book.

Business News

Would You Buy Maggie Murdaugh's Monogrammed Snake Print Pillows? Items From the Murdaugh Family Home Are Going Up for Auction

The sale comes just weeks after Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the June 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son Paul Murdaugh.

Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.