High-Tech Accessories for Any Budget From stylish iPad 2 cases to motion-sensing Bluetooth headsets, these gadgets and add-ons should give you bang for your buck.
By Scott Steinberg Edited by Dan Bova
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Chasing every new high-tech gadget and application that comes to market can be fun but also expensive. Some of the more humble and affordable office accessories and add-ons can be just as valuable to your small business -- no matter what type of budget you're working with.
Here's a look at five types of practical tech tools and accessories that can improve your output and productivity while not breaking your bank account in the process.
Tablet cases and add-ons
Like most touchscreen tablet PCs, the iPad 2 provides impressive computing power, portability and multimedia playback. But without a decent case and physical keyboard for extended typing sessions, it's hard to protect your investment or maximize its actual day-to-day usefulness.
![DODOcase Inc.](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/article/dodocase-ipod-kindle.jpg)
Countless sleeves, ruggedized shells and folding units from manufacturers like Griffin Technology, Mophie and Belkin are available. But Kensington's KeyFolio ($87.49) includes a Bluetooth keyboard, adjustable viewing stand and spill-proof buttons, aiding with late-night cram sessions. DODOcase's hand-crafted units ($49.95 and up), which resemble artists' journals, can also guard your system from bumps and shocks without sacrificing style.
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Still, those who really want to work in luxury should look to Saddleback's leather briefcases ($519 and up) or Sena's portable leather cases, including the Folio ($89.99) and Keyboard Folio for iPad ($149.99), the latter of which comes readymade for business travel.
![The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/article/logitech-hd-pro-webcam-c910.jpg)
Webcams
Online meetings are becoming a vital part of doing business in a virtualized world. However, custom telecommunication solutions can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. One solution is Logitech's HD Pro C910 ($99.99), which is capable of capturing high-definition clips and works well enough for most video calls. You can even use its dual stereo microphones to tape top-quality video blogs for social media sharing, or broadcast live TV interviews via Skype to CNN.
![The Sony Handycam HDR-CX360V](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/article/sony-handycam-hdr-cx360v.jpg)
Video cameras and accessories
Likewise, while digital video cameras of all prices and capabilities continue to come and go -- including Cisco's recently deceased Flip -- three solutions promise to provide an instant boon for small business use. For premium coloring, low-light performance and shot angles, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX360V ($799.99) offers high-definition filming, 17X zoom and 32 gigabytes (GB) of internal storage space for hours of recording.
If you're only capturing simple presentations, product demos or how-to videos for your corporate blog, one reasonably-priced option is the Kodak Zi8 ($114.99), which delivers crisp, high-definition images and offers an external microphone input for capturing superior audio. If you're looking ahead to 3-D, it won't be long before you can get your hands on the 3D Bloggie MHS-FS3 ($249.99), which will shoot 3-D video for a bargain price.
Related: New Digital Cameras Offer Fresh Perspectives
Rather than build a complete film production studio, you might want to consider more cost-effective solutions. A tripod like the compact, easily-controlled Manfrotto MKC3-H01 ($59.99) can help you get the right shot, while clip-on microphones such as Audio Technica's ATR35S ($23.95) captures interviews without recording background noise.
Lighting solutions including the Litepanels MicroPro Hybrid ($475) LED also provides an immediate boost to production value. If price is a major sticking point, purchasing a few simple clamp lights ($7.49) can provide a surprisingly professional look when paired with everyday dimmers, available from your local hardware store.
![The Jawbone Era](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/article/jawbone-era_1.jpg)
Wireless tools
With making calls on your cell phone and texting while driving illegal in a growing number of states, a good wireless, hands-free Bluetooth headset is a must for today's mobile executive. Among the better choices available is the Jawbone Era ($129.99), which boasts noise-canceling features, touch controls and support for downloadable apps.
Another option is the BlueAnt Q2 ($129.99), which offers crisp call quality, support for voice-powered commands and text-to-speech translations. The Plantronics' Discovery 975 ($129.99) may be best suited for minimalists who should appreciate its modern looks, noise-filtering features and self-charging case.
Related: The Best New Business Gadgets
![The Fellowes MS-460Cs shredder](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/article/fellowes-shredder.jpg)
Document shredders
With fraud and identity theft concerns for small businesses, don't discount the humble shredder, either. The Fellowes MS-460Cs ($329.99) quietly eviscerates 10 sheets of paper at a time, as well as CDs, credit cards and other sensitive data.
Home offices looking to obliterate confidential files without doing the same to their budget can also try entry-level crosscut units like the Fellowes DS-1200Cs 12-sheet ($129.99) or the Aurora AS890C ($39.99) 8-sheet models instead.
Though nowhere near as sexy as 3-D TVs and super-powered smartphones, all of these tools and accessories may play a more meaningful role in your daily operations.