If you work as a location-independent freelancer, you can make your life a whole lot easier if you invest in the proper technology. Merely purchasing a laptop with a cordless mouse will not suffice. The best freelancers have an array of technological devices that help them churn out high-quality work on the go. Let’s take a look at some examples of the type of tech you’ll need to become a successful freelancer.
Smartphone
Any old smartphone will not suffice. You need a reliable smartphone with an easy-to-read screen and an extensive battery life. The phone’s battery strength is critically important as you will be constantly on the go and might not be able to access an outlet to recharge. This is probably the first purchase you’ll have to make, so don’t go overboard with spending. Modern flagship smartphones like Galaxy S7, for example, cost several hundred dollars while others are considerably cheaper yet require a multi-year contract. Instead, you should look into getting a decent smartphone from lesser known, but still solid manufacturers like Meizu, OnePlus, or even Oukitel, which has a brilliant K10000 model with battery that will last you days.
Tablet/Laptop Hybrid
Consider purchasing a tablet/laptop hybrid to replace your traditional computer. The advantage of such a hybrid device is that it improves efficiency. You can’t use your finger to click and drag on a traditional laptop or desktop screen. If you stick with a traditional laptop, you’ll likely grow tired of using the touchpad and/or using a cordless mouse. Small cordless mice tend to break during transportation due to their inherent sensitivity. So pick up a hybrid device like a Microsoft Surface Tablet and you’ll be able to work with considerable ease on planes, trains, taxis, hotel rooms, airport lobbies and beyond. A Microsoft Surface Tablet will cost you around $1,199 – not a small sum of money, true, but consider it an investment. This is essential piece of tech that you’ll use both for producing, and then for presenting your work as well. If there’s one item you shouldn’t try to save money on, it’s this one.
A Portable Power Bank
You can snag a portable power bank for $20 or less. These nifty little devices will power your electronics in the event that their batteries reach a low (or no) energy capacity. They are powered with lithium-ion batteries to make them as lightweight and safe as possible. Your power bank will charge your tablet, smartphone and just about any other portable device by way of its built-in USB port. Basic models can charge up the typical smartphone two times before a recharge is necessary.
A Smartwatch
Sure, some smartwatches will monitor heart rate, calories burned and steps taken yet many are highly functional for business purposes as well. The best smart watches are chock full of high-tech features like e-mail,app integration etc. Your smartwatch can even be used to expand the capabilities of your other smart devices.
Certain smartphone watches will provide information about breaking news, stock prices and social media data. Your wearable will even be equipped with a calendar that allows you to set appointment alerts so you never miss an appointment or meeting. These amazing watches really are like tiny computers worn on the wrist. You can pick up a bare bones smartwatch for a mere $15. However, top-of-the-line smartwatches will run several hundred dollars.
A Portable External Hard Drive
These little devices come in handy as they allow you to carry your important files with you during your travels. You never know if the cloud will be inaccessible or if the Internet will be down. Invest in a portable external hard drive and you will enjoy the peace of mind you deserve. You’ll always be able to access those essential business files, regardless of where you are located and whether the web/cloud are functioning. A portable external hard drive typically costs around $100 or less.
Conclusion
Invest in the items outlined above and you’ll have just about everything you need to become a successful mobile freelancer. Tap into the power of these technologies and you’ll soon wonder how you got by without such high-tech aids in the past. Be sure to keep your receipts. If you are an independent contractor who runs/owns your own business, some of these items might be eligible for end-of-year tax write-offs.
