Work-from-home Purchases

Because of working-from-home during the pandemic I have been able to improve my computing gear slightly, which I would probably have not done without these circumstances. In part because I just couldn't justify these purchases with how little I used the computer at home (for anything serious).

Items so far:

Acer 27" Monitor
I've been wanting to get something for a while now since the monitor is also used for watching movies.  The previous screen was a 19" 4:3 ratio monitor which is really not ideal.

Trobing USB Autofocus Webcam with Microphone
I actually ended up getting the webcams because my wife started doing Zoom art lessons and we needed a better webcam to hover over her workspace so she can share the screen and demonstrate her procedures.  I got an identical one so that if something happens to hers (and the first one just up-and-died) I just unplug it and hand it over!

Logitech Wireless headset with Mic
This actually wasn't so much a purchase as it was getting access to this headset from my daughter, who didn't use it.  Work fine and we pass it back-and-forth depending on who needs it.  Not sure, though, how long the battery really works.

Bestshoot Phone Tripod Mount Adapter & remote control
Before getting the webcam ($50+) I picked up a phone tripod mount for about $12.  It was more available at the time (webcams were still scarce) and allowed me to use DroidCam to use my phone.  Unfortunately DroidCam really stresses my laptop.  At least I still have the mount for those times I need to record video using my phone (been doing plays and performances for church fundraisers)

Sabrent 7 Port USB 3.0 HUB + 2 Charging Ports
This was more for my wife, who was using an old USB hub that didn't have the speed for everything. Before this hub she would have to make sure the webcam was plugged into one specific port on her laptop or it wasn't fast enough.  This hub handles everything with one plug into her laptop.

--- ordered but waiting for it to come in ---

Mpow HC 6 USB Headset with Microphone
Just like the webcams, this serves as both a backup in case he wireless headset dies, plus allows us both to be in online conference calls at the same time without having to resort to the USB or laptop microphone, and picking up background noise like the AC, people talking or me yelling at the cat to get off my keyboard as they walk across my desk!

Mini Lightweight Tripod
A fairly basic lightweight tripod which will fit on the desk and I plan on using it to hold the webcam so it is closer to eye-level rather than staring down on me like a gargoyle.  Can also work with the Phone mount adapter but not much else.  And for less than $8, can't really go wrong.

MSI Gaming GeForce GT 710
Since I got my desktop from a raffle at work of replaced systems, I commandeered a video card my son had with his computer after he bought a much better video card.  Unfortunately it is a full-size card and the desktop is a small-form factor.  So right now I have a roll of duck tape proping the cover open to accomodate the videocard.  Since the card was only about $50 and comes with the option to make smaller, I picked it up so at least I can close the cover of the desktop.  Plus it is 2GB compared to the 1 GB I have right now.


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