4 New Gadgets to Elevate Your Workstation and Increase Productivity
CategoriesArchitecture

4 New Gadgets to Elevate Your Workstation and Increase Productivity

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Leading technology brands have released a plethora of exciting new tech products and upgraded devices this fall. Navigating the swarm of recently available products can, at times, feel overwhelming. So, we’ve tried to help simplify the process by recommending four newly released tech products to consider obtaining for your architectural practice.


For the Architect in Search of a Good 2-in-1

Microsoft has just released its Surface Pro 9 tablet, which has been designed to perform like a laptop but move like a tablet. This device boasts a flexible interface and bespoke user experience. This tablet comes with a 13’’ PixelSense™ touchscreen which creates a larger interface to work on and clearer viewing options. It has also been equipped with an adjustable built-in kickstand, which offers a range of angles to work in and creates a bespoke computer experience. One of the handiest features of this tablet is the Surface Slim Pen 2, a digital writing and drawing tool that is perfect for designers who prefer sketching and note taking by hand. Architects who prefer experimenting with freehand sketches can leverage apps such as Adobe Fresco directly on this device.

The Surface Pro 9 comes with a powerful new 12th-Gen Intel Core processor and weighs less than 4 lbs, making it a reliable, durable and easy-to-transport device. Its Windows 11 operating system can perfectly organize active apps into a grid format which is perfect for designers multitasking multiple programs. When architects are in need of writing briefs or responding to emails, they can switch from tablet to laptop with the Surface Pro 9 Signature Keyboard. Meanwhile, designers who require larger views can easily dock the device to a monitor. The Surface Pro 9 remains one of the best 2-in-1s on the market and meets many requirements for an architect-suitable device.

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For the Architect Who Loves To Capture

Fujifilm’s recently-released X-H2 Mirrorless camera is perfect for the architect who enjoys photographing the built environment as much as they do designing it. The X-H2 camera is the fifth generation of Fujifilm’s X series and boasts a high-quality resolution and unmatched speed. This camera is equipped with a new 40.2-megapixel APS-C sensor which unlocks new creative possibilities. This device comes with a pronounced imaging sensor and optimized pixel layout which ensures exceptional detail, color accuracy and video flexibility. The camera’s new X-Processor 5 helps deliver exceptional video quality, an enhanced autofocus and blackout-free image bursts at 15 fps – which makes capturing the small details of a built structure that much clearer. Moreover, the X-H2’s range extends to 13+ stops, which helps ensure a straightforward post-production process. Moreover, wireless image transfers are made simple and hassle-free through Fujifilm’s Remote Camera App. This camera is perfect for the architect looking to shoot professional images or simply pursue their love of photography.

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For the Architect Looking To Experiment With Something New

Sometimes the most modest tools prove to be the most useful. 3D pens are relatively new to the market but have taken off thanks to their experimental and exploratory nature. Although at first the 3Doodler Create+ may seem more suitable for children, it is a great tool for designers looking to quickly visualize an idea. Without having to turn to large and tedious 3D printing machines, architects can conceptualize a form with the 3Doodler Create +. This device comes with a comprehensive guide, a pack of colorful plastic refills and is ideal for designers looking to explore the possibilities of 3D pens. Designers can create miniature models with the 3Doodler Create+ which uses PLA, ABS and Flexy Plastic to create freestanding lines and shapes. Whether it be to visualize a project, create a quick craft or work into a rendering, the 3Doodler Create+ is a great starting point for architects. This handheld 3D printing device is portable, compact and the perfect addition to any architect’s pencil case.

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For the Architect Looking To Zone Into Their Work

The Jabra Elite 9 True Wireless earbuds may just be the next investment for architects looking to focus-in on their work. These earbuds have been equipped with the latest Hybrid ANC and HearTouch technology which blocks out ambient noise and reduces wind sounds. This new technology makes for the perfect device for designers working in busy office settings and need to block out distracting noise. These upgraded earbuds are now compatible with Spotify Tap Playback and come with a customizable equalizer which produces a first-class sound quality. The device can also be paired with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant, offering hands-free help to architects. Whether it be double checking a measurement or reading an email aloud, this new pairing feature helps optimize a designer’s workflow. The Jabra Elite 5 come with a high-performing battery life and are resistant to dust and water, making them a reliable device for on-the-go designers.

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For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers. 



Reference

Tech for Architects: An Edgeless Monitor to Enhance Your Workstation
CategoriesArchitecture

Tech for Architects: An Edgeless Monitor to Enhance Your Workstation

For more laptops and workstation recommendations for architects, checkout 15 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers, and watch out for more in our Tech for Architects series, coming soon.

A monitor for an architect is like a magnifying glass for a jeweler. It permits close-up and detailed views of an architect’s designs. When working with design software and intricate images, computer monitors help enhance a working environment and ultimately lead to a more successful project outcome. As the design industry heavily relies on technology, accessorizing a workstation with quality monitors, mouses and laptops are paramount.

Choosing the right monitor for professional work is equally important, and there are numerous aspects to consider, such as resolution, speed and brightness. And for many industry professionals, budget plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Luckily, there are monitors on the market today — such as the KOORUI 24-Inch Business Computer Monitor — that respond to designers looking to enhance their workstations while respecting their budget. The new KOORUI monitor offers great performance capabilities, pronounced screen visibility and advanced eye comfort.

All of these qualities can stand up to similar products by Dell and HP, making it KOORUI’s a very good price point for the product. As one reviewer succinctly explains, “I do CAD work on this monitor and find it very close in picture quality to those costing 4 times as much.” 

The KOORUI’s 23.8 inch monitor boasts a wide screen that offers clear views of one’s work. It comes with a frameless screen that displays images in their unaltered form. This edgeless design is ideal for designers connecting multiple monitors and require reliable and uninterrupted views of their work. The KOORUI’s VA screen covers 99% of the SRGB color gamut. This VA screen produces clear and precise color depictions and is ideal for architects whose work is often dependent on color accuracy.

In their product reviews, Amazon customers underlined how well the edge-less design lent itself to dual-monitor workflow setups: “It’s sleek looking and all the buttons are right there in the front so when it’s side-by-side with my other monitor, it is more seamless looking from one screen to another.”

Meanwhile, when spending all day in front of a screen, it’s important to use products that maximize comfort. The KOORUI monitor can be tilted up to five degrees forward and 20 degrees backwards. This feature permits bespoke adjustments that adhere to each designer’s personal viewing preferences — including transitions from seated to standing work set-ups. Additionally, the monitor comes equipped with Flicker-Free technology and a Blue Light Filter which helps make a full day of screen time manageable and less straining.

The monitor comes with multiple ports including HDMI and VGA and can be connected to PC, Xbox and other laptops, thus suitable for both professional and personal use. The new KOORUI 23.8 inch monitor is an economical and straightforward solution for architects looking to enhance their workstation and improve their productivity.

For more laptops and workstation recommendations for architects, checkout 15 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers, and watch out for more in our Tech for Architects series, coming soon.

Reference

Tech for Architects: Is This the Perfect Mobile Workstation For Designers?
CategoriesArchitecture

Tech for Architects: Is This the Perfect Mobile Workstation For Designers?

Architizer Journal is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Lenovo’s ThinkPad P Series Mobile Workstations have been a huge hit amongst architects, designers and other industry professionals. Through their compact design, robust performance abilities and reliability, these devices embody everything it means to be a designer in the 21st century, merging old-school design principles with modern-day technology. Just last month Lenovo introduced the new ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 16” Mobile Workstation.

The latest in the Thinkpad series boasts the portability of its predecessors with some new and improved features that make for a relaxed and smooth work experience. Despite its sleek appearance, this device is powerful and offers the best of the latest Intel vPro® platform, Core™ H Series processors and NVIDIA® graphics, meaning it can easily handle the demands of rendering and real-time visualization.

The device is made of a liquid metal thermal design which ensures that it stays cool, while its Carbon-Fiber weave cover is sleek in appearance, making it discreet and professional for meetings and presentations. The 16’’ touchscreen is anti-glare and produces an advanced color quality through its X-Rite Factory Colour Calibration. By correcting the RGB color, designers can confidently edit designs and communicate rendering changes. Additionally, the backlit keyboard provides clear visibility for designers working on their computer for long periods of time. Meanwhile, the 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H Processor ensures a smooth and efficient work experience. 

Since its release, reviews have been broadly positive, with one user Amazon user declaring that “the screen looks great, clear and crisp, very bright and also has a night mode. Speakers have a clear sound and are loud.” They also tout the workstation’s security options as a plus point: “You can login by using your fingerprint, face recognition, or use a pin instead.”

This new model can be categorized by its pronounced comfort and reliability. Designers spend a great deal of time in front of their screen and to help avoid eye strain and maximize comfort, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 comes with a low blue light. Additionally, with its rapid battery charge of up to 80% in 60 minutes, this computer supports on-the-go designers who require a speedy device ready to use throughout the workday. The computer comes preloaded with the ThinkShield security suite, a fingerprint reader, encryption capabilities and a self-healing BIOS, which allows designers to safely store their drawings.

Since the mobile workstation is portable, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 is made to withstand any environment. Whether it be at a construction site, on the train or in the studio, Lenovo’s integrated US Department of Defense’s MIL-STD 810H standards ensures that the device can withstand virtually any climate or condition. 

The ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 16” Mobile Workstation is now available for purchase and is a great device for architects looking to increase comfort while prioritizing quality design.

For more laptops and workstation recommendations for architects, checkout 15 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers, and watch out for more in our Tech for Architects series, coming soon.

Images courtesy of Lenovo, with sample screenshots added.

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