Remote learning, teaching, and work: Suggested computer accessories

This article overviews some basic computer accessories suggestions for students, faculty, and staff in remote work and learning environments. All prices are from the time of writing and are thus subject to change.

Audio-visual equipment

Upgrade your audio or video! Gone are the days of microphone static, faulty earbuds, or having to use your phone as a makeshift webcam.

Webcams

Basic resolution (720p): Logitech C270 ($30-40) or C310 ($30-50)
Basic resolution (720p): Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 ($30)
Full HD resolution (1080p): Logitech C920s ($60-70) or C922 ($110)

Microphones

FiFine K669 ($30) or FiFine K669b ($33)
Blue Snowball ($70)
Blue Yeti ($90-130)

Headsets with microphones

Caution: Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology filters outside noise by generating a “silencing” sound wave, which can result in a slight feeling of pressure in-ear.

Logitech H390 ($22-40)
Logitech H800 ($70-100)
Noise-canceling: Logitech Zone Wireless ($230)
Noise-canceling: Jabra Evolve 75 ($323) or Sennheiser SDW 5066

Speakers

Basic audio: Logitech Z150 ($30) or Logitech S150 ($18)
Better sound: Logitech Z207 ($60)

Keyboards, mice, and styluses

No more finagling with your old laptop trackpad or faulty keys. Type and click farther away from your computer without the hassle of cords!

Wireless mouse/keyboard combos

Mouse combo: Logitech MK540 ($50-60)
Built-in track-pad combo: Logitech K400 ($28-40)

Wireless mice

* Functional buttons are primarily forward/back thumb buttons.

Comfort, multi-device, and buttons:* Logitech M720 ($40-50)
Multi-device and buttons:* Logitech M585 ($35-40) or SILENT CLICK Logitech M590 ($35-40)
Budget and mini: SILENT CLICK Logitech M330 ($20-30)
Budget and full-size: Logitech M310 ($25-30)

Wireless keyboards

Recommended portable: Logitech K380 ($40)
Budget portable: Anker Bluetooth Ultra-Slim ($20)
Recommended full-size: Logitech K780 ($65-80)
Budget full-size: Logitech K360 ($25-30)

Styluses

Budget/mobile: Adonit Mark ($10)
Basic: Adonit Mini 4 ($20) or Adonit Pro 4 ($30)
Tablet: Adonit Ink ($40, Windows) or Adonit Note ($40, iOS)

Tablets

Wacom

What is this and how can it be used?

Without display: One by Wacom Small (6″x3″) ($50)
With display: Wacom One (13″ diagonally) ($400)

iPads

How can this be used for remote learning/teaching/work?

Visit Apple’s website to compare models.

64GB¹ 10.2″ iPad 9th gen ($299) + Apple Pencil 1 ($99)
64GB 10.9″ iPad Air 5th gen ($549) + Apple Pencil 2 ($129)
128GB 11″ iPad Pro 3rd gen ($749) + Apple Pencil 2 ($129)
256GB 12.9″ iPad Pro 5th gen ($1099) + Apple Pencil 2 ($129)

¹32GB is just enough if you store documents in the cloud. Otherwise, consider upgrading to the 128GB model.

Adapters

USB-C to...

Audio-visual

HDMI Plug to VGA Socket ($20)
HDMI Plug to VGA Plug ($45)

Additional accessories

Monitor

24″ Display, multi-adjustable stand, USB passthrough, HDMI connectivity: Dell 24" Monitor: P2422HE ($215)
27″ 4K Display, multi-adjustable stand, USB passthrough, HDMI connectivity: Dell 27" 4K Monitor: P2723QE ($365)
27″ UltraSharp Contrast 4K Display, multi-adjustable stand, USB passthrough, HDMI connectivity: Dell 27″ UltraSharp 4K Monitor: U2723QE ($470)

Scanner app

iOS: Adobe Scan (free)
Android: Adobe Scan (free)

Home printer ($50-$150)

Document Camera