Office Electronics

Fax machines

Used for transmitting documents over telephone lines, fax machines are a staple in any office environment. They usually comprise a telephone handset and a keypad, as well as a storage space for paper and received faxes.

Although older fax machines generally relied on rolls of thermal paper, most modern devices now use standard printing paper.

Laminators

For an easy way to protect important documents, keep often-used papers in good condition, create covers for reports or simply waterproof a page, you may want to consider a laminator.

These devices put a plastic coating over a sheet of paper and most can be used for A4 pages and anything smaller. Laminators for A3 and larger sizes are also available.

Shredders

Privacy is an important consideration for any business and companies are required to properly destroy personal data of clients and employees once the information is no longer needed. If you have such information printed out, then it will need to be shredded before the paper is recycled or placed in the rubbish bin.

Shredders come in a variety of designs, from ones that simply create long ribbons of paper, to those that completely pulverise the pages. The right choice will depend on how sensitive the data is and the level of security you require. Some can also shred credit cards and discs, as well as paper.

Voice recorders

Often called Dictaphones, voice recorders are small units that contain microphones and digital memory to record sound.

Commonly used by journalists and researchers, they are ideal for recording interviews, giving you a way to go back and check quotes or transcribe a conversation.

People who regularly give speeches may use voice recorders as a means of perfecting their presentations. Meanwhile, students sometimes use them to record lectures and some people may simply use them like a diary or notepad.

Calculators

From checking your sums to helping you carry out complex mathematical calculations, an electric calculator can be useful to have around the office.

These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from solar-powered pocket-sized devices, through to larger items designed for keeping on your desktop. Some even include built-in printers that make it easy to keep track of the numbers and check your work.

Electronic dictionaries

Whether you're composing a letter or writing a report, it's essential to find just the right words to ensure you get the right message across.

Electronic dictionaries are easy to use devices that allow you to look up the definitions and proper spellings of words. Some also include extras like word games, anagrams and crossword solvers.

Similar products include electronic thesauruses, which make it simple to find synonyms and antonyms. This is ideal if you want to mix up your vocabulary a bit.

Meanwhile, electronic translators can come in handy, whether you're dealing with clients from abroad, trying to translate a brochure, travelling for work or headed off on holiday.