I call it a Tech Refresh. I look at all the technology I use to see if its still up to the job.

Being productive is crucial to my profitability so I am happy to invest in Technology.

If you start at the bottom

Keyboard: You can get big ones, compact ones, PS2 ones, USB ones. You get some with multimedia controls like Play > Pause and Volume Control. The Dell Multimedia Keyboard is a favourite of mine. However recently swapped to  a Saitek Eclipse II.

It has nice action, isn’t too big and is backlit circa £25.

Mouse: Your baseline for this should be a Microsoft Optical Mouse. I recommend the Microsoft Optical 1.1. This is an inexpensive wired optical mouse and works great. You can buy a box of 5 for circa £50. Great for giving everyone in the office a new mouse.

Computer (Desktop/Laptop): First of all decide if you are using the right type of computer. A Desktop computer or a Laptop. Then pick the one that’s right for you.

At the moment I favour the Dell XPS 420 for Desktop computer and either Dell XPS 1330 or Latitude Dx Series like a D430, D630 or D830 in laptops.

Monitor: The baseline for this in 2008 must be a 17″ TFT as an absolute minimum. If your using a chunky old CRT monitor its time to change. Sweet spots in monitors are 17″, 20″ and 24″.

They also come in 19″ and 22″ but it starts to get confusing.

You have a choice of aspect ratio 4:3 or Widescreen. Now I keep changing my mind about this I use both (4:3 and Widescreen) and I swear they both more have equal merits.

So take a quick look at your own tech, then open your wallet.