5 Tiny Devices That Can Make You the Batman of the Boardroom

I travel a lot for work and often times, I show up onsite to a boardroom that is missing the tools I need to make my meetings productive and engaging. I've collected a few gadgets over the years that have made a huge difference in how effective my meetings can be. People ask me all the time what devices I find the most helpful. I don't mean to sell or promote any specific product here, but the devices I chose to highlight in this post have made a huge difference for me. Additionally, the products I've chosen to highlight here are all inexpensive widgets for your utility belt (most are under $100).

Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter

When you go into a meeting, you never know if the room will have the right adapter to display your screen on the projector or tv available. As a result, I have my own adapters that I carry with me. This has helped on dozens of different occasions, but the wireless display adapter has taken me to the next level. I don't have to be tethered to the table. I can move more freely with my tablet or laptop connected via Miracast.

It's the size of a usb, so it doesn't add any bulk or weight to my bag either. Better yet it streams video and audio perfectly--projecting my screen wirelessly on a tv with an HMDI and USB hookup.

When I'm done onsite, I can use it to turn my hotel tv into an extended monitor for work or just watch Netflix. Cost: $59.99

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/wireless-display-adapter

Jabra Speakphone (The Puck)

It always seems that someone important can't be there in person for your meetings. Many meeting rooms don't have a conference system, and those that do are often complex or outdated.

Enter the Jabra Speak410. I carry this with me everywhere. It's smaller and lighter than a hockey puck and it sounds crisp and clear. If I want to play music for people before they enter the meeting, I use my puck. If I need to dial someone into the meeting, I just connect on Skype for Business and bam! It's like they're in the room with us. Cost: ~$80-90 (Amazon)

http://www.jabra.com/Products/PC_Headsets/Jabra_SPEAK__410_Series/Jabra_SPEAK_410

Microsoft Bluetooth Wedge Keyboard

Sometimes, I need to work from my phone. Having a Bluetooth keyboard that I can easily pair with different devices is a big deal (including my iPhone or your Android). That way writing email doesn't make me want to hide under a rock. The Wedge Keyboard from Microsoft is fantastic. Light weight and small, but it feels solid so I'm never afraid I'm going to break it. My favorite part about it: the cover. It's flexible rubber cover doubles as a stand for your phone or tablet, so I can easily prop up my screen.

Recently, Microsoft announced a foldable universal Bluetooth keyboard as well. It's even smaller and you can pair it to TWO devices and switch back and forth between them seamlessly. I haven't played with it yet, but I want one.

Microsoft Wedge Keyboard Cost: $79.99

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/wedge-mobile-keyboard

Universal Foldable Keyboard: $99.95

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/universal-foldable-keyboard/GU5-00001

Mod Notebooks

I love to scribble and take notes during meetings, but I always find that legal pads, spiral-bound notebooks, and even quality moleskins got lost, forgotten, and abandoned. With my Mod Notebook, I can still write on paper to avoid the distractions of my laptop, while easily capturing my notes to a OneNote file. If you've read my previous post you know how much I love OneNote. Cost: $29.00

http://modnotebooks.com/

Windows to Go

I've been in lots of situations where I've wanted to demo from a machine other than my own. Share ideas in a safe environment. I can use any Windows 7 or newer device to boot into my own OS, fully prepped to present using Windows to Go. Windows to Go is like putting a whole computer on a USB, and it's saved my life a time or two. IronKey and Spyrus are the brands I've used. You can buy a host of different USBs that support WTG. Cost: Between $100 and $300 depending on quality and storage capacity.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/enterprise/products-and-technologies/devices/windowstogo.aspx

Any others?

I'm sure as you read this, other devices came to your mind. If you have devices that changed the way you work, share in the comments below. I'll do a follow-up post in the future.

About the Author: Todd Kirk is an end-user advocate and trainer from BrainStorm, Inc.