Unfortunately even though you can save a large amount of money by having no fixed office, there is still some costs. Mostly for the technology that you need to make the whole idea a reality. There are three primary area’s where you may notice extra costs, however these can easily be written off against the potential costs a fully serviced office may have had. While some of these costs may be additional to what you would have anyway, many of them would be required anyway.
A LAPTOP COMPUTER – ESSENTIAL
While in an office a desktop computer may meet your needs when you are on the move often, they generally become cumbersome and difficult. This is where a laptop will be of great benefit, the range of laptops available has far surpassed the range of desktops available, and often can be had for a better price, it really depends on what your budget is and what you find your needs are. You should be able to get a fairly reasonable laptop in the price range of $1000-$1500.
While you can spend more or less and still get something that will meet most of your requirements, often spending more may get an inferior model that may not meet all your needs, while in some circumstances spending more will just be over kill. Look to find a model with a screen between 14″ and 15.4″ any smaller and the screen may be hard to read, any larger and generally the laptop will be kind of heavy.
MOBILE BROADBAND – OPTIONAL
Often having internet access is a big requirement for many businesses, getting access to email, and suppliers websites, it can be an absolute requirement for some businesses. Thankfully for a price of between $20 and $60 per month you can access almost broadband speed internet via the mobile phone network. Signing up for a 24 month plan will get you the modem for free mostly, otherwise it can cost up to $300 depending on your provider.
MOBILE PHONE – OPTIONAL
Many people would argue that a mobile phone is essential, and to some extent i agree, however i would also argue that only one of either mobile broadband or mobile phone is optional. The reason being that if you have mobile broadband you have the option to use VOIP, and mostly these days mobile phones can download your email. So one or the other is essential, having both is optional. The reason i say one at least is essential is because in a business you need a way to communicate, be it email or voice calls.
PORTABLE PRINTER – OPTIONAL
This is kind of like the portable office luxury, and gives you even more flexibility to work anywhere. It means that you do not have to always have access to a power point to use your printer. The flexibility of a battery powered printer, lets you send your invoices from anywhere as well as print on demand information for clients, as well as quotes. Most battery powered printers are priced around $500, however it is worth comparing the models to find which will be the most cost effective in the long term.
These are the basic items that you may want to consider for your new portable office that lets you work from anywhere. While it is just some of the items that you can consider for your new office that you can take anywhere, there are many other small features you can add as you wish.