Work perks
Armoured lunch box accessories are only one way to put a bit of space age in your office space, says James Fryer, as he gathers the best nine-to-five gadgets out there.
Massager
www.iwantoneofthose.com
If, like us, you spend too much time tapping away at your keyboard and don’t pay enough attention to health and safety guidelines, you’re sure to suffer from a bit of neck ache every now and then. And, while we can always dream of having a personal masseuse who pops by the office, you’re better off getting hold of your own massage-in-a-box in the form of this USB device. The bumpy rubber massager vibrates at 3,600rpm and a 1.8-metre cable means it will refresh the parts other USB massagers can’t reach, from the back of your neck to the soles of your feet.
Mouse rug
Magrudy’s
Your poor old mouse. It gets pushed around all day with little thanks and shouted at when it doesn’t work properly. It even puts up with being bashed when you’re in a mood, covered in drinks when you’re being clumsy and hidden under stacks of paperwork when your desk resembles a dumping ground. It’s about time you gave it a treat then, and what better gift than a soft Persian mouse rug?
Self-stirring mug
www.gadgeter.com
A nice cup of tea – the lifeblood of offices the world over. But if your work kitchen is anything like ours, fishing spoons out of the sugar bowl will be de rigeur. This self-stirring mug means you need never be searching for a clean spoon again. Press the button on top of the handle and a mini propeller at the base of the mug mixes your drink. Pop in a couple of batteries, whizz and slurp.
Radio
www.iwantoneofthose.com
Yet another part of the USB-powered family, this tiny yet powerful radio will use the power from your PC or laptop and scan the FM wave-length from 88 to 108 Mhz, homing in on individual stations at the press of a button. And if the rest of your office doesn’t appreciate the sounds of Dubai 92, just plug the included headphones.
Banana guard
www.bananaguard.com
There’s nothing worse than opening up your My Little Pony lunchbox only to discover that your banana has become battered and bruised in transit. You can now protect your favourite fruit throughout the day. Even though they come in all shapes and sizes, the banana guard claims to accommodate more than 90 per cent of commercially available bananas. Special ventilation holes allow your yellow friend to continue to ripen at its natural rate and it won’t slip out thanks to a handy locking mechanism. The cases are available in an array of colours from ravishing red and outrageous orange to brilliant blue and, of course, mellow yellow. There are even glow in the dark versions available – perfect for midnight munchies.
Monitor mirror
www.paramountzone.com
Given the amount of time we spend at our second homes, aka offices, it’s no surprise key desk positions are as sought after as Dubai’s prime real estate. And just like buying a new apartment, there’s a wealth of factors to consider. How far is it to the coffee machine? Is there a window? Where’s the nearest AC vent? And, most importantly, can the boss see my screen? We all check personal e-mails or surf the odd non-work-related website, so it’s nice to know when they’re about. Attach this nifty monitor mirror with the supplied Velcro and you’ll never be looking over your shoulder again.
Washable keyboard and mouse
www.unotron.com
Working lunches at the computer mean your keyboard and mouse are sure to get covered in all sorts of muck. While they may not look any different to the peripherals you’ll find in any workplace, these devices can be fully immersed in water, scrubbed clean and then left to dry, leaving them as good as new and sparkling clean. Originally devised to reduce the spread of germs in hospitals, the SpillSeal technology prevents any liquid getting in, including that cup of tea on your desk.