Is your computer not quite up to par – a lot of people are in the same boat. You don’t have to purchase a new one to get a better performance from the computer in front of you. A few upgrades can do a whole lot of good.

Backlit Keyboard

A backlit keyboard’s largest benefit is that it allows you to see the keys in the dark. Usually used when gaming, a rainbow backlit keyboard can be used elsewhere. In low-light conditions, keyboards like these make typing easier.

1 TB Internal Hard Drive

Are you lacking hard drive space – no worry there. Add a second one with a Samsung 1 TB hard drive. A terabyte is a large amount of space on an internal hard drive, assuming it’s used economically. Enjoy read and write speeds maximum 550/520 MB/s.

iCloth XL Cleaning Wipes

iCloth XL cleaning wipes can be used on smartphones, HDTVs, and computer monitors. Any fingerprint-covered computer screen can be instantly cleaned of any smudges or dirt over top. It’s amazing the difference a simple clean with iCloth XL cleaning wipes can have.

Headset with Microphone

A stereo headset with a microphone allows you to make phone calls over the Internet, communicate with others while gaming, do a work-from-home customer service job, and more. Especially for those of us with at-home COVID-19 work, a high-quality headset makes a difference.

12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

The disappointing thing about computer tech is that it’s not all wireless. Rather quickly, tangled wires and cables can become impossible to manage. Make it a little easier with a strategically placed surge protector power strip. Make it easily accessible so that you don’t have to strain yourself trying to reach it.

Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

There is no wire on a computer desk more inconvenient than the one attached to a mouse. An ergonomic wireless mouse is your answer. You take the USB connector and plug it into your computer, and instantly you’re good to go.

Wall Mount Network Server

Desktop computers take up space. Whether your desktop’s inconveniently sitting on top of your desk or sloppily placed on the floor, a wall mount network server is a mounting solution that maximizes space by safely storing your unsightly or inconvenient computer equipment in a protected area.

Speakers or Headphones

Add something extra to the mix with a high-quality Bluetooth multimedia stereo speaker set. Alternatively, over-the-ear headphones with an aluminum stand works if you prefer to listen to audio privately. Either way, upgrading your computer’s audio system can make listening to podcasts or watching movies more enjoyable.

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Ergonomics is all about achieving comfort level. When the body doesn’t have to contend with stress from prolonged sitting, you don’t get those same aches and pains. What you’ll find on this list aren’t essentials but they add a little more functionality to your home workstation. Shop everything on this list from Canada’s own PrimeCables.ca.

Height-Adjustable Two-Shelf Cart

There’s not enough space on a desk for a printer. You may have paperwork that doesn’t suit a home office desk as well. A height-adjustable two-shelf cart on wheels is an opportune way to place what doesn’t fit on your desk right beside you.

Under-Desk Swivel Storage Tray

An under-desk swivel storage tray is a small storage compartment in which you can keep work supplies like pens, paper clips, post-it notes, thumbtacks, and more. If you need some place to store your little knick-knacks, try it.

Cable Management Spine

Every home office has cables hanging down from behind the computer or laptop, or audio devices. A cable management spine has snap-together interlinking blocks that help to keep cables organized. Clean up your home office cables and put them through a spine like this one.

Adjustable Computer Keyboard and Mouse Platform

Store your computer keyboard and mouse somewhere safe. This is a pull-down adjustable keyboard and mouse tray. It’s stable and durable, and stows under desk. Slide it out when it’s needed. Slide it back in when it’s not needed.

Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat

For those with an ergonomic height-adjustable office desk, an anti-fatigue standing mat is an excellent accessory. Stand on your portable comfort mat when you need to, and it works to reduce pressure on the feet and back.

Glass Ergonomic Tabletop Riser and Stand

Give yourself another level on your desk. This trendy glass ergonomic tabletop riser can accommodate everything from LCD monitors to speakers, printers, streaming devices, and more. Many people use it to raise the height of their monitor but it is a flat work surface that can be purposed for any number of things.

Clamp-On Power Strip Holder

Power strips thrown on the floor towards the back of a desk doesn’t exactly give convenient access. A clamp-on power strip holder does exactly what you’d expect. It clamps onto your ergonomic computer desk and through silicone pads, firmly grips a power strip. This way, it’s far easier to plug in smartphones and mobile devices to charge, and more.

Are you looking for ergonomic accessories, computer desks, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more? Shop it all this spring at PrimeCables.ca.

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Ask any student. Studying from home and staying motivated in this COVID-19 lockdown has brought challenges. Staying focused can be difficult and the work itself can be very dull, especially in comparison with the distractions around someone.

To make studying from home for students easier, we’ve put together this guide. Included are essentials for a study space as well as some tips to help you zero in on the task-at-hand. Here is your ultimate COVID-19 study guide for students in high school, college, and university.

Have Fun When You’re Not Studying

The first piece of advice we give on how to study from home is the opposite of what many probably expect. When you’re not studying, have fun. We all have psychological needs – connection, love, purpose, belonging, etc. Ensure those are being met. If you’re feeling depressed, you won’t be able to self-motivate to the extent that you need to.

Build An Ergonomic Study Space

Every student should have an ergonomic study space, including a height-adjustable desk. Accessories you may want to add include a monitor mount, an anti-fatigue standing mat, a tabletop, a cable spine, or a keyboard and mouse tray. This is where the majority of studying will take place. If you create an environment where concentration is most likely, you stand a better chance at making it happen.

Block Out the Distractions

Even if you’re in your own study space, there will still come distractions in the form of sound. Consider purchasing some over-the-ear headphones. They don’t have to be noise cancellation although that helps. Earbuds also work. Multimedia speakers or desktop speakers won’t. Headphones that fully surround the ear allow you to block out outside noises while listening to music or a soundtrack that helps you focus.

Have A Comfortable Desk Chair

The trend in ergonomic office design is we usually overspend on the desk and then don’t even consider the chair. You’ve got to be comfortable, no matter what. If you’re dealing with aches and/or are in an uncomfortable position, it’s just something else that’s going to break concentration. Consider an adjustable mesh office chair or a specially designed ergonomic office chair.

Time On/Time Off

Concentration works best when it’s done in timed bursts. This is why employees are given a lunchtime and breaks. You can’t chain yourself to your desk for 12 hours a day and expect amazing results. Instead, give yourself two-hour blocks and then break for 15 minutes. Doing so also plays into a hard-work-and-reward system. Doing this will maximize focus and help you stay engaged with your studies.

If you’re missing some of the key elements on how to study from home during COVID-19, PrimeCables.ca wants to help. Drop by to browse office desks, chairs, headphones, Ethernet cables, USB cables, and more.

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COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have restricted the activities a lot of us are allowed to do. Renovations, fortunately, are something any dedicated DIY homeowner can get done. This assumes they have the right tools.

Anyone looking to set out on some DIY hobby projects, home improvement projects, or renovations, here are the best power tools and hand tools in Canada. High-quality and affordable, pick them up at PrimeCables.ca.

Angle Grinder

Angle grinders are used to grind metal, cut tile, rout out mortar, and sand, polish, and sharpen various materials. If you are working with metals, an angle grinder power tool can prove advantageous and particularly if you want to eliminate rust or remove paint.

Cordless Impact Driver

An impact driver works with long screws, driving them in with ease. If your project requires an impact driver, we recommend a cordless model. When you aren’t connected with a cord, projects become easier. Move around with ease when you use a cordless impact driver.

Cordless Power Drill

Every DIY artist or home improvement enthusiast should have a drill of some kind. They’re a necessary tool in anyone’s renovation tool arsenal. A cordless power drill improves quality and efficiency. If you don’t buy anything else on this list, a cordless power drill is worth the investment.

Cordless Electric Screwdriver Drill

An electric screwdriver drill ups your screwdriver power. Around the house, electric screwdrivers serve a number of purposes. Like a drill, eventually, everyone needs a screwdriver. It’s an inexpensive purchase and is a versatile tool.

Cordless Circular Saw

Anyone who does a lot of woodworking or cutting, circular saws are far easier to use than a handheld alternative. An electric cordless circular saw cuts wood and other materials safely and efficiently, perfect for everything from small DIY projects to major woodworking assignments.

3-in-1 Metal Detector

When you’re working on your property, you obviously don’t want to do any unknowing, irreparable damage. A 3-in-1 handheld metal detector can be used as a stud finder, wood detector, or wire finder. From wall studs to metal pipes and electrical wires, protect your walls, floors, and home.

Network Cable Tester and Crimping Tool

A combination buy, your network cable tester and crimping tool are perfect for laying down Ethernet networking cable. It can also be used on any sort of RJ45/RJ11 wire or work. The advantages of Ethernet cabling are well understood by small businesses, used often. If you want to increase your Internet speed or have concerns about WiFi, a cable tester and crimping tool get you closer to setting up your own network.

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The wireless charging of mobile devices is easy to do and inarguably more convenient than plugging in a USB cable to do the same.

Even though Qi-certified wireless chargers have been around for a few years, most of us still charge our smartphones via USB cables. It’s what we’re used to. That’s understandable. There might, however, come a time when wireless charging becomes the only thing available for smartphone charging. The future of mobile devices is certainly starting to resemble this.

How a wireless charger works is relatively straightforward. You set your device on top of the charging surface. Inside the surface, there is a coil that charges the smartphone’s battery. This happens through the alternating current which creates an alternating magnetic field.

The alternating magnetic field transfers a current into the receiving coil of the smartphone or mobile device. This is why a Qi-certified wireless charger only works with certain smartphones. Devices have to have the receiving coil to be able to accept the current being transferred. Otherwise, no charge is captured.

Throughout this article, you may have seen the term ‘Qi-certified’ as well. ‘Qi’ is the wireless charging protocol that has been adopted globally by the world’s largest wireless device manufacturers, including Apple, Google, Samsung, and Huawei.

Fortunately, right now, wireless chargers aren’t that expensive. PrimeCables.ca is offering a wireless charger Qi-certified for iPhones for less than $12. The premium design on this wireless charger includes LED indicators to ensure a device is properly placed, a non-slip pad, and MultiProtect technology which protects against temperature, surge protection, and short-circuiting.

When you use a standard wireless charger, you eliminate the need to be charging via USB connection. This means no longer having to untangle wire or re-purchase a USB cable when a pet’s chewed their way through it. With a wireless charger, you can set it out on a kitchen countertop or a bedside table. Place your smartphone there when you go to sleep. That’s it!

If you haven’t tried wireless charging, you’ve got to. It’s way more accommodating than USB cables. Just ensure that your smartphone is directly on top of the coil. This is key. When a device isn’t correctly placed, it won’t receive the full power charge it could if it was more centrally positioned.

Shop Qi-certified wireless chargers, external power banks, high-quality Nylon-protected USB cables and more at PrimeCables.ca today. Tap into fast wireless charging. Make it easier than ever to charge your devices.

Featured photo by Marianne Krohn on Unsplash

Pocket-sized power banks are great for when your mobile device needs a charge and a USB outlet isn’t nearby.

Power banks range in affordability, fast charging speed, and number of outputs. If you travel regularly or are routinely worried about your phone’s battery life, it’s a handy investment. You always will have some place to get a charge from. Here are the best mobile device battery backups in Canada.

4,000Ah/16,000Ah Power Bank and Lightning Cable – $18.39

With this 4,000Ah portable power bank for on-the-go use, you not only get the charger but a lightning cable as well. You just plug and your device charges. There’s overcurrent protection included. Charge the power bank, toss it in your bag, and use it when you need it.

5,000mAh Power Bank Battery Charger Dual Output – $17.24

When you’re looking for an external power bank, ideally, you want one that packs a decent amount of power. The 5,000mAh Power Bank Battery Charger comes with a micro-USB cable, 18.5W fast charging, and can accommodate any USB device.

10,000mAh Portable External Battery Charger – $28.75

The 10,000mAh Portable External Battery Charger supports PD fast charging across USB Type-C connections and more. Included in this purchase is a micro-USB charging cable. Automatic charging on any USB device.

Which Power Bank is Right For Me and My Devices?

Any of these portable USB power banks are worth having on your person when you’re out. Differences exist in price, power output, and the amount of charge the power bank can retain. Most find themselves just as satisfied with a 4,000mAh design as they do a 10,000mAh one.

With deals like these, there’s no excuse not to have a buy a power bank. They’re also portable and built for travel which means they can bang around in a bag or pocket without scuffing or getting damaged.

Power banks included on our list generally recharge quickly which is fortunate. The overcurrent protection on them ensures your smartphone or other mobile devices are never put at risk. Although it’s frustrating watching your battery run down into single digits, with a power bank, at least there’s a way to keep your phone operational until you get to a proper USB outlet and charging station.

Let a power bank act as your own personal mobile USB charging station. Any device. Any time. Suddenly, running down your mobile’s battery isn’t such a big deal.

Browse portable USB power banks, external battery chargers, and power banks today from PrimeCables.

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A monitor mount in a home office does a lot of things. The most obvious is lifting your monitor upwards, freeing up the space underneath which would otherwise be taken. This creates a dynamic and ergonomic home office you can use for days on end.

An efficient home office requires having your computer monitor in a comfortable location. A monitor mount brings your monitor up to eye-level. Height-adjustable, you can adjust your monitor’s exact placement according to how you intend to be working.

Another benefit of using a monitor mount in a home office is what it can do for multiples. Professions like graphic designers, video editors, and even some office workers may have two, three, or even four monitors to work from.

For multiple monitors, you can do one of two things. The first option is to give each one a single monitor mount. This works, although it can take up unnecessary space on the back of your ergonomic desk.

The second option is to use a monitor mount that accommodates all your monitors. There are dual-monitor mounts, triple-monitor mounts, and more available from Canada’s own PrimeCables. These are worth checking out if you have two or more monitors to elevate.

The biggest drawback of monitor mounts is the cost. You can easily find monitor arms or mounts for upwards of $75 and above. This isn’t the case at PrimeCables. We prioritize quality, affordability, and a well-made product. We always try to offer the best price possible for all essentials for home offices.

Searching for the right monitor mount for your office, measure the screen. A monitor mount is designed for specific sized monitors. For example, this full-motion dual-monitor desk mount is designed for monitors 13” to 27”.

In addition to simple pipe-style mounts, there are also gas spring desk mounts which are considered the most ergonomic option. If you want the most height adjustability you can have from your mount, a gas spring can sometimes outperform those that are made pipe-style.

A gas spring monitor mount doesn’t require any tools to adjust the height. It’s all done by hand. When you set yourself up for a day’s work at your home office ergonomic desk, adjust your monitor’s height by hand. Pull it or pull it and the monitor should remain in place.

Home office workers deserve to have the best in essentials and accessories. Be comfortable. Be productive. A monitor mount is affordable, fancy, and likely to make your home office a more hospitable environment. Shop today with PrimeCables.ca.

No one could have predicted COVID-19’s impact in Canada, forcing businesses to close and millions of employees to become first-time remote workers.

Home-based employment’s on-trend and so are home offices. For first-timers working in this unfamiliar work setup, here are some work-from-home tips to get you started. This is the ultimate guide to working from home for beginners.

Establish a Work-From-Home Routine

Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should be acting like it. Like you would commuting to work and working in your usual office, establish a routine. Set a lunchtime, get dressed for work like you would normally, segment your time throughout your shift, and eat healthy.

Get Your Work-From-Home Essentials

No one wants to be miserable at work. If something doesn’t feel right, change it. Get the work-from-home essentials you need to feel comfortable, focused, and productive. For some, that means over-the-ear headphones to play music on and block out noise. For others, it’s an ergonomic height-adjustable desk.

Finish Work At a Set Time

Newbies working from home tend to work, work, and work. They skip breaks, they don’t eat healthy, and they tend to not know when to ‘shut off’. This is normal. Unfortunately, it leads to anxiety, stress, and burnout. Always maintain ‘work hours’ and ‘off-hours’. Finish at a set time. Separate your work time from your personal time.

Human-to-Human Contact

A lot of us are going stir crazy in this COVID-19 work-from-home environment. To stay sane, you have got to make an effort to maintain your connections. Whether it’s family, work colleagues, and/or non-work friends, you will feel so much better connecting, being social, and it’ll cure loneliness in its tracks.

Are There Work-From-Home Accessories That Can Help You?

These aren’t your ‘essentials’ per se. Chances are, there are work-from-home accessories that could help you be more focused or productive. Consider investing in a couple. A headphone hanger, a new computer keyboard, Ethernet cables, or a single monitor desk mount are all examples of requested accessories others have purchased through PrimeCables.ca.

Time Management

If you’re not used to working from home, you might be experiencing some trouble staying productive. The best solution is to practice better time management. Time yourself. Sign in and sign out. There are also plenty of project management and time management apps that help work-from-home Canadians keep track of their affairs, such as Calendly, Trello, and Toggl.

This Is Your New Normal

As provinces likely loosen COVID-19 restrictions over the following summer months, this doesn’t mean employees are going to be thrust back into commuting to work. It is very likely most work-from-home setups will continue, in some capacity. Whether you like it or not, fortunately or unfortunately, get used to it.

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