6 Cool Gadgets for Programmers of Various Programming Languages

Programmers spend most of their time at the computer. Therefore, the workplace of IT specialists should be as comfortable as possible. But what to buy so that the work with the code would bring only pleasure? After reading this article, you’ll learn the answer to this question.

The first part of the blog post tells about devices that help to solve your operational issues. And the second one will show you ergonomic gadgets and accessories that allow you to dive into the working process like a warm sea. In addition, all described tech suits programmers of various programming languages. 

Tech for Working with Code

To effectively perform daily tasks, a programmer should own high-performance equipment, including a powerful laptop with a docking station to carry to various events and meetings, a wireless mouse and keyboard, noise-canceling headphones, a large monitor, and many other valuable items. Below is a small part of the obligatory arsenal for coders.

# 1 Laptop 

A programmer’s work involves using a reasonably powerful and high-quality laptop. And here, we recommend you pay attention to Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15. It’s a compact multi-purpose device from a famous brand featuring a high-quality 15.6-inch Full HD resolution screen based on an IPS matrix. In addition, a powerful processor, integrated graphics, and high-speed storage represent the hardware configuration. 

The laptop has a solid metal-plastic case with a thickness of only 18 mm. A full-size island keyboard with NUM-block provides convenient typing. Additionally, the device is equipped with a webcam with a mechanical curtain covering the lens. The main parameters of the Lenovo product are as follows:

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) model: Core i3/i5/i7;
• RAM (Random Access Memory Capacity): 8-16 GB
• Display specifications: 15.6″, 1920×1080, IPS/WVA matrix;
• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Radeon Graphics/Intel Iris Plus Graphics/UHD Graphics;
• Storage devices: SSD, 256-1024GB
• External ports: USB, HDMI, audio, Mini DisplayPort;
• Battery: 3840 mAh;
• Dimensions (Length × Width × Thickness): 356.67×211×18 mm
• Weight: 1.39-1.85 kg

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is an excellent solution for programmers of various programming languages. However, it has its pros and cons, presented in the table below. Also note that if you need IdeaPad support, you can contact the consulting service Howly, where experienced experts will solve any tech issue as quickly as possible. 

# 2 Monitor 

What makes a monitor one of the best devices for programming? Lots of pixels can’t hurt, that’s for sure. The more screen space you have, the more windows and applications you can open simultaneously, whether for coding itself or collaboration tools. Ergonomics matter, too. Preferences vary, but most programmers prefer the ability to rotate the screen vertically to increase the panel’s height, so more lines of code fit without having to scroll. 

Likewise, the connectivity set improves ergonomics, especially when using a laptop, so USB-C is desirable. Factors like HDR support, high color fidelity, high refresh rates, and the like are less critical. But, of course, you need a screen with good contrast and colors to reduce eye strain. And then a pretty natural question arises: what kind of monitor for programming to choose?

Don’t worry since you don’t have to dive into the vast sea of monitors the market offers today. We researched the best devices and opted for the AOC U32P2. And now, we’ll explain in detail why exactly. The 4K resolution at 32 inches is a perfect combination that provides clear fonts during coding and has plenty of desktop space for working with multiple windows or applications simultaneously. 

The AOC U32P2 offers all these features on a 32-inch VA panel with excellent contrast, an essential parameter for extended use. In terms of ergonomics, this monitor also wins, as it has a multi-level stand adjustable in all planes, including turning to portrait mode. So this tech is desirable for serious work considering all its valuable features:

• Panel: 32″, VA 
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 
• Brightness: 350 cd/m2 
• Pixel response: 4ms 
• Color gamut: 88% AdobeRGB 
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz 
• Inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, x2 HDMI 2.0.

And, of course, the pros and cons of this monitor are discussed in the table below:

# 3 Headphones 

Headphones for programmers are a temple of concentration where nobody can distract them from their work. And this device plays a unique role in our list of the best gadgets for IT specialists who want to get the most out of their computer activities. So what are the benefits of this gadget? 

Let’s see: noise-canceling headphones constantly analyze the sound around you and, due to unique algorithms, add the same noise to the sound, but only with a minus sign. As a result, you hear only music or silence. In general, there are a lot of good models, and we couldn’t choose only one to discuss in this article. So this difficult choice is left to you. 

Tech for Working with Comfort

To work productively and sincerely desire to write good code, the programmer should have the most comfortable workplace possible. It doesn’t mean they need poufs, cookies, and a hammock chair (although that sounds cool). So now it’s time to talk about gadgets that help relax your body. 

Their primary mission is to allow you to immerse yourself in the world of coding with maximum comfort, reducing fatigue. And here we’ll talk about a comfortable chair, an ergonomic computer/gaming desk, and a lamp, thanks to which you’re sure not to spoil your sight.

# 4 Chair

The wrong chair can harm work results because the back will quickly become tired. So now we’ll look at the characteristics that should have a good chair for a programmer and tell you what models are worth taking a closer look at. But no matter how perfect the chair you choose, it won’t save you from the need to take breaks. So remember that it’s good for both your back and your eyes.

✔️ Choose a chair with a synchro mechanism, which helps to change the angle of the chair’s back and seat recline. Then, regardless of what position, both the upper and lower parts of the chair will simultaneously take a comfortable place for your back, reducing the load on the spine. For example, consider the Boss Task Chair.

✔️ The tilt of the backrest should be adjustable. The standard chair back mechanism doesn’t have a stopper. It means that if a person weighing 60 kg sits on the chair, it almost doesn’t deflect. But if it happens to be your friend who weighs more than 100 kilograms — this mechanism will turn your chair into a sofa. To avoid this, pay attention to the presence of a stopper in the mechanism of the chair back, for example, as in Alera Elusion Chair.

✔️ Pay attention to the seat depth adjustment. The ergonomics rules require that your knees are a palm’s width away from the edge of the seat to the bend. You risk slipping out of the chair while working if it is less than the specified parameters. If the distance exceeds palm width, additional pressure will be on the leg muscles. The SUNNOW Ergonomic Office Chair might be a suitable option.

# 5 Computer Desk

Previously coders were familiar with desks with a pull-out keyboard stand and a CD rack. However, it turned out to be unnecessary in everyday life: the keyboard had to stand on the desk, and no one needed CDs anymore. Now it’s evident that you don’t need unique computer desks. All you need is high-quality table tops and stable legs. And more often than not, programmers want the following from their computer/gaming desks:

• A broad and thick tabletop so it doesn’t sag under the monitor (and under a second monitor);
• A depth of 75 centimeters (if not, or the monitor will stand too close);
• Holes for cables.

The current fashion is devoted to healthy lifestyles and ergonomic desks: the tabletop is mounted on a lift mechanism to adjust the height. In the morning, you can change the desk to work standing up; in the afternoon, you can lower it and program it sitting down. So, look at the three most popular models in the table below. 

# 6 Lamp

A suitable desk lamp reduces eye strain from the monitor and keeps the eye muscles from overstressing. A proven option is a desk light with a regular incandescent bulb inside. It’s not energy efficient, but only sunlight is more natural than incandescent. The stylish Xiaomi Mi Smart LED Desk Lamp is a good choice. 

Moreover, you can choose the temperature of the light: cooler and white for daytime work and warm yellow for evening time and reading. Well, in general, the best light is considered natural light, as it enhances the mood and makes it better to focus attention. Therefore, try to place your desk as close to the window as possible. This way, your eyes will get a sufficient amount of daylight and will be less tired.

Summing Up

Many programmers work much more efficiently at home, where they are not distracted and can fully tune in to the coding process. If you’re among them, it’s time to take care of your home office and not suffer from back pain or unwillingness to start another work day. A good chair, a computer desk at which you can work both standing and sitting, comfortably arranged things, your favorite music in the noise-canceling headphones, and quality lighting at least help to relieve stress during the work day and not lose concentration.