IPAD
“The iPad changed the world of business,” says Anna Walton. “The iPad allows you to make notes, record conversations, surf the Web, and everything else in between. With an array of apps—such as my must-have, EverNote—the iPad has become an essential accompaniment to all meetings.”
www.apple.com/ipad-air
TABLET CASE
A quality case for your tablet/iPad will help prevent scratches and marks—and worse, if it happens to slip out of your hands. “I would invest in something similar to the Crux360,” says Anna Walton. “This clever little case has a clamshell-keyboard case that allows you to use your iPad in a multitude of positions. Ergonomics have been taken into consideration and all iPad ports and buttons remain accessible while carrying the case. Plus with full Bluetooth and four different modes, this is the best way to carry your iPad into meetings.”
www.cruxcase.com
WIRELESS MOUSE
Anna Walton calls the Logitech MX Mouse “a piece of technological luxury. This is the best mouse money can buy! Featuring a Darkfield sensor, the clever little mouse allows you to use it on any surface, including glass, cloth, or even a pair of jeans (not that you would be wearing those in a meeting).”
www.logitech.com
LAPTOP
“One of the lightest and best laptops for business use is the ASUS Zenbook UX31,” says Anna Walton, a laptop that is 9mm at its thickest point and just 17mm when closed. “Despite its streamlined size, it still has plenty of power thanks to an Intel i7 processor and 4G of RAM. Plus, with a phenomenally quick startup time from sleep (2 seconds) this laptop means you can check incoming e-mails quicker than ever before.”
www.asus.com/zenbook
SMARTPEN
The Livescribe Echo Smartpen allows you to record audio while you’re taking notes, then play it back later. “This extraordinarily clever little pen lets you save and share interactive notes with your computer, iPad, or iPhone meaning you will never miss a meeting minute,” says Anna Walton. The storage holds 400 or 800 hours of recorded audio, depending on the model, and includes OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display for navigating smartpen apps.
www.livescribe.com
SMARTWATCH
The Sony SmatWatch, powered by Android, lets you see all of your notifications on the 1.3-inch OLED touchscreen. You can use the watch to manage calls, read e-mails and text messages, and view Facebook posts and tweets. “Thanks for an increasing number of apps, you can now even use the SmartWatch to listen to music!” notes Anna Walton.
www.sonymobile.com
Longleat House is a 450-year-old home in Wiltshire, U.K., the family residence of the current Marquess of Bath, and is available for corporate events. Groups can explore teambuilding and adventure options as well, which take place in the surrounding 900-acre wildlife and safari park.
www.longleat.co.uk/corporate
