Today, we have access to an unfathomable amount of data. It's a double-edged sword. On one hand, this wealth of data offers unparalleled opportunities for finding answers. On the other hand, the sheer volume of information can be very overwhelming and challenging to sift through.
Luckily, there are plenty of valuable gadgets for online research. Here are 4 of them.
External Storage
Documents, datasets, findings, video tutorials- it's not uncommon for a single research project to generate and accumulate a significant amount of data. Imagine doing research on the best retirement communities in the industry for example.
External storage devices, such as external hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs), make the research process organized by keeping data separate from the primary computer's internal storage, preventing clutter if nothing else.
When shopping for one:
Choose a storage capacity that suits your needs; from a few hundred gigabytes to multiple terabytes
Opt for portable external drives that are compact and lightweight
Consider encrypting sensitive research data on your external storage device
Noise-Canceling Headphones
You won't extract much information if you're constantly distracted. Noise-canceling technology actively eliminates or at least minimizes ambient noise so that you can concentrate on reading, writing, or analyzing research materials a lot easier.
They're also ideal for audio transcription and hopping on virtual meetings.
When shopping for one:
Look for headphones with cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband
Choose headphones with good audio quality
Consider the battery life, especially if you plan to use them for extended periods without recharging.
Digital Voice Recorder
Researching doesn't end with reading information. Often, recording interviews, focus group discussions, or lectures are still necessary even with online research, and a digital voice recorder comes in handy.
When shopping for one:
Select a recorder with adjustable recording quality settings to match your needs
Ensure the device has sufficient storage space or supports external memory cards for longer recordings
Look for devices that can easily transfer recordings to your computer via USB or wireless options like Bluetooth
USB Hub
If you've ever had to work off of multiple devices, you know how valuable a USB hub can be. A USB hub expands the connectivity options of a computer, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals simultaneously.
When shopping for one:
USB hubs come in various types, including USB-A, USB-C, and Thunderbolt, so choose one that matches your device's ports
Some USB hubs offer Power Delivery (PD) to charge devices like laptops or smartphones
Check that the hub supports the data transfer speed required for your peripherals, such as USB 3.0 for fast data transfer
Consider the hub's size and portability
The need to conduct online research occurs more often than it does not in today's digitally-driven world, where information and data are readily available and essential for academic, professional, and personal pursuits. Try out these gadgets to make things easier for yourself.
