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Gadgets for accountants: FujitsuScanSnap iX1500, Cemtrex SmartDesk, Vuzik Blade glasses, Lenovo Thinkvision P44W
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4 tech gadgets accountants will want to get their hands on

At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, more than 4,500 exhibitors showed off their latest technologies. These four devices are most likely to make the lives of finance professionals easier

Gadgets for accountants: FujitsuScanSnap iX1500, Cemtrex SmartDesk, Vuzik Blade glasses, Lenovo Thinkvision P44WFrom a smart desk to smart glasses, accountants will love the efficiency of these gadgets

In the 21st century, accountants must constantly be on the lookout for technologies that can improve their workflows. Here are four gadgets seen at the Consumer Electronics Show in January that will help accountants do their best work in 2019—and beyond.

1. THE FUJITSU SCANSNAP iX1500

With its ability to upload paper documents directly to Hubdoc, LedgerDocs, OneDrive and other cloud-based apps without the use of a computer or mobile device, Fujitsu ScanSnap technology has become a staple in the cloud-based accountant’s tool box. 

The iX1500 offers increased speed—30 scans per minute—over the previous model. As well, a new touch screen and user interface makes using the scanner more intuitive than ever. Thanks to a feature called optical character recognition, the scanner can convert paper documents to editable PowerPoint, Word or Excel files, complete with appropriate metadata so they are easy to find on a computer.

The ScanSnap iX1500 is available in Canada at Staples, on Amazon and other retailers for about C$665.

2. CEMTREX SMARTDESK

Designed to reduce table-top clutter and under-desk wires, Cemtrex’s new connected desk could make the everyday work lives of accountants a little smoother. Bonus: It can be used in a sitting position, or easily transformed for use in a standing position.

Featuring a 72-inch display monitor with touch technology, a built-in scanner, a Windows PC, a built-in keyboard, wireless connectivity for full access to the cloud, and wireless charging for mobile devices, the desk also solves the problem of incompatibility between devices.

Prices start at US$4,499, which includes professional installation. Preorders are available at smartdesk.com

3. VUZIX BLADE GLASSES

Winner of an Innovation Award at CES 2019, the Vuzix Blade smart glasses provide a natural view of the real world while also allowing the user to view location-aware augmented-reality content such as mapping directions, restaurant menus, weather forecasts, stock information, video conferencing, health metrics and financial data.

They show promise for use in an accountancy practice, because the glasses offer the potential for an accountant to view clients’ financial data remotely, effortlessly and privately. Also, they connect with iOS and Android mobile devices as well as smart home speakers, making them easy to use when performing everyday tasks online.

Prices start at US$999.99. For more information, see Vuzix.com

4. LENOVO THINKVISION P44W

Designed with professionals in mind and offering a curved screen with a diagonal width of 43.4-inches, this Lenovo widescreen monitor allows accountants to display the data they need on one single monitor. It lifts, tilts and swivels, and all with only one cable—instead of the tangle associated with multiple monitors.

The Lenovo ThinkVision P44W will start at US$1,299 and is expected to be available at Lenovo.com and retail partners starting in April. 

GET MORE TECH SAVVY

Join CPA Canada at the National Technology Forum 2019 to gain deeper insight on the tools and trends that will impact your business, from big data to cloud computing. The event runs from May 23-24, 2019 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Ont.