Equipment and Gadgets

When it comes to equipment and gadgets, remember that you are mingling home and office. This means your equipment is exposed to certain hazards that regular on-site equipment is not. Durability is important. Don't forget to make sure your home or apartment insurance policy would cover the loss of equipment in the event of a robbery or flood damage (for more information, see our insurance chapter).

Remember the MIS department? In most companies they are a godsend—and a bane. Maybe you remember complaining that they weren't “getting around” to fixing the gremlin in your office computer fast enough. Well, guess what? Unless you're a telecommuter, if equipment breaks down, you now have to pay for it (or at least spend a couple of hours on the phone to an 800-number). There's no calling the MIS department and complaining that you need a replacement. The first time you have a computer-related fiasco on your hands, you're going to miss those MIS people! Ensure you don't have a double disaster on your hands by investing in good warranties. These can cover anything from repairs to replacement, and they are essential for home office technology. A glass of chocolate milk poured over your laptop by your two-year-old darling? One, that's what they make spill-proof sippy cups for. Two, thank goodness you have that covers-everything-under-the-sun warranty.