Stone aims to provide its busy clients with a single supply source that they can use with confidence, knowing that they’ll be getting best value for money and after-sales service. This applies to all the accessories and add-ons an organisation might require for the smooth running of its IT systems.
We supply quality monitors, usb and wireless keyboards, PS2 and wireless mice, Bluetooth accessories, speakers and webcams. For laptop users Stone holds stocks of carry cases and backpacks, spare batteries and port replicators.
Stone also offers a range of usb flash memory sticks and external storage devices.
Monitors
The rapid fall in costs of TFT flat-screen monitors (also referred to as LCD monitors) has revolutionised the desktop. A few cm thick, TFT monitors free up more working space, very important in education environments, and can result in better ergonomics, especially when using a laptop or notebook PC.
Many TFT monitors can be mounted on walls and other vertical surfaces. Some have a touch-screen option that enables the user to discard the mouse, while others have built-in speakers.
Keyboards
It is worth sourcing high quality keyboards – we sometimes forget that they are your users’ constant link with their PCs, and one they may be using for many hours each day. For extreme keyboard users, ergonomically-correct versions are available that can help avoid discomfort. These days the connection choice is most frequently between usb and wireless. The former has an annoying cable, but is less expensive and doesn’t require a Bluetooth, infrared or RF connection and batteries. Wireless keyboards are very convenient, but pricey.
Mice
The once-humble mouse can these days be an object of power, using an optical sensor instead of a ball, connecting wirelessly and including additional buttons and scroll wheels that can be programmed to carry out often-repeated actions. Again, the mouse is a heavily-used device, and to avoid discomfort should be chosen well. Wireless mice require Bluetooth or RF and batteries and are great to use on crowded work surfaces. Standard PS2 or usb mice require a cable connection, but are economical and robust.
Printers
The choice is between ink-jet and laser printers, driven by considerations such as print volumes and quality. If all you need is the occasional photographic-quality print and a few monochrome documents, then ink jet printers will meet your needs. As soon as print volumes increase, then laser printing becomes a more economical and efficient choice. Small offices may find an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier meets their requirements.
Stone offers printers that range from small desktop ink-jet machines through high-volume monochrome and colour laser printers to advanced large-format machines that can handle paper sizes up to A2.
Scanners
In most organisations and schools, for scanning photographs, graphics and documents, the flat-bed scanner is most appropriate. Small offices should consider all-in-one devices for convenience.
Stone’s range of HP and Epson scanners includes entry-level flat-bed machines as well as high-resolution scanners that will also handle film.
Speakers
Just as with any audio system, the better the speaker the better the sound. An average office or school application will only require entry-level, low wattage speakers – indeed most schools will instead choose headphones. But for when sound quality is important, Stone can supply high-definition speakers that can fill a classroom or meeting room with sound.
Bluetooth
Many PCs can be supplied with built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity. However Bluetooth connectivity and convenience can be added to existing systems using simple usb plug-in adapters.
Webcams
ICT is all about communication, and webcams play an important part in PC-based conferencing over the Internet. Some portables have cameras built-in, while Stone can provide webcams that complement both desktop and laptop PCs.
Carry cases
There is a trend these days away from the readily-identifiable (to thieves) laptop case. The result is Stone’s range of ergonomically-comfortable backpacks and shoulder bags that are both functional and fashionable, and don’t shout “laptop inside!”. Padded and reinforced backpacks are the best solution for schoolchildren, whilst shoulder bags are popular with students and executives on the go.
Batteries
Laptop battery life is gradually increasing, but for a power-user who is on the road, a spare battery can be a life-saver.
Port replicators
If you regularly use a laptop as a desktop replacement, or hot-desk in different offices, a port replicator can enable you to communicate with a wide range of peripherals with differing connectors.
Flash memory
Flash memory devices – called variously memory sticks, memory keys, usb memory – are an essential accessory in every pupil’s and student’s pocket, as well as for carrying presentations and sharing files. More robust than CDs and DVDs for carrying assignments to and from school, the capacity of these devices is expanding fast, while prices are falling, and this makes them a vital ICT tool, especially when using memory-limited “netbook” portables.
External memory
Even the biggest hard drive fills up rapidly with today’s mix of photographs, graphics, videos and music. Also, of course, everyone should routinely back up their PC. Stone supplies a range of external memory devices, from pocket-sized portable memories to terabyte hard drives.