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10 Gadgets Your IT Department Wants You to Leave at Home
By Don Reisinger on 2012-01-06



Maybe your special someone was especially generous this year, getting you a tablet or smartphone as a holiday gift. Or maybe you just treated yourself. But now that the holidays are over and it’s back-to-work time, chances are you don’t want to leave those cool new toys at home. You’ve probably even figured out ways that they could help you be more productive at work. But that doesn’t mean your new gadgets are welcome in your company’s IT environment. You may find if you bring that stuff into the office, you’re in a bit of trouble with the IT guys. But when did you ever let that stop you. Here’s a look at some of the products you might have received over the holidays, and why your IT staff just doesn’t want you to bring them to the office. (Or if you are in the IT department, here’s what you can expect your users trying to sneak onto the network.)
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1. Apple iPad 2


The iPad 2 is easily one of the most desired enterprise products on the market right now. The only trouble is, few companies allow it, due to concerns over productivity and security.

2. Apple iPhone 4S


Apple’s iPhone 4S is another one of those devices that’s ideal for consumers, but not so great for the enterprise. Will that change eventually? Probably. But for now, it’s a no-go.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1


The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is another hot tablet that you just won’t be able to use in the office. Your IT staff looks at Android as a potential security hole, and it looks at you using such a device as a less-productive employee. Is it fair? Probably not. But you won’t be changing anyone’s mind anytime soon.

4. Samsung Galaxy Nexus


If you got the Samsung Galaxy Nexus for the holidays, be happy to know that you’re running what is probably the best Android smartphone released in 2011. However, you should be unhappy to know that, as with the Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Galaxy Nexus is running Android, which makes it a non-starter in the enterprise.

5. Microsoft Xbox 360


There must be some part of you that wants to bring your Xbox 360 to the office and play your coworkers in a quick multiplayer game of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. If you kept the sound turned down, would they even notice?

6. Apple MacBook Air


Apple’s MacBook Air is a wildly popular mobile notebook for consumers around the globe. But so far, it hasn’t made the jump to the enterprise. And don’t expect it to do so. Apple’s notebook is running Mac OS X -- an operating system IT managers still don’t like.

7. Amazon Kindle Fire


Amazon’s Kindle Fire is a great tablet for when you’re at the beach or if you’re at home and want to quickly surf the Web or check e-mail. However, because it’s running Android and it lacks many of the security features found in more-capable tablets, it’s not a device you’ll want to bring to the office.

8. Nintendo 3DS


The Nintendo 3DS is a neat little device that will let you play games in 3D without the need for special glasses. However, where the device breaks down is in its usability for the office. What will you do with it to make your job a bit easier? Chances are, if you don’t have a good answer, your company won’t like seeing it at your desk.

9. Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch


The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch may be the best simple e-reader on the market. And it’s ideal if you want to sit back and read a couple novels. Tell the boss that they’re the newest programming manuals and you’ll be all set.

10. Canon EOS 7D


Maybe you can get away with your photography experimentation at the office holiday party, but that’s long over. Don’t expect to get away with refining your photography skills on your employer’s dime.

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