Business Tech Roundup: The 5 Best MacBooks For Work

(This column originally appeared in Forbes)

Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?

1 – These are the 5 best MacBooks for businesses in 2024.

Here’s a sample from the “5 best MacBooks” (according to TechRepublic) that will fulfill your business needs: The M2 13-Inch MacBook Air made the list for its high performing, faster CPU, its light weight – just over two pounds – and its suitability for professionals on the go. If you want a larger screen, the M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro is listed for specs like high-quality display, memory capacity, its M3 Max chip which supports its ability to handle a range of complex tasks. The downside is, of course, its price. The M3 Pro 14-inch is a good substitute if you want the same performing power for slightly less. (Source: TechRepublic )

Why this is important for your business:

For the entire list and specs, visit the link above. Obviously, a great resource if your company is buying new Apple devices this year.

2 – X announces peer-to-peer payment service will launch in 2024.

Expect to see a peer-to-peer payment system on X sometime this year, as announced on the platform’s blog . Forbes reported that X has “registered to do business in at least 32 states.” Owner Elon Musk has publicly shared his vision of the platform becoming an “everything app” which would encompass a range of financial needs (e.g., checking accounts). No further details were offered by X as to when the payment system will go into effect. (Source: Forbes )

Why this is important for your business:

X’s peer-to-peer system will compete with PayPal/Venmo, Zelle, CashApp and others like it. Many small businesses use these systems to facilitate payments and X’s jump into the market will help keep costs down and provide more options.

3 – When I Work launches Payroll to revolutionize workforce management for small businesses.

Minneapolis software company When I Work has announced a payroll service on its platform. The scheduling tool that helps companies track their employees’ work shifts, business owners can now administer payments “with a single click.” By eliminating the task of receiving time sheets, When I Work’s mobile app allows each employee to track and report their time – the payroll software automatically “calculates that data in real time” – payments are then distributed. Designed to make payroll management “faster and easier” When I Work offers new users a free trial and demo of the service. (Source: Investors Observer )

Why this is important for your business:

The features in When I Work’s payroll offerings are certainly powerful but be careful: payroll compliance is a big job and I often find that the larger payroll companies do a better job at keeping their clients out of trouble.

4 – Intuit TurboTax is now integrated into Credit Karma and QuickBooks for seamless tax preparation and filing across the Intuit ecosystem.

Intuit’s tax-filing software TurboTax has announced integration with financial services company Credit Karma and Intuit’s QuickBooks. Filers can now prepare and submit their tax documentation through Credit Karma’s app without any filing fees (limited time offer). Those who open a Credit Karma savings account and deposit their tax refund can receive their refund earlier. For business owners who manage their accounting through QuickBooks, if they opt to file through TurboTax via the QuickBooks Live Tax, they’ll have access to “unlimited expert assistance” to receive the maximum refund each tax season. (Source: Business Wire )

Why this is important for your business:

For small businesses with simple tax structures this is a great way to not only leverage integration between these three platforms but to complete tax filings affordably. Being a certified public accountant, I’m biased. Businesses always need a good tax advisor to help them with planning and tax minimization strategies, particularly as they grow.

5 – A humanoid robot aims to drive productivity for a 3-day week.

Kepler Exploration Robotics has made an impressive leap in robotics, which was demonstrated this week at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. In a recent press release , the company unveiled its Kepler Forerunner – a five-foot-ten humanoid capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects, “navigating complex terrains,” and “intelligent interactive communication.” The company has described the robot as a “formidable counterpart to Tesla's Optimus ” while proclaiming it will “revolutionize productivity with cutting-edge technology, hastening the arrival of a 'three-day work week.'” (Source: eeNews Embedded )

Why this is important for your business:

Finding experienced talent remains a top concern for most businesses. As costs come down look for more robotics to help those companies, particularly in the manufacturing, distribution and construction industries.