The Stream Deck = Solid Business Tool

This week I picked up a device called a STREAM DECK. While a few companies make them, this one is made by the industry leader elgato. The device plugs into your USB and acts like a programable keyboard of functions. Each function (which can be highly customized) can execute anything from standard routines to hot keys to launching software and websites. The images for each key you have complete control over and can be almost anything.

Additionally, each Folder (as they are called) can open an entirely new set of commands that you can execute. In my case my picture opens a new set of icons that represent software I use on a regular basis, mostly for personal organization and project management purposes. The Software key opens a menu of commonly used software programs and keeps me from opening other menus or minimizing windows to start them. The Folders key opens up a listing of my most used folders and resources on the company network. The letters you see in the image automatically launches Windows Explorer to the base company network drive mapping of that letter. The list goes on with regularly used websites and opening software such as Outlook and Teams.

The advantage? I can within 1-2 keystrokes open most of my most commonly used programs, folders, and websites. I (a right handed person) can do this strictly with one finger on my left hand while still working with the mouse in my right hand. Also, I no longer need to look for software, closing windows, search through Windows File Manager, etc during web meetings. A couple button pushes, it launches and launches the proper program or file location. Soon I will be programming it to open specific files, so Word documents or Excel or PDF's which will have project staffing information and more.

While it's expensive, and a device made for people that do podcasts, broadcast their video games, etc it's a fine office tool for those that open the same things A LOT. That's particularly true if you are like me and have a dozen Windows open at the end of the day. 2 days into using it and I already think you'll have to pry this away from me in the future. It's just too good at executing commands in just a button push or two. I highly recommend it.