This is a list of what I consider my “Gadget Essentials”, that is the tools and technology I use to make my business function.  As an entrepreneur, these often need to be mobile, reasonably priced (if not free!), and scalable as the business grows.  The beauty of the realm of startups and small business is the capability of many cheap or free tools easily rivals the high-ticket tools of major enterprise and even surpasses them in many respects.  These expensive services and gadgets simply pitched to companies with deeper pockets and require an expensive sales force to accommodate them.   These tools are for bootstrappers or finance startups alike. All are designed to help your business run lean, agile, and capable.  If you have additional suggestions, simply leave them in the comments and I’ll try em’ out and possibly add them…

Akomplish – Now, in full disclosure, I’m directly involved in Akomplish.com. This is also the reason I love it so much as I have been able to build it for my own needs! It is the ultimate task/project/contact manager with the ability to manage multiple companies and groups from the same interface. No more need to log into 6 different systems… its sweet…

Google Apps – gmail, google docs, google voice, and more! All free, all freakin’ awesome! These make operating in the cloud much easier.  All of my websites host email through google as it is slick and easy to use (much more so than other self-hosted email solutions).

Skype - Why pay big bucks for phone lines and video conferencing systems? Skype is a few bucks a month and you can get a phone number, unlimited outbound calling (and inbound of course), free video conferencing, and an IM application.  Its a no brainer…

Google Voice - This one is basically one of the Google apps, more or less, but specifically is awesome!  Its ability to manage calls, route to multiple phones and VM management make it invaluable.  I also call out from this number quite often (as I have the Droid) which keeps things consistent.  I’m not sure if Voice is openly available yet but if it is get it and if not, find an invite from someone who’s got it and get it…

11″ Macbook Air  - I used to be a netbook man but the new ultrabooks, such as this Macbook Air, are sweet… I do stick to the smaller size for portability but she gets the job done well!   I also use a 23″ monitor and wireless keyboard/mouse setup at the office to make it more comfortable.  This isn’t my only comp however.  I also have a desktop behemoth with 4 monitors (the ultimate in multi-tasking) in my home office.  Most all files sync up between the two with Live Mesh, Dropbox or I operate in the cloud.

HTC Thunderbolt Smart Phone - the smartphone is an essential piece now-a-days.  I’ve been a droid-guy since the original Motorola Droid. I love the complete sync with google (since I’m a google apps guy…).  The ability to make and receive calls (as well as manage messages) with Google voice is sweet as well.  I’m a definite fan… Sorry iPhone, I’m a droid man (at least for the time being…).

Canon 7D dSLR Camera – Photography is a hobby of mine and this is my baby.  I use it to film and record for products, seminars, and other stuff also.  I’ve also done a handful of business website shots for associates.  Its a sweet rig, although it may not necessarily be the major budget-friendly item on this list (I splurged a bit…).

Blue Snowball Microphone - cheap and slick, this mic works out great for podcasting.  It is probably one of the more popular ones for this sort of thing and at $80 or so (through Amazon), its no wonder.

Plantronics Voyager Pro - I love this bluetooth headset.  It is the most comfortable I’ve owned and the battery life is awesome.  This makes for a very ‘useable’ headset, especially for long phone meetings (a regular occurance for me and any remote office person). It is definitely bigger than many but you don’t notice it when its on. Definitely worth it! Newegg has it for a great price…