Small Business

The 5 Best Business Gadgets to Buy at Walmart (2011 Edition)

By Rick Broida

Updated on: March 18, 2011 / 4:36 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

Last year I told you about five products that were worth a trip to Walmart -- a store that probably doesn't leap to mind when you think about business and tech products.

But as it happens, the retail giant offers some unbeatable deals on some of the best gear. As of this writing, each of the following five products was priced lower at Walmart than anyplace else I could find. (Keep in mind, however, that prices and availability are subject to change.)

Gateway LT3120u 11.6-inch Laptop

More powerful than any netbook but just as compact and travel-friendly, the Gateway LT3120 packs a dual-core AMD processor, 160GB hard drive, and 11.6-inch LED-backlit screen into its three-pound frame. In other words, it has the horsepower to let you get actual work done, but it won't break your back schlepping it around the airport. Price: $348.

Lexmark Genesis S815 All-in-One Printer

This isn't just some gorgeous, futuristic-looking multifunction -- though it is that. No, the Genesis S815 also packs some state-of-the-art hardware, starting with an embedded 10-megapixel digital camera in place of the traditional roving image sensor. Translation: it's super-fast, scanning an entire document in about three seconds. Price: $269.

TomTom XL335SE

Smartphones can pull navigation duty in a pinch, but most of the time you're better off with a dedicated GPS. The TomTom XL335SE offers a spacious 4.3-inch screen, text-to-speech, and support for those awesome voice-packs I've written about. Unlike the older model I wrote about last year, this one's not refurbished -- it's brand new, yet it's priced even lower. Price: $69.

Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go MiFi 2200

I hope you'll forgive a repeat item, but the MiFi 2200 is just as awesome as it was last year -- and now it costs even less. In case you're unfamiliar with the device, it creates a 3G-powered Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices. And unlike similar offerings from, say, Verizon, you don't need a two-year contract. Virgin Mobile charges $10 for a 10-day access pass (with limited data) or $50 for 30 days' worth of unlimited access. Buy the MiFi from Walmart and you can also choose an exclusive $20/month service option. Price: $129.

Wintec 8GB Flash Drive

Flash drives are great for everything, from safeguarding essential data to rescuing a malware-infested PC to installing Windows 7. The Wintec is a no-frills drive to be sure, but what do you expect for a mere 13 bucks? It's available in a variety of colors, so if black's not your thing, you have several other choices. Price: $13.
Well, those are my picks. Have you found any Walmart deals worth sharing? Hit the comments and tell me about them!