Need help in finding decent tech tools

[Commiecorvus]

The majority of the P99 crowd has been knowledgeable throughout the years with technology and I was hoping I could find some advice finding the best tools for work...

-I need a chat program with a sober, functional interface without publicity or flashy colors that also allows use of a microphone. Something reliable which won't crash all the time or require frequent updates. License fee is okay but much needed balance with value/money.

-Something like a shared, working document, which can be saved on my device, theirs and in the cloud perhaps. A kind of collaborating document which one could post text and the other pictures maybe.

-Also a device to work on. Preferably silent, easy on the eyes, and a decent keyboard. I hear tablets are usually most silent but keyboard and microphone would be necessary.

I have been looking at the Mikogo product which is somewhat of a freeware but I don't know if there's anything better out there as that's really a desktop sharing utility. Skype is used sometimes but it has ads and need something more practical I suppose, if it's out there.

Most collaborating document software seems to be strictly through webpages and monthly fees and was wondering if I am missing anything else out there that's more simple and reliable.

Thanks for anyone's help in advance. I struggle to keep up with the ever changing faces of technology sometimes and was looking for opinions or advice.