You've laid out good money for your laptop computer, but you're not done spending just yet.
There are a few more laptop accessories you may want to consider to make the package complete.
1: Laptop Case / Bag
As the newest member of the mobile computing force, you're required to take an oath of safe computing.
And that starts with investing in the most important of laptop accessories - a laptop bag. You can't very well go traipsing around the world with your laptop exposed to the elements.
When it comes to laptop bags, you can spend $25 for a small case made from less expensive materials on up to several hundred dollars for one made of top-grain cowhide.
However, in the end, the most important consideration is whether your case can hold your laptop, plus all the other goodies that go with it (like the ones described here).
2: Software
Did your laptop come with software? If so, did it come with the right software - the software you actually need to perform whatever tasks you need to perform?
Don't just assume you have everything you need. You'll probably need to add some software, as well as go online to update the software that was included.
3: A Real USB Mouse
Trackpads and eraser nubs that fill an obvious need. However, given the option, most people would rather user a real mouse.
If you stop and think for a moment, you're likely to realize that many places where you'll be computing actually are suitable for a real mouse.
So one of the most useful laptop accessories you can buy is a USB mouse, keep it in your bag, and use it whenever you're able.
4: A Cat5 Ethernet Cable
Your built-in Ethernet port won't do you much good if you get to your hotel room, discover an Ethernet connection, and don't have a cable. Some hotels provide them; others don't. Always come prepared with the right cable.
5: A Standard Telephone Cable
The same holds true for your modem connection. If you don't have a cable to get you from your computer to the phone jack, you're not going anywhere in cyberspace.
6: Disposable Cleansing Cloths
Over time, the display on your laptop is going to get dusty, or even smudgy. You're playing Russian roulette with your laptop if you attempt to clean your display with paper towels and spray cleaners.
Instead, use disposable cleansing cloths. These essential laptop accessories are designed specifically to clean laptop displays. Always have a stash on hand.
7: USB Drive
A USB drive is a storage device about the size of your thumb that plugs directly into a USB port.
Capacity-wise, they're relatively small - usually well under 100 MB. However, they're very useful for moving files quickly and easily from one computer to another, e.g., moving a PowerPoint presentation from your laptop to your business associate's laptop.
A USB drive also makes a great temporary backup medium for the really important files you create on the road.
8: Blank CD-R Discs
You've just finished your big sales presentation. Someone from the audience approaches you afterward and asks for a copy of the presentation.
You'll make a better impression if you:
a) ask the person for their email address and tell them you'll email the presentation later
b) ask for their physical address and tell them you'll mail a CD later
c) burn them a CD of the presentation on the spot.
In case you didn't figure it out, the answer is c. Always be prepared with these inexpensive laptop accessories.
9: Stereo Headset
It's great to be able to watch DVD movies no matter where you are. Imagine watching your favorite flick at 30,000 feet.
There's just one problem.
The family in the row behind you has absolutely no interest in hearing the dialog from Pulp Fiction.
Do yourself and everyone around you a favor. When you're watching movies or listening to music in public, use your headphones.
10: Security Device
Laptop security devices come in many shapes and sizes.
For example, most laptops include a security dock that allows you to attach your laptop to some immovable object via cable, much like you'd lock up your bicycle outside the grocery store.
About The Author
Thinking of buying a laptop computer? 'How To Buy A Laptop' is the definitive online guide that will teach you everything you need to know. Don't buy the wrong machine! Check out ==> http://HowToBuyALaptop.com
OK I confess I've bought at least 10 inkjet printers... Read More
A recent Tech Tip covered the basics of selecting a... Read More
When comparing refurbished laptop models, ask about these specifications:Central Processing... Read More
Printer technology has made tremendous advances in the past five... Read More
DVD is an optical disc storage media format that can... Read More
Human beings are scaling new heights day by day. Markets... Read More
Hard Drives: ATA versus SATAThe performance of computer systems has... Read More
To upgrade or not? That is the question. At least,... Read More
All capacitors have a certain amount of resistance to the... Read More
As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll want... Read More
Used laptop computers are everywhere these days. How can you... Read More
Roll over lumbering desktop computers, the limber laptop is here,... Read More
Picking your way through the ton of information available on... Read More
Well, we've all seen the advert, but that's not what... Read More
Bluetooth BasicsBluetooth technology is nothing new, but in many respects... Read More
Laser toner is the ink for laser printers. It is... Read More
Whenever there is a complaint about monitor contrast problem I... Read More
Business Consultants earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year... Read More
The last article I mentioned about electrolytic capacitor breakdown when... Read More
The other piece of vital equipment to accompany the rack... Read More
Blu ray is a next generation optical media format developed... Read More
We have finally advanced to a time when technology can... Read More
This article focuses on frequently asked questions by buyers of... Read More
Protecting Against A Power Surge:Your computer is an expensive investment;... Read More
Looking for a real bargain on laptop batteries? How do... Read More
Video displays are most recent technique used in both outdoor... Read More
If you've been looking to upgrade your computer video card... Read More
When buying a new computer, or upgrading your monitor, you... Read More
Soon the human brain will be completely interfaced with the... Read More
Are you sick of all the high priced notebooks out... Read More
Things to Consider When Choosing a Computer CaseIn the past,... Read More
Digital voice recorders have become increasingly popular over the last... Read More
In today's age, building computers on yourself is often chosen... Read More
All capacitors have a certain amount of resistance to the... Read More
When comparing refurbished laptop models, ask about these specifications:Central Processing... Read More
Current sense resistor is usually located in the switch mode... Read More
Interestingly, ergonomics though sounds to be a modern and trendy... Read More
Laptops are lovely. They are convenient, mobile, powerful and prestigious.... Read More
You can purchase an inkjet printer for as little as... Read More
Video displays are most recent technique used in both outdoor... Read More
Digital voice recorders have become increasingly popular over the last... Read More
If you have not seen the newest addition to the... Read More
Contrary to popular belief, tape drives are generally robust and... Read More
Hard drives - Hard drives are a little more complicated.... Read More
In today's age, building computers on yourself is often chosen... Read More
RAID is short for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive)... Read More
What is Video Encryption?Video Encryption is an extremely useful method... Read More
Much has been written about solid state disks (SSDs) becoming... Read More
You may ask, isn't tape an anachronism in the age... Read More
It is true. You can save a lot of time... Read More
The last article I mentioned about electrolytic capacitor breakdown when... Read More
So many people have small USB drives today, but what... Read More
One of the bigger challenges facing display manufacturers is to... Read More
Who needs an LCD display? Well, if you're like me,... Read More
All picture tubes, whether monochrome or color type are identified... Read More
We all know that we should back up our system... Read More
If, for some reason, you can't get an exact replacement... Read More
Have you noticed that laptop computers are beginning to dictate... Read More
Cleaning a laser printer, fax, or copier of laser toner... Read More
Day by day computers are getting advanced. Capacity and performance... Read More
Offering secure public Internet access is not as easy as... Read More
Now you can more easily access the Internet wherever mobile... Read More
Most people understand preventive maintenance like changing the oil in... Read More
Many people simply go to the retail store and get... Read More
Get ready everyone, home computers are about to set new... Read More
Printer cartridge overheads can be a major expense for any... Read More
Computer Hardware |