The Top 10 Must-Have Laptop Accessories

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

---

What You Should Know Before You Buy Computer Equipment

You will have many factors to consider when deciding on... Read More

A Technical Introduction to Audio Cables

What is so important about cables anyway?One of the most... Read More

Buying a New Computer

Someone recently asked me "I teach senior citizens in a... Read More

What Is A Crystal? And How To Test It

Crystal are use to keep the frequency of the clock... Read More

At War With The Internet

When it comes to sales of technology products over the... Read More

Trouble-shooting Hard Drive Problems - Part 1

It is extremely important not to make or write any... Read More

ATA vs SATA

Hard Drives: ATA versus SATAThe performance of computer systems has... Read More

Computer Parts Online

In today's age, building computers on yourself is often chosen... Read More

A Review of Samsung Laser Toners

Samsung laser toner is just as popular as its Hewlett-Packard... Read More

Dusting Your Computer - Keeping it Cool

My mother always told me to dust, but I never... Read More

Intel Celeron vs Pentium

The Celeron and Pentium Processors are two of Intel's best... Read More

Your Hard Drive is Going to Explode ? Why a UPS is Essential

It's most peoples worst computing nightmare. You wake up in... Read More

Ten Tips to Safeguard Your Laptops

The following is a list of tips to help safeguard... Read More

Wireless Notebooks: What You Need To Know About Going Wireless!

It's not exactly breaking news that our world is becoming... Read More

Does Size Really Matter In Our Digital Age?

Well, we've all seen the advert, but that's not what... Read More

What Tablet PCs Can Do for You

Tablet PCs are great. If you are a mobile person,... Read More

Preventing Tape Drive Failure

Contrary to popular belief, tape drives are generally robust and... Read More

Special Events Recording in DVD Players Age

The proliferation of portable DVD players has dramatically changed the... Read More

Personal Asset Preventive Maintenance Software

Personal asset preventive maintenance software exists to help people manage... Read More

How To Troubleshoot DVD Drives Fast

You really enjoy those dvd movies and games and the... Read More

Expansion Cards Part 3: PCI Express

In the first two installments of this series of Tech... Read More

Toner Cartridges - How They Work

In the past computers and their accompanying printers were huge.... Read More

Do You Have Dead Pixels?

Take a good look at your notebook computer screen. Do... Read More

Learn How To Diagnose Power Supply Problems

The Power Supply convert's your regular household current into low... Read More

Power Protection in the Home Theater - Use of Surge Suppressors to Guard Expensive Electronic Gear

Surge Suppressors ? A First Line of DefenseAll home theater... Read More

Adding Serial Ports to a Computer with Only USB Ports

So you bought a new computer but you don't have... Read More

Computer Hardware Preventive Maintenance Software

Computers often break down at the worst of all times.... Read More

Your Printer Is Out Of Ink -- Now What?

We've all been there. You're in the middle of printing... Read More

The Right Way To Discharge Capacitor In Switch Mode Power Supplies

Switch mode power supply contain some large filter capacitors that... Read More

Can I Use My Old Ink With My New Printer?

The quick answer is...yes and no.Consider this. How many printer... Read More

Blu-ray: A Primer

Blu-ray is an optical disc format which is set to... Read More

The Benifits of Assembling Your Own Computer

Thinking about getting a new computer, but with all the... Read More

A Review of Refurbished HP Laptops

HP refurbished laptops can be found on their website hpshopping.com.... Read More