Any Good Notebook Accessories Out There?

There is a wide range of accessories available for laptop notebooks that make working with your notebook computer so much easier. These accessories range from mini hubs and mini zip drives to security locks. All accessories are add-ons to the basic laptop notebook sold and are designed to meet the various needs of users.

Some of the top must have accessories for laptops are:

Laptop Backpacks

These very functional and practical laptop carriers are a terrific option for students or business people who travel. The versatility of a backpack allows much more storage room that a traditional laptop carrying case. In addition they are water resistant and come in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Laptop extended use batteries

This laptop notebook accessory is a must for computer users who will be away from a power supply for extended periods of time. These batteries will last well over an average workday and still have power left over.

Laptop desk stand

Ergonomically designed, these portable desk stands allow the laptop computer to be tilted up to move the display area to eye-level for ease of reading. This lessens back and neck strain as the laptop user is not constantly looking down or typing on a flat surface. The lightweight plastic design makes them very easy to use when traveling or moving from one workspace to another.

TV card bus

A great device for people who travel with their laptop, this accessory allows your laptop to receive and record TV, video and also to be used as a radio receiver. It is a simple card that uses your PCMCIA card slot on your laptop. This small accessory is greatly appreciated by music lovers.

Bluetooth Wireless USB Adapter

This is a simple plug-in component that allows your computer to become a wireless communication device. Your computer can be linked with a handheld device, mobile phone, printer or anything else that uses2.4 GHz Bluetooth technology. There is built in security with this system that allows for safe transfer of information. In addition it gets rid of the cables that are necessary when using other forms of data transfer.

Five Basic Gudget to Think About

Everybody, it looks like, has a laptop today, and if you don't have one, you most likely are thinking of buying one. As if it's not difficult enough to choose from the many types and brands of laptops out there, you are also confronted with the many accessories that are available for one to. Of the overwhelmingly large amount of accessories out there, it can be certainly overwhelming to figure out what you really need for your laptop. Clearly, it is completely dependant upon your needs and plans with your computer, but there are five essentials you may want to consider to start with first.

Laptop Essential 1: If you are planning to use your laptop at home with any kind of regularity, you will want to consider getting an external keyboard and pointing device (mouse). Why? Well, believe me, if you have ever tried typing on a laptop for any more than an hour, then without a doubt you know that your neck, shoulders, and wrists can start to feel wiped out, to say the least. Well, the solution is to buy an external keyboard, which you can plug into the back of your laptop, as well as a mouse. And if you use your laptop in the office you can raise the screen up with books or risers of some sort to make looking at the screen a little more ergonomic. Of course you can also purchase accessory swivel stands for your laptop as well if you want them.

Laptop Essential 2: When your home you will most likely want to connect other peripheral devices to your laptop, like a printer, maybe a DVD player, or even a CD burner. This can create a lot of clutter with all the wires you need to plug in and unplug if you want to take your laptop out of the house or move room to room or even take it to the office. So to resolve this problem, you will absolutely love a docking station.

Now a docking station basically turns your laptop into a desktop computer when you're home and when you're ready to take it away, you simply slip it out of the station and off you go.

Another alternative along the same lines is a port replicator, which has computer ports. You connect your external devices to the replicator and then to your laptop. When you want to move your laptop, you simply detach the one port replicator, rather than each external device.

Laptop Essential 3: Now this isn't as exciting as some of the other accessories, but I assure you, you will be thankful you have it, and that is an external hard drive. It's certainly not going to make your day, and it certainly won't throw any excitement in your life, but the morning you wake up and your laptop won't start will be the day you are overjoyed that you decided to get that external hard drive.

Here's a little tip to go along with your new external hard drive: never pack your backup drive and your laptop in the same case when going on a trip, keep them separated. If you happen to lose your bag with both the backup drive and the laptop in it, you're going to have a really bad day!

Laptop Essential 4: This little device will allow you to hook up everything you need. So make sure you go out and get yourself an external USB hub. Desktop computers sometimes come with several USB ports, some with as many as 8 or 9. But, laptops since they are smaller, often only have a couple of USB ports. USB hubs will usually have four or more ports that will connect through one of your laptop's USB port making them very easy to use to hook up multiple USB devices.

Laptop Essential 5: You need to think about the worst thing that can happen with your laptop. Now you probably bought your laptop so you can work out of the office, or your home, or wherever you need to, right? Well, since you will be out and about, you will definitely want to think about insurance for your laptop. The manufacturer's warranty usually doesn't cover anything beyond parts, and an extended warranty will certainly not cover theft, though it may cover you for breakage or fire.

Finally, there are literally thousands of different accessories available for your computer. Of course some you might need and others you won't. It really depends on what your plans are for your laptop as well as where you plan on using it. Nevertheless, these five things are indispensable to making your laptop as functional to you as possible. While there may be some variation to what you need, most of these items will be valuable to anyone who owns a laptop, no matter how you expect to use your portable computer.

Gelaskins - Artist-Designed Removable Skins

There is nothing more annoying than having a beautiful looking laptop with a scratch across the lid. Cases and skins have been provided for a long time, but now you can protect the top of your laptop in the same way using Gelaskins.

Gelaskins are a unique solution to prevent scratches to your laptop with removable skins that adhere to the case. A wide range of artistic designs from classic to modern are available to not only protect, but enhance your laptop.

They are also available in a range of sizes that fit every possible screen size, from 13.3" up to 17", and as more designs are made available, skins can be easily swapped due to the 3M adhesive backing, and no sticky residue is left or damage caused after removal.

The print quality of the Gelaskins is very good as would be expected and they have an overall shiny gloss finish. The designs we were sent were The Great Wave, Reptiles and Cable Cranes were all excellently reproduced and gave a really stylish look to our laptops.

The laptop skins are very easy to apply to standard size laptops, and can even be trimmed to fit less standard screen sizes (we even managed to custom fit one to our Dell D420 which has a small 12.1" screen).

If you don't want the bulk of a laptop bag, or want the added everyday protection for your laptop, Gelaskins have provided an excellent protective covering which allows the personalisation that has been missing for laptops up until now.

Carrying Cases For Mother's Day

During these tough economic times, there are still Mother's Day gift ideas out there for people looking to please mom without spending to much cash. For a more thoughtful and less traditional Mother's Day gift that she will cherish, think of what she uses daily when she goes to work. Womans laptop bags, womans briefcases and womans laptop cases offer both high functionality and high fashion for the professional working mom. Just browse through the web and you will soon find laptop carrying cases that will match the professional needs of your loved one, just choose the one you want.

Laptop carrying cases are a functional and affordable gift... And don't forget fashionable. At valued prices, these stylish cases will provide many years of use with minimal care. While there isn't a suggested price range for these gifts, the thought behind it definitely counts.

Carrying your laptop back and forth from home to the office is rapidly becoming a necessary part of doing business today. With space for your mom to store her accessories, she will be organized and ready for that next business meeting. Choose bags from the hottest style and profiles, with the accessories she needs to complete her business/personal needs.

This unique mothers day gift is great for the single mom, the married mother or the divorced mother looking for something different this mother's day. This gift will be something she carries with her everyday and will be a constant reminder of your love.

Laptop Carrying Cases and Bags are designed with the user in mind. Laptop carrying cases are lightweight and have handles and straps that designed to relieve stress from your back, shoulders and hands. These bags are designed to be the most durable bags you'll ever own. You can find discount models, beautiful leather bags and designer models. Laptop carrying cases typically have room for documents, cords and accessories.

Laptop Carrying Cases provide durable and lightweight case protection for your on-the-go computer needs. The cases not only make an elegant, reusable presentation, but also offer organization and protection. In addition to protection, comfort should also be a deciding factor in the type of laptop case you purchase.

Laptop carrying cases are custom-made in the size you need for your laptop computer and accessories. Most suppliers have an almost unlimited variety of styles and sizes to hold your computer as well as a number of other accessories. It's important to think about what you'll be carrying before settling on a size.

There is a sizable range of laptop bags out there for any taste, whether you're looking for superior protection or a personal style statement. Understand that functionality, durability, style and price are the most important traits in selecting your case. Whether you are looking for a cheap mothers day gift idea or an original mother's day gift idea, Laptop carrying cases are great for all those business moms on the go.

A Bag

Laptops, notebooks, and portable computers increase our working mobility. They allow us to work outside the office, at home, and ultimately, anywhere. However, for added and enhanced features, laptops often need accessories. But not just any accessory, these accessories must be portable and most of all, compatible to our laptops. This is why it is often a problem to find suitable laptop accessories even with the different brands and types available in the market. But this won't be a problem with the new accessory bundles.

These bundles are available and can be purchased with your laptop or you can choose to buy them as added items. These accessory bundles give laptop users much advantage. First, laptop accessories included in the bundle are carefully chosen from top brands and leading makers of laptop accessories. This means that you get top quality accessories without having to scour different shops. Second, the bundles are relatively cheaper compared to the total price of the accessories if you buy them individually. You get to save more money without sacrificing quality. Third, these accessories are guaranteed compatible with your laptops especially if you buy them together. These means that purchasing errors are minimized and that you avoid wasting unused, incompatible accessories. Despite this, there is no need to worry about incompatibility even if you buy your bundle separately from your laptop.

Specialized bundles are sold to suit different laptops. The makers of these accessories understand that their products might not suit the system of other laptops, hence the creation of the special bundles. Accessory shops usually sell these bundles according to customer specifications (Apple accessories for Apple users). Other special bundles are sold to enhance specific features of your laptop. Entertainment bundles usually includes accessories to make your laptop like a virtual television or theater while security bundles include software protection accessories.

In addition, these accessory bundles extend the warranty of laptop accessories. If an individual accessory is sold, it usually has a warranty of a year, but if bought within a bundle, the warranty period increases for up to three years. Accessory bundles are usually sold with promos or added free items. Mice, docking stations, and even laptop cases or bags are usually included in these bundles for free or at least a very minimal price. Manuals and handbooks are also included in the bundles to give you and new users instructions how these accessories work together for efficient laptop function. In effect, you get quality products that boost your laptop's efficiency without exerting extra effort while saving a significant amount of money.

Make the Most of Your Notebook With the Best Gudget?

If you are like most laptop owners, your laptop is one of your essential pieces of your "life equipment." These items would include your cell phone, maybe a PDA, your automobile and such. Having the right accessories for these pieces of equipment can make their functionality and ease of use to greatly improve. Let's discuss the available types of accessories available for your laptop that are essential.

If you are a business traveler these accessories can be even more crucial and indispensable.

I'm sure you've had moments when you couldn't locate a file that you knew you had stored on your laptop. The feeling of panic can be terrible until you find it. Imagine your hard drive failing (it happens!). You would lose all your important files - pictures, videos, everything.

Therefore, first and most important is external storage. External storage can be something as simple as a thumb drive or a large external drive (at this writing up to 2 Terabyte systems are available from the major Hard Drive Manufacturers). The type of external storage you select will depend on your needs. If you just keep basic files (i.e. "Word" documents or spreadsheets, etc) then a thumb drive could be enough (and they are very inexpensive). If you plan on storing large files such as lots of photos and videos then you may need to step up in capacity with an external hard drive.

Thumb drives are available at almost any electronics or "tech" store and are as simple to use as plugging into your USB connection on the side or back of your laptop. External Hard Drives are available from Computer and Electronics stores.

A laptop carrying case is one of the Best Laptop accessories you can get if you are a frequent traveler. Try to purchase a laptop carrying bag that has plenty of compartments for all those notebook peripherals. Always check to see if your laptop or notebook will fit.

A word of caution that is actually a "Safety and Security" item - you might want to consider the laptop cases that look more like a simple backpack. There are thieves in airports just looking for the cases that scream, "I have a laptop inside me!". If your case looks less likely to contain a laptop the potential thief may pass you by for a more obvious take. In addition, these cases can actually hold much more then the more typical (flat) cases.

Many of us travel to places outside the US that may not have the same standards on the supply of power for your laptop. Because of this another essential item you should have in your laptop accessories is a travel size Surge Protector. These devices are not just for use during thunder storms! Faulty lines can zap your laptop anytime. So make sure to purchase one of these and take it with you for your next overseas trip.

One item that I have found invaluable is a wireless mouse. The main reason for this accessory is convenience and comfort. In any situation you can use this device in a comfortable position. The only issues I've encountered are with reflective or transparent (glass) surfaces. These optical mice can have difficulty working properly so you may need to also keep a mouse pad with you to ensure the mouse is always on an acceptable surface. And don't forget to keep spare batteries (usually small AA or AAA).

With the right accessories, your laptop can become something that is not only more comfortable to work on for long periods of time, but you can also make it safer (from electrical spikes, etc) and well as more secure (with appropriate filters - spyware, virus protection, etc.).

More Comfortable To Use

Many people are beginning to buy laptops now that prices have gone down on them so much, some are using only a laptop for their computer usage and others like myself use the laptop in conjunction with their desktop or when we have to go away for trips. It is amazing to me how many different accessories are available to customize a laptop. There are numerous performance enhancements that you can add but since most of us go out and buy the most advanced system we can, I am going to focus more on the accessories that will help make your laptop more comfortable to use.

One of the best investments I made for my laptop was a laptop beanbag table. This handy little item that is tapered and angled giving you a comfortable solid surface to work on so that you can sit in bed or on the couch and use your laptop more easily. The hard table also allows for proper cooling which keeps your laptop from overheating, something that happens often just sitting on your lap. To make it even more comfortable the bean bag table also has an ergonomic gel wrist rest to help prevent wrist strain and maladies like carpal tunnel syndrome. Not only was this one of the best investments for me in terms of comfort, it was also one of the cheapest.

Another cool invention is called the laptop wall caddy which makes it super convenient and comfortable to use your laptop anywhere you want in your home. It is basically like a portable desk. The height of the laptop wall caddy is easily adjustable and has a top that flips down to give you a stable workplace and then can be folded out of the way to save space. This is really great if you have a small home or apartment and don't really have the space to be able to set up a permanent workstation.

Another thing that I consider in the comfort area is also a performance enhancer, a wireless card. The reason I consider it a comfort feature is because it gives you freedom to use your laptop anywhere without being confined to a certain space or tied to wires. Of course you will need a wireless service plan as well, but it is worthwhile to have just to be able to enjoy the mobility that it affords you. I promise once you get it you will never want to give it up. Make sure you have extra batteries too, that way you don't have to be plugged in at all.

How to Choose The Right Laptop Accessories?

The notebook computer is coming of age. For the first
time in history, notebooks or laptops are out-selling
their bigger cousins, desktop computers.

The rise in popularity of the notebook computer can be
contributed to many factors: drop in prices, stiff
competition, aggressive marketing, but perhaps the
biggest factor -- increased performance.

With each new generation of notebooks, we are seeing some
novel breakthroughs: dual core notebooks, PCI Express,
Sonoma Chipset, increased storage, increased RAM,
faster CPUs, better battery life and better wireless
access including a Cellular Modem Connection. All these
new innovations are making for a more powerful
computer embodied in a sleeker smaller package that
consumers want.

However, as most notebook enthusiasts know, to get full
enjoyment from your laptop or notebook computer you must
have certain essential accessories. These laptop accessories
will greatly enhance your notebook experience and make
for a much more satisfying all-around 'complete laptop'.

Here's a wish list of laptop accessories you may want to
consider purchasing:

1. Carrying Bag or Backpack This is essential if
you will be doing a lot of traveling. You might even
want to consider a wheeled bag for those heavier laptops.
Try to purchase a laptop carrying bag that has plenty of
compartments for all those notebook peripherals. Always
check to see if your laptop or notebook will fit!

2. Extra Battery Since most batteries last less
than 5 hours you will need an extra battery or two. You
should also check out bringing along an external battery
for your laptop.

3. Port Replicator This is one essential you should
consider buying for your laptop or notebook computer. It's a
real hassle dealing with all those wires and connections on
your laptop, that's where your port replicator or docking
station solves your problem. Plug all your peripherals into
the docking station or port replicator -- connect and disconnect
your laptop with ease without having to deal with all those
wires and connections. A must have!

4. Auto and Airplane ac adapter Another essential
laptop accessory if you do a lot traveling, battery life on
most notebooks is not great so having a handy source of ac
power from your auto or from an airplane is a 'no-brainer'!

5. USB Hub Some older model notebooks come with only
one or two USB ports; if you need more -- try a handy USB hub.
It will give you more options.

6. Wireless Card Most laptops and notebooks now come
with a wireless card. Many top brands have 802.11a, 802.11b,
802.11g or all three! If your notebook doesn't have a wireless
card, you can get a rather inexpensive 802.11b Linksys PC Card
adapter for under $50.

You may also want to check out the new Sony VAIO VGN-T350P
-- it has the world's first 'Cellular Modem Built In'-- access
the Internet thru your cell phone. It has an Integrated EDGE,
Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for the ultimate in wireless networking.

EDGE stands for 'Enhanced Data for Global Evolution' thru
the Cingular Wireless national network.

7. Optional External Hard Drive Most notebooks or
laptops now come with a 40 to 100 gig hard drives, but still
if you download and save a lot of movies or songs you will take
up that storage space quicker than you ever thought possible.
If you need an extra hard drive for storage or back-up, try
an external hard drive.

8. Optional External DVD Burner Many laptops now come
with a built in DVD drive but in case you need this extra for
or DVD burning (movies, songs, videos, etc.) try an external
DVD burner for your notebook. For maximum compatibility, try
to get one that supports both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats.

9. Optional Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Might sound
strange suggesting this option since most laptops already come
with a keyboard! But depending on your notebook make and model,
the keyboards on most notebooks are not the greatest to type with.
It all has to do with the wrong angles and the shape of the
laptop, so if you want a wireless desktop style keyboard and
mouse, it is relatively cheap to buy.

10. Insurance! If you do a lot of traveling, you may
want to invest in some laptop insurance. Laptop theft is
still a big problem and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Acquiring any of these laptop accessories will greatly improve
your notebook computer, making for a hassle-free computing
experience that you will appreciate and enjoy much more. So
don't skimp, instead, bring your laptop enjoyment up to its
highest level by purchasing some of these much needed laptop
accessories.

Mini Laptop Speakers and Other Netbook Accessories

Netbooks have three main selling points - small, light and cheap. Mini laptop speakers and other netbook accessories like USB optical disc drives, USB keyboards and laptop cases add to the overall product. Here's a guide of products to make your netbook even better.

Keyboards and Mouses

With mini laptops, the space for the interface is very small. Although there are some gems which have excellent typing surfaces like the HP mini 1000 and Sony VAIO TT , several keyboards available are somewhat more compromised in there practicality. A simple USB keyboard is portable, and can offer a typing experience equivalent to a PC. Some are capable of folding up. USB mouses are also available.

Batteries

Most netbooks come as standard with a 3-cell battery which generally gives around 3 hours battery life. Larger batteries, whilst heavier allow for huge amounts more mobile computing time, with the Acer Aspire One getting up to 9 hours 40 minutes on it's new 9-cell battery option.

Mini laptop speakers

Inbuilt mini laptop speakers in general are pretty average. For those you like to listen to music or play games from your netbook, portable mini laptop speakers offer an affordable and practical means of boosting sound quality whilst on the move.

Optical Disc Drive - aka. CD/DVD-ROM

Netbooks come without an optical disc drive, so you can't play CD/DVD-ROMs. However, you can get a USB optical disc drive so you can load your own games, play CDs, DVDs and more.

Cases

Like most electronics, you need something to carry them around in and keep them in one piece. Cases vary in quality and style from coloured pouches to smart leather briefcases to pink polka dot bags. Cases are particularly useful if you're travelling around a lot.

Chargers

New mini laptops should always come with a mains charger, but it can be helpful to have a second or a car charger to remain flexible. It can also help to have chargers for foreign countries if you travel around a lot.

Mobile Broadband USB Modem

Wifi and Bluetooth have their limitations in having to be near hotspots or local networks. With 3G Mobile Broadband (or HSDPA) you can receive internet connection wherever there is a phone signal. Mobile Broadband can be purchased from network providers on contract or on prepay USB sticks.

Screen Protector

Screen protectors help prevent scratches and imperfections on your screen. Some can also limit viewing from other angles to prevent people looking at your work, particularly useful in confined spaces such as a plane or a train. Remember to use an old credit card or similar to squeeze out the bubbles which inevitably get trapped between the screen protector and the screen itself.

Top 5 Mini Laptop Accessories

Netbooks (also called mini laptops) are famous for being small enough that you can take them with your wherever you go. Mini laptops, however, also lack many useful features that you would normally find in a desktop PC.

Thankfully, along with the proliferation of mini netbooks, a plethora of accessories netbooks are also available for purchase. Here are the top five accessories that you must attach to your mini laptop.

1. External USB DVD player and burner

The biggest disadvantage of mini laptops is that they do not have optical drives. You cannot play your favorite CD or DVD, or install software from a cd, on them. Even more important is that it can be difficult to troubleshoot or reinstall the operating system on your mini laptop without an external DVD player and burner. The best DVD drives that you can buy are those USB drives. Why? Because they don't need a power outlet to use them. You only need to plug one to your mini laptop's USB port.

2. Flash memory cards and flash disks

Except for the pricier and upscale models, most mini laptops come with a limited memory. But you can always expand your storage with a memory card. Mini laptops typically have a built-in memory card reader. Flash disks are also another important accessory for storing small files. Flash disks can typically store up to 2GB of data.

3. External USB Hard Drive

You will need an external hard drive if you are dealing with large amounts of data, or if you need to back up your data. External hard drives are usually two inches thick and store 120GB of data. With USB 2.0 interface, you won't need a power adaptor to use an external hard drive, you only need to plug it to a USB port.

4. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Because mini laptops have such small keyboards, it can get very uncomfortable if you use them for an extended period of time. Frequent users often hook up their mini laptops with an external keyboard and mouse.

5. Wireless Router

You will need a wireless router to connect your mini laptop to the internet when you are at home.