So you finally bought your dream laptop, congrats! Now it’s time to accessorize and make it uniquely suited for you.
Here is a quick guide into some of the useful accessories that can help you maximize productivity and achieve the best work or home laptop setup.
Laptop Accessories To Invest In
Protective Cases
Get yourself a sturdy high-quality laptop case. This accessory is essential if want maximize the reselling value of your laptop computer down the line. When buying a case, there are a few factors to consider. Do you want to protect your laptop from the potential liquid spillage? Are you willing to pay the price? How important materials used used in production to you?
Alternatively, you can opt for a fabric carrying laptop bag. It may not be the best choice when it comes to shock protection, but it offers some extra storage room for your belongings.
Wireless Mouse
If you an avid laptop user and get to type on it for more than 15 minutes at a time, you are probably also going to need the mouse. And there are tons of options to choose from! We recommend getting a lightweight wireless mouse for your laptop. For example, Logitech M337 wireless mouse is a great functional and economical option. It can last for up to 10 months on a single AA battery.
If you like to be wired, an Alienware AW558 gaming mouse still remains one of our top picks.
Wired or cordless, a mouse gets the job done a lot better than a laptop touchpad. And if you are a gamer, then an external mouse should be on your shopping list regardless, as it makes cursor movements much more precise.
Laptop USB hub dock
USB hub would be a smart way to accommodate various secondary storage options like hard drives, flash drives, and even a smartphone, without needing to fight for the limited USB ports count on your laptop. We recommend getting a USB hub with a good data transfer speed, as well as indicator lights. Make sure it is compatible with your OS platform. And don’t forget to get a long enough cable. It may seem unimportant at first, but sufficient cable length provides for flexibility and optimal workspace organization.
Dual Monitor Setup
Sometimes you just need an external display to manage all that remote workload from your laptop. A dual monitor setup can help you multitask better and navigate work projects with ease. Surprisingly enough, it can also help ease eyestrain, all with the right setup, of course.
And in case you are worried about compromising your productivity on the go, there are are some great dual-screen laptops available on the market, to help you tackle even the most complex tasks from the airport lounge or a hotel room.
Headsets
Whether you play video games, watch a movie, or simply listen to music outside of your own home, headphones are a must. A good stereo headset can help you enjoy sound quality to the fullest. We recommend getting a headset with a universal 3.5 mm jack, as it does not require charging, unlike their Bluetooth counterparts, and is still compatible with many smartphone models. Gaming headphones are always a great choice; we wrote about them at length not so long ago.
Laptop Security Devices
If you take your laptop everywhere you go, a good security device will ensure hassle-free traveling. There are different types of laptop security locks available, depending on the brand and model, we recommend to check with the laptop manufacturer.
Cooling Pads
Cooling pad is an essential accessory, if you own a powerful gaming laptop. It is quite underrated, given that a lot of people may not see the need for it. Yet a quality cooling pad will not only prevent your laptop from overheating, but will also preserve its battery life. Invest in a well-designed ergonomic and light-weight cooling pad, so that you can take it with every time you reach for your laptop.
Power Bank
An average laptop battery yields anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. But what if you can’t find a power outlet and your battery is dying? That’s is precisely why you should get a power bank. Good laptop power banks must have optimal power output (between 16V and 20V), offer a good life cycle duration, and be lightweight.
The Verdict
So in conclusion, accessorizing may not be essential for most, but if you are looking to enhance your laptop’s performance on the go, getting an extra thing or two is unavoidable. Used accessories are not resalable in most cases, as they don’t hold salvage value very well. But they often serve a key role in preserving your laptop’s condition, helping you recover the most cash value, when you do a laptop trade in.
