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Just like a new phone needs a case or those new kicks need the right laces, your laptop needs some gear too. We’re talking about laptop accessories – those extra bits that make your tech-life easier, funkier, or just plain better. Let’s dive into the world of add-ons that’ll make you wonder how you ever managed without them.
From stands and bags to keep things tidy, to speakers and mice for an enhanced experience, accessories can take your portable workhorse to the next level. This comprehensive guide will explore popular laptop add-ons to equip your device and desktop-away-from-the-desktop. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Stands – Keep It Elevated and Cool
- Bags – Carry Your Gear in Style
- External Hard Drives – Extra Space for Your Files
- Skins & Decals – Show Off Your Style
- Docking Stations – Transform Into a Desktop
- Sound Advice on the Best Laptop Speakers
- Keeping Cool with Laptop Coolers
- Powering Up with the Best Laptop Chargers
- Typing Nirvana with the Best Laptop Keyboards
- Clicking in Style with the Best Laptop Mice
- Expand Your Horizons Beyond Basic Gear
- Frequently Asked Questions About Laptop Accessories
- Is it worth investing in laptop accessories?
- What accessories increase laptop performance?
- Should I get a vertical laptop stand?
- How do I connect an external hard drive to my laptop?
- What carrying case offers the most laptop protection?
- Can I customize my own laptop skin?
- Do laptop skins protect my laptop from damage?
- Are laptop cooling pads really necessary?
- What should I look for in laptop speakers?
- How do I choose an external hard drive for my laptop?
- What is the best thing to look for when it comes to a laptop bag?
- How does a laptop docking station work?
- My laptop docking station won’t recognize my device – why?
- Can I use any charger for my laptop?
- What makes a good laptop keyboard?
- What are the benefits of using a mouse with my laptop?
Stands – Keep It Elevated and Cool
Tired of hunching over your laptop? Can’t see the screen clearly? Overheating issues cramping your style? Enter the laptop stand – this handy add-on lifts your device to an ergonomic height for better posture and visibility. Other perks:
- Increased airflow to keep things cool and prevent crashes
- Desk space to spare with the vertical design
- Portable stands let you take the improved experience on the go
With options spanning fixed, adjustable, passive cooling, dual laptop, and even under-desk mounts, you’re sure to find a compatible stand to give your work station an upgrade. I particularly like c-clamp styles to save precious real estate!
Bags – Carry Your Gear in Style
Lugging around a laptop without protection is just asking for dings, dents and disasters. That’s where a well-designed bag steps in – toting your tech safely, comfortably and even fashionably! Prioritize padded compartments, water bottle pockets and variable straps to custom fit your carry needs.
My top 3 features for the best laptop bags and backpacks:
- Dedicated, cushioned laptop sleeve
- Multiple compartments for organization
- TSA checkpoint friendly for travel
And you can’t go wrong with anti-theft and RFID-blocking properties to guard your gear on the go. Whether a backpack or messenger style, there’s a bag out there ready to be your laptop’s BFF!
External Hard Drives – Extra Space for Your Files
Between essential programs, creative software, personal media, documents and more, laptop storage can fill up faster than you think. And have you seen the price tags on upgraded internal SSD drives? Yikes!
An affordable alternative is adding an external hard drive, which connects via USB, Thunderbolt or WiFi to add anywhere from 500GB to 10+TB of storage capacity. Beyond accommodating your laptop’s packed digital lifestyle at a fraction of the cost, external drives make it easy to:
- Automatically back up your system
- Transfer files between computers
- Store too-large but too-good-to-delete personal media libraries!
Look for durable construction, security options and portability maximize the perks of expanded storage.
Skins & Decals – Show Off Your Style
Another way to make your laptop uniquely you without breaking the bank? Skins and decals to customize the exterior with stylish textures, cool prints and even photographic designs. Materials like vinyl wraps and gel skins add flair while also protecting your tech.
Key advantages beyond aesthetics:
- Guards against scratches/scuffs
- Easy to remove and reapply
- Lets you revamp your laptop’s look in minutes
- Wide range delivers creative personalization
Get the sleek carbon fiber or faux leather look, emblazon a motto or logo, or relive travel memories with a vista pic sleeve. For under $20, you can shake up your laptop’s style anytime!
Docking Stations – Transform Into a Desktop
My laptop is my workhorse throughout office, home, travels – you name it. But occasionally, I want to utilize the extra peripherals and expanded workflow of a full desktop setup. That’s where a docking station comes in incredibly handy!
These desktop docking hubs instantly:
- Convert your portable into a stationary computer
- Allow connection of full-size monitors
- Accommodate a range of desktop accessories
- Charge your laptop
- Sync data automatically
I simply connect my laptop via USB or Thunderbolt, and suddenly I’ve got a multi-display command center perfect for intensive applications, complex workflows and improved ergonomics. Talk about the best of both worlds!
Sound Advice on the Best Laptop Speakers
Laptop speakers can be, well, underwhelming. Amp up your audio with the best laptop speakers.
A portable Bluetooth speaker paired up transforms audio calls, playlists, movies and games thanks to:
- Louder, clearer stereo sound
- Actual bass capabilities
- Surround sound effects
- Multi-directional projections
- Long battery life
- Compact “take anywhere” sizes
I like keeping a speaker in my laptop bag to instantly upgrade sonic experiences in my home office, hotel rooms or even outside with friends. And many double as handsfree speakerphones for crystal call clarity. Listen up laptop owners – this accessory’s a game changer!
Keeping Cool with Laptop Coolers
Your laptop’s like a mini oven when it gets going, right? Well, keep it chill with the best laptop coolers. Overheating is the enemy of performance, so let’s tackle it head-on.
- Fan-tastic Cooling: More fans equal more cool air pushing that heat away.
- Silent but Deadly: Fans should be seen (or rather, not heard) but not noisy.
- Ergonomic Design: Some coolers double as stands – talk about a twofer!
A cooler’s cooler than you think – it’s a lifeline for your laptop’s lifespan. Plus, it helps maintain efficiency during those marathon gaming sessions or video edits. They also prevent thighs from heating up during use!
Powering Up with the Best Laptop Chargers
A laptop without life is just a paperweight – keep the productivity and entertainment flowing anywhere with extra or replacement chargers. Match volts, connector types and outputs to manufacturer models for safe charging and calibration. Your laptop’s hunger for power can be insatiable. Feed it with the best laptop chargers.
- Compatibility Check: Ensure it fits your laptop’s model like Cinderella’s slipper.
- Wattage Wisdom: Match or exceed your original charger’s power for best results.
- Cord Length Counts: Longer cords mean more freedom to roam while you charge.
Never let your laptop starve for power; get a charger that keeps the juice flowing. And if you’re always on the move, consider picking up a travel-friendly charger—compact and light are your travel buddies.
Typing Nirvana with the Best Laptop Keyboards
Whether you’re a writer, a gamer, or just a serial emailer, having the best laptop keyboards can make all the difference.
- Key Feel is Real: From mechanical switches to membrane keys, find your perfect press.
- Backlight Brilliance: Late night typing? Backlit keys are your new best friend.
- Wireless Wonder: Cut the cords with Bluetooth options for a cleaner setup.
It’s all about the keystrokes – make every word count with a keyboard that can keep up. And don’t forget, a quality keyboard can reduce strain on your fingers and wrists, keeping those typing blues at bay.
Clicking in Style with the Best Laptop Mice
Your trusty trackpad does the job, but for precision and comfort, you need one of the best laptop mice on your desk.
- Sensor Sensibility: Optical or laser, pick a mouse that tracks like a dream.
- Ergo-Magic: Find a mouse that fits your hand like it was made for it.
- Wireless vs Wired: Freedom or reliability? Choose your side.
A great mouse doesn’t just click; it’s an extension of your hand. And remember, the right mouse can prevent strain and up your game—or your productivity.
Expand Your Horizons Beyond Basic Gear
From stands and bags to speakers and storage, laptop accessories optimize your portable computing. Mix and match add-ons tailored to your habits and needs for productivity, longevity and one-of-a-kind flair! Have a question on other potential laptop upgrades? Continue to check out goodlaptops.com or feel free to reach out in comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laptop Accessories
Is it worth investing in laptop accessories?
Investing in accessories can enhance your experience, increase productivity, protect your device, and personalize your setup. They can be valuable additions to your tech arsenal.
What accessories increase laptop performance?
Additional RAM, an external graphics card, SSD storage upgrade, or keyboard/mouse peripherals can significantly boost laptop processing speeds, graphics rendering, multitasking capabilities, and more depending on your priority area. Specifically tailor upgrades to lagging areas holding you back. An external cooling pad also aids stable performance by preventing crashes from dust buildup and overheating.
Should I get a vertical laptop stand?
Vertical laptop stands boost ergonomics by allowing straight neck posture looking at the screen, rather than constant hunching and strain. Just ensure to pick a dimension matching your device size for stability, correct display angle, and sufficient ventilation. Stands promoting airflow also aid laptop performance via cooler internal component temps.
How do I connect an external hard drive to my laptop?
Using an external laptop hard drive enclosure with compatible interfaces like USB, HDMI, or Thunderbolt, open the chassis and insert any standard laptop hard drive following the connection guides by matching ports and orientations as diagrammed. Then you can access this now external storage as added capacity for backups, extra space for file libraries, easily migrating data between computers and more!
What carrying case offers the most laptop protection?
Hard-shell laptop cases constructed of durable plastics or carbon fibers offer maximum impact absorption and defense in vulnerable laptop carrying situations like crowded commutes or far-flung adventures. Padded internal sleeves prevent device movement while interior segmentation organizes accessories. Water-resistant materials guard against rain, splashes, and spills as well.
Can I customize my own laptop skin?
Many online vendors of vinyl skins, removable decals, touchscreen overlays, and other thin surface coverings allow for completely custom uploads like photographs, digitally created designs, or unique patterns for one-of-a-kind protection and personalization. Upload any graphics matching their template dimensions and shape for an affordable skin showcasing your creative style anywhere you use your device!
Do laptop skins protect my laptop from damage?
Laptop skins mainly provide scratch protection and personalization rather than drop protection. They’re also great for giving your laptop a fresh look without permanent changes.
Are laptop cooling pads really necessary?
For laptop users experiencing frequent overheating warnings, internal fan sounds mimicking a jet engine, unexpected shutdowns, or visible dust buildup due to extensive daily use, a cooling pad can hugely impact performance and longevity by keeping your system reliably stable. Plus, they alleviate hot components warming your legs! Pick a pad matching your laptop size with adjustable height for ideal help.
What should I look for in laptop speakers?
Key aspects are sound quality like bass capabilities, loudness, and directional audio, plus integrated features such as media control hot keys, speakerphone calling, and battery-powered operation for portability. Of course, matching features like Bluetooth range must be compatible with your computer specs for seamless functionality. Those with a daily soundtrack will also appreciate customizable lighting effects!
How do I choose an external hard drive for my laptop?
Match the physical ports like USB or Thunderbolt connectivity plus storage formatting to your particular laptop model. In terms of capacity, a good rule of thumb is an external drive at double your current capacity to significantly expand space for the future. And if your laptop moves around frequently like a student or business traveler’s, prioritize a portable, sturdy external drive that can withstand life on the go.
What is the best thing to look for when it comes to a laptop bag?
Focus first on device dimensions – tablet vs 15″ laptop for example – and pick a bag maximizing the specific fit. Then consider what else you’d like to carry. Models with water bottle pockets, accessory segments, and pockets built for chargers, peripherals, and more keep your mobile office organized. Other key aspects are comfortable straps, checkpoint-friendly laptop compartment, and anti-theft features like cut-proof materials. Materials and water resistance are also important factors. And don’t forget the style factor!
How does a laptop docking station work?
A docking station allows you to connect multiple peripherals to your laptop through one single connection point. It streamlines connectivity and can charge your device simultaneously.
My laptop docking station won’t recognize my device – why?
Start by checking the port compatibility – brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo have proprietary connection ports requiring matching docks. Also, try updating drivers, then toggling USB energy settings to consistently power external devices if using a USB connection. If these troubleshooting tips still don’t yield recognition, try gently cleaning connect points with rubbing alcohol in case dust/debris cause connectivity issues. And confirm your OS is up to date, as some legacy docks don’t have current support.
Can I use any charger for my laptop?
No, you should use a charger compatible with your laptop’s brand and model to avoid damaging your device. Check voltage and connector type before purchasing.
What makes a good laptop keyboard?
A good laptop keyboard has comfortable keys, responsive feedback, is durable, and if needed, backlit. It should match your typing habits and be easy to use.
What are the benefits of using a mouse with my laptop?
A mouse offers better precision, ergonomics, and efficiency than a trackpad for most users. It’s particularly useful for tasks requiring fine control like graphic design or gaming.
