Accessories
So you’ve bought your laptop, but chances are you will need to spend a bit more money on accessories. These include cases, peripherals, and software.
- Cases. It’s a good idea to buy a case so that your laptop is protected in transit from being dropped and scratched. There are two major kinds – briefcase-style and backpack-style. Make sure that the case fits your laptop properly; if you didn’t get it from the manufacturer, you can go to a site like eBags.com that categorizes the cases by screen size and has reviews from people who specifically say what laptops each case fits.
- Docking Station. If you need extra ports, or want the convenience of only having to plug in one or two cords when you get back to your desk, you should look into getting a docking station. There are two different kinds – normal port replicators and docking stations, which plug into a proprietary port on the bottom or back of your laptop and are only available for certain models, usually ultraportable or business-oriented ones; and USB port replicators, which plug into a USB port to provide parallel, serial, PS2, and sometimes network and even video ports. Normal port replicators and docking stations are more full featured and easier to use, but they also are more expensive and not available for all laptops.
- External mouse and keyboard. Laptop keyboards and pointing devices, because of their need to fit into a confined space, are less than ideal. I recommend at very least buying a mouse for your desk, because it will be much easier to use than a touchpad or pointing stick. An external keyboard will also offer a less cramped layout and will save your laptop from unnecessary wear and tear while you are home. If you get both, you can also get a laptop stand that will elevate the screen to eye level, which is better from an ergonomic standpoint.
- External monitor. This is especially valuable if you are using an ultraportable laptop as your primary computer; a larger monitor will alleviate eyestrain while at your desk.
- Software. If you are buying the laptop for college, you may be able to get Microsoft Office and other software for free or at a greatly reduced price. If not, Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition is $149. If you can’t afford that, check out the PCMech Freeware Frenzy, which has reviews of free alternatives to most major software packages.
Conclusion
I hope you have found this laptop buying guide to be informative. If you need further assistance in picking out a laptop, you can post in the Mobile Technology subforum of the PCMech Forums.
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