As a laptop user, you might not be satisfied with the default setup. Sure, for the most part, using the device is enough without accessories. You find an electric outlet to charge the computer and utilize the keyboard and trackpad to do your work.
However, it is not a stretch to say that such an approach to using laptops is not necessarily optimal. If it was, we would not have so many laptop accessories that people do not hesitate investing in.
If you are someone who is not content with how you are using a laptop, then this article should come in quite handy.
External Drives
Let’s start with external drives. The lack of storage causes problems to laptop owners if they do not keep enough free space on the internal computer drive. For instance, if there are only a few gigabytes of free storage left, you may experience MS Windows or mac os monterey problems, and reinstalling the operating system could be the only solution left.
Keeping some files in external storage helps. In addition, you can also utilize the accessory as a means to back up data.
Some people might be content with USB flash drives, but an external HDD ought to be a better option, especially if you are struggling with storage.
Keyboards and Mice
As already mentioned, laptops have integrated keyboards and come with trackpads instead of computer mice.
Having said that, using the “default” setup is not necessarily comfortable. For some people, an external keyboard and a proper computer mouse feel better, especially if they are used to them.
Finding a relatively cheap mouse and keyboard is not that difficult, though you can also invest in more expensive accessories if you wish.
There is no secret that some people love to play video games, and a gaming keyboard or mouse from brands like Razer or SteelSeries are great choices.
Laptop Stands
A laptop stand is another example of an accessory that can turn out to be quite handy. If you have to lean too much when you are using a laptop, adjusting its height should be the obvious thing.
Putting the laptop on a stand lets you optimize the height to your liking. And since most laptop stands have multiple height levels, you do not have to worry about failing to find a suitable one for yourself.
One final thing to mention about laptop stands is that they are relatively cheap. Thus, if you are not comfortable with how your laptop is on the desk, then a stand ought to be one of the first accessories you need to purchase.
Screen Wipes
Screen wipes are necessary even if you are not someone who eats or drinks in front of a laptop (the odds are that you get food particles on the screen if you are). No, even a small sneeze or a cough can be enough.
The dust that collects over time is also a concern, and if you are not cleaning the laptop regularly, including the screen, you are not doing things correctly.
Messenger Bags
It is hard to imagine being a laptop owner without a messenger bag. Sure, some will argue that they do not need one because they use the laptop only at home.
However, for someone who travels regularly, taking a laptop is often necessary, and it would be a drag to carry a laptop without a proper messenger bag. Thus, invest in one so you do not have to worry about this issue the next time you need to take a laptop with you.
There is no need to go overboard with the budget and purchase a bag from a famous brand. No, so long as the messenger does its job, you should not worry whether it has famous labels attached to it. As a rule of thumb, you need to take a pragmatic approach.
Padded Sleeves
Padded sleeves are not one of those accessories most laptop users have. The purpose of it is to create a little bit of safety so that you can feel confident about not damaging your laptop in case it drops from your hands, for example.
If you are careful and pay attention to how you or anyone else handles the laptop, then padded sleeves can be disregarded. On the other hand, it is better to be safe than sorry, and if spending a bit of money on padded laptop sleeves is one of the ways to be safer, then you can consider it.
Portable Chargers
A portable charger can be a life-saver if you are traveling with a laptop and have no access to an electric outlet. Sure, it means needing to carry an extra item with you, but if you need to use a laptop and are not confident in the locations to provide you with enough electricity, a portable charger is a no-brainer.
It is better to be safe than sorry, and since a portable charger provides that extra bit of peace of mind, getting one as a laptop owner is a worthwhile consideration.
Cooling Pads
Cooling pads are worth a shout as well. If you notice loud noises and overheating, it means that the laptop cannot handle the tasks assigned to it.
A cooling pad introduces fresh air and keeps the temperature of the internal hardware more optimal. For roughly 50 dollars, you get one of the best available accessories for your laptop.
Pro tip: In addition to a cooling pad, be sure to clean the dust inside a laptop because it also helps prevent overheating and loud noises on the device.
Headphones
Headphones are the last accessory on the list. If you are fed up with the integrated speakers and the scuffed sound quality, then you need a pair of headphones that let you concentrate on the sound and enjoy high-quality video.
Similar to other laptop accessories, there are various brands manufacturing headphones, and you have a plethora of options to choose from, which is a plus.