laptop accessories

[U2Girl416]

been thinking about getting a laptop bag (the screen is 15.4) and wondering if people had suggestions on brands, good experiences. don't want to spend a ton and don't need anything fancy. also, a wireless mouse--good investment?? I also need a printer but I figure that's not really complicated. anything else people would recommend getting? I haven't owned a laptop in about 9 years!

 

[Liesje]

I have 5 laptop bags (every time I go to a work conference or vendor fair, I win another bag!!!). Three are messenger style bags and two are backpacks made with padded laptop compartments. I prefer the backpacks. I used the one I bought until I won another one that's better and smaller (my new laptop is 14" widescreen, so it's tiny). I walk around a lot and I prefer a backpack b/c it doesn't make one should ache and make me slouch like a messenger bag does. I also prefer the backpack for carry on when flying.

This is the backpack I used before I got my current one. It was like $35 new at CompUSA and that was 3 years ago. I had a 15.4 laptop at the time and it fit perfectly. My new backpack would be too small for a 15.4.
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/images/reviews/1047/20040126_1917591.gif


I used to use a wireless mouse and I ditched it b/c it was a pain in the ass. Maybe they make them better now, but it was too annoying have to always have a receiver sticking out of the laptop, taking up a USB port. Plus, anytime my comp was asleep or the lid was shut, it would take a minute or so for the receiver to kick in before the mouse worked. If I used a regular USB mouse, it works immediately b/c it doesn't need to re-connect itself to a receiver. I liked my mouse and it was really cute, but after the batteries died the third time I stopped using it. I've become so adept with a touchpad, I can do photo edits and manipulation in PS and FireWorks without a mouse.


Other laptop accessories I use.....
* lock
* something to keep it cool. I used to use a USB cooling pad, but again I needed that USB port for other devices so now I simply prop up the laptop in the back with a mousepad I cut into 4 pieces and stacked up. Keeps the air flowing underneath and makes it more comfortable to type.
* I wish I had bought a second power pack b/c I hate having to unplug it constantly going between home and work.
* I use a card reader on a daily basis b/c it's faster than my camera and doesn't waste the camera battery. My laptop has a built-in card reader, but not for CF cards which is what I'm using at the moment.
* I'm going to get one of those skins you put on the back/top of the laptop to keep it from getting scratched. My laptop has a really shiny surface so even the tiniest scratches are noticeable.
* I keep a pack of anti-static LCD cleaning wipes and wipe down the whole laptop once a week. It keeps from getting the nasty wrist marks built up.

 

[U2Girl416]

thanks a lot Lies, very helpful I've seen the backpacks and the regular bags but wasn't sure which was better. and what you said about a carryon does make more sense, since I use backpacks anyway. I didn't even think about a non wireless USB mouse, didn't even occur to me. I am getting used to the touchpad but there are days where I miss the scroll wheel on the mouse

 

[namkcuR]

I got a new 13" macbook in June, and the case I got immediatly after is Brenthaven. There are few better laptop case brands than Brenthaven. My bag is a shoulderbag. It is very spacious, and the compartmant for the laptop itself is padded on both sides. I used the bag on my recent five-week trip to Turkey, and it was fantastic...durable, spacious, easy to carry with the shoulder strap. I was able to carry the following in it:

13" Macbook
Macbook adaptor
IPod
IPod adaptor
Wall adaptors for the Turkish power outlets
Cable to connect IPod to Macbook
IPod dock
Macbook remote
Mini-DVI to Video cable for MacBook
A lengthy ethernet cable
A folder full of 60 or so DVDs
Two sizable controllers, along with two sizable usb adaptors(one for each controller), for gaming purposes on the Macbook.

I carried the bag around on planes, through airports, on busses, through bus terminals, and when I was in other peoples' homes(the whole time I was in Turkey...my grandmother's apartment, her summer house, my great-aunt's house), the bag acted as a great storage place for my Macbook and all my tech stuff.

I HIGHLY recommend it. Here's a link:

http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-prolite-i-mac.html

 

[Liesje]

That's a nice looking bag. I actually prefer the look of shoulder bags, but after a pinched nerve in my lower back, I can't carry my computer, my books, and my other stuff on one shoulder for more than a few minutes at a time.

Oh, another accessory I got and love is a car charger for my battery. I like to go on loooooong road trips with family and friends. We basically use my laptop for entertainment. Last trip I went on, me, my sister, and her friends all sat in the back and played movies on it nonstop. The car charger was FAR cheaper than extra 12 cell batteries. I also use one of those tape deck adapters to play the movie audio or music through the car stereo. I prefer the tape adapters over wireless ones that use radio channels.

This is the car charger I got, but it depends on your computer's model (or power input/output). I got this one b/c you can still put another charger into it (like for your cell or iPod):

I think that was about $50. I'm sure you can find a cheaper one. It was a spur of the moment purchase right before an 18 hour drive, so I bought the only option at the local store. I like that it has a grounded outlet, so you can plug in anything. Some car chargers are only for notebooks and just have the end that fits directly into your notebook.