Notebook Accessories

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Last Updated: October 10, 2007

If you are used to using a desktop computer, you'll find that using a notebook computer is quite different.  There are accessories that you'll need to bring with you.  Most of these items are cheaper at computer or electronics stores than online at PriceGrabber.com because of the shipping charges.  You may also check the Kensington, Belkin, Targus, and IOGear web sites for variants of the items below.

Accessories

	The $20 APC SurgeArrest Notebook is a surge protector for your laptop.  It plugs between the laptop and the laptop's power adaptor.  Buy it online.
	The $13 4-port USB 2.0 High Speed hub is one of the smallest hubs available and its cord neatly fits neatly underneath.  It also comes with a power adapter to make it a powered hub when too many high powered items are attached, such as 2.5 inch hard drives.  Buy it online.
	The $22 Ultra Mini-USB 2.0 4-Port Hub is the smallest hub available.  Buy it online.
	A $5 one foot (0.3m) USB cable won't clutter the desktop and takes less room in the notebook carrying bag.  Buy it online.
	The $65 SanDisk Extreme FireWire Reader is the fastest card reader/writer for Compact Flash cards.  It requires a Firewire 800 to reach full speed, but will work with Firewire 400.  Buy it online.
	The $30 Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter fits in a 34mm ExpressCard slot and reads SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, and MS Pro HG Duo cards without an adapter.  Other small cards require an adapter that is sold separately.  This does not support Compact Flash.  Buy it online.
	The $25 i-rocks IR-8100-SL portable card reader works with 12 different kinds of memory cards, has a built in 3 port USB 2.0 hub, includes a USB cable, and includes an external power pack to make it a powered USB hub.  Other colors are available.  Buy it online. Read reviews from owners at NewEgg.com (over 20 reviews, 5/5 stars).
	The $20 Aluratek AUCR200 portable card reader works with most of the smaller memory cards like SD, micro SD and Memory Stick, but not SDHC, xD Picture Card, or Compact Flash.  Buy it at online. Read reviews from owners at NewEgg.com (5 reviews, 5/5 stars).
	The $16 Kensington FlyLight 2.0 has a dimmer switch to control the 8 bright LEDs used to illuminate the keyboard.  It draws power from a USB port and consumes less than 90 seconds of battery power from the laptop's battery for every hour it's used.  Buy it online.
	The $20 Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 includes a tilt wheel for 4 way scrolling and a button by the thumb for the magnifying glass.  Any of the buttons can be reprogrammed.  Buy it online.
	The $22 Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 includes a tilt wheel for 4 way scrolling and a button by the thumb for the magnifying glass.  Any of the buttons can be reprogrammed.  The wireless receiver snaps into the bottom of the mouse when not in use.  The single AA battery is should last 3 or more months.  Buy it online. Read reviews from owners on NewEgg (over 40 reviews, 5/5 stars).
	The $50 Logitech VX Revolution is liked by ExtremeTech a lot, but noticed is was big for a notebook mouse.  People like the contoured shape and extra buttons that most notebook mice don't have.  It takes a single AA battery and includes a 4 step battery indicator.  The wireless receiver snaps into the bottom of the mouse.  Buy it online. Read reviews from owners on NewEgg (over 190 reviews, 4/5 stars), ExtremeTech (Aug 2006).
	The $54 Logitech VX Nano Revolution runs on two AAA batteries and uses the 2.4GHz spectrum.  This is the same frequency as 802.11g wireless networks, which has me concerned.  The receiver is so small that it can be plugged into the notebook computer's USB port permanently without protruding and causing damage.  It's a laser mouse with five programmable buttons and a tilt wheel.  Buy it online. Read a review from Trusted Reviews (July 2007).
	The $25 Targus numeric keypad with 2-port USB hub works well for those needing to type in a lot of numbers.  It plugs into an available USB port.  Buy it online.
	The $20 mobile phone charger plugs into the USB port of a notebook computer.  The phone charges either from the notebook battery or from electricity when the notebook is plugged into a wall outlet.
	The $29 Targus 70-Watt Universal AC Adapter works for notebook computers, mobile phones, PDAs, portable printers, and portable DVD players.  It eliminates the need to carry several power adapters at the expense of charging only one device at a time.  Please verify Targus makes a tip that fits your electronic device.  Buy it online. Targus also make an AC/DC version that works in a car, plane, hotel, office, or home.  Buy it for $40. Both versions can charge a second device simultaneously with a $20 adapter.
	The $28 cable lock secures your notebook at home, the office, or on the road.  Since there is a high theft rate of notebook computers, this is a necessity.  Buy it online.
	The $35 Sony MDR-NC6 noise canceling headphones reduce noise by 10dB (perceived as half as loud).  On Sony's web site, look under MP3 and Portable Electronics, Headphones, Noise Canceling to find more details.  Buy it online.  Audiophiles may prefer ear buds.  Noise canceling ear buds cost more than over-the-ear headphones.
	The $80 Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook is a better sound card for games and music than the one that comes with notebook computers.  It does not offer the connection options offered by the larger, external Sound Blaster Audigy2 NX.  I have not found a review that compares the Indigo to this card to know which is better.  Buy it online. Read a review from PC Magazine (Dec 2004).
	The $152 Echo Indigo IO is an audiophile's dream for listening to music or DVDs.  Notebook computers have a mediocre sound card and poor speakers.  This replaces the audio card and includes a jack to plug in a pair of headphones or external speakers.  The more you listen to music or DVDs, the more you'll appreciate quality sound.  Buy it online. Read a review from PC Magazine (Nov 2002), ExtremeTech (Sept 2004).
	Protect confidential information from prying eyes with a 3M privacy filter (caution: sound on website).  People viewing from the sides can no longer see your screen.  Framed and frameless models cost $40 and up.
	The $25 - $30 Lapinator provides heat protection between a laptop computer and your lap.  Read more at Tom's Guide (Tom's Hardware).  Buy it online.
	The $47 Targus 15.4" Urban Messenger notebook case looks good, holds a lot, and is water repellant.  The bag is better than what the picture shows.  If you aren't into backpack carriers, then this might be for you.  Read more at Tom's Guide (Tom's Hardware).  Buy it online.
	The $130, top of the line Eagle Creek Back Office ES backpack style notebook case has just about everything you'd want in a backpack style notebook computer case.  It can hold a 12 to 17 inch notebook computer, has room for additional books, and includes a piggy back strap for wheeled luggage.  The top gray pocket is for sunglasses.  The bottom gray pocket is for a cell phone, pens, keys, etc.  The side red pocket is for a pop out water bottle holder.  It's also light weight and durable.  Unfortunately, its not water resistant.   Buy it online.
	Dell, Kensington and Targus offer notebook stands that elevate the notebook screen to the correct ergonomic height.  They also offer expansion docks that connect an ethernet cable, speakers, keyboard, mouse, USB products and more to a single connection on the notebook computer.  Proprietary docks have more features, but not all notebook computers come with expansion docks.  Prices range from $50-$250.

Notebook bags

Codi makes some of the nicest notebook bags.  A good bag should include:

• Enough space for the notebook accessories and your work.  Hopefully, you can leave the briefcase at home.
• Choose a durable material.
• Luggage piggy back strap.  Your notebook bag can weigh 10 pounds fully loaded.  Most people also travel with a small, black carry on bag with a retractable handle and wheels.  Wouldn't it be nice to put your notebook bag on top of your carry on and roll it around the airport?  Look for a notebook bag that has a side handle so you can slip the retractable carry on bag's handle through the notebook bag handle.  You can leave the bungee cords at home.
• Neoprene included in the shoulder strap and handles act like shock absorbers and reduces fatigue.

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