If you use your computer regularly at work, it’s important to invest in the Computer Accessories that can make it easier for you. With these items, you will be able to become more productive and increase your efficiency; which will also help guard against potential mishaps like damage or data loss of your expensive equipment. Here are a few suggestions for what anyone should keep nearby when they’re busy typing away at their workstation.
Backup Files
Using an external hard drive is a must-have when you’re working on a laptop. Most external hard drives now come with built-in backup software, so it’s easy to back up your files in just a few clicks. For Windows users, check out Box Sync and Backblaze, while Mac users can use Apple Time Machine. If you work on multiple computers (for example, both at home and at your office), you may want to consider cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive; they allow you to sync files across devices and automatically create backups if one of your devices get damaged or lost.
Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
If you’re looking to get a little more freedom with your laptop, picking up a wireless mouse and keyboard is a great start. You can roam around freely without fear of tripping over wires or needing a USB adapter. This is also ideal if you want multiple people using one computer at once. Wireless devices typically use radio frequency (RF) technology, although some older models rely on infrared signals instead. When shopping for wireless mice and keyboards, make sure they’re compatible with your operating system and brand of laptop—Apple doesn’t usually play nice with Windows-based hardware, so don’t expect them to work well together.
Monitor
Today’s laptops are thin and lightweight, making them perfect mobile workstations. But that thinness means they don’t have room for a lot of expansion ports. A lot of today’s laptops have just one USB port and many lack an optical drive (DVD/CD player). If you plan on bringing your laptop from home or work, you can use an external USB hard drive to back up your files. This way, if your laptop is lost or stolen, or if it dies unexpectedly, all of your files will be backed up safely. Some online backup services offer free storage space with an annual subscription; some offer additional storage space as an upgrade option during signup.
Also Check: How laptop is useful for students
Processor
The processor, or CPU, is basically your computer’s brain. The speed of a processor directly impacts how quickly your computer runs programs and whether or not you can run multiple tasks at once. If you use a computer for work or school and want it to run fast without hiccups, then you might consider opting for an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, which are found in many high-end laptops. However, if you’re more interested in saving money and don’t need high performance (e.g., if all you do is surf the web and use Office apps), then a cheaper Celeron chip will be fine. For light gaming, AMD Athlon chips also make good choices.
PC Stereo Speakers
If you’re mostly listening to music and watching YouTube videos, PC stereo speakers can be a good investment. The built-in speakers on your laptop are generally pretty awful—and even if they aren’t, they can get muffled when you place your laptop on your desk. Wireless/Bluetooth Speakers: There are two types of wireless speakers that work with laptops: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Printers
In terms of what you can and can’t print, it’s worth noting that many school printers don’t allow you to print copyrighted materials. For example, your college probably won’t let you print copyrighted research articles or books—you might be able to scan them in and store them digitally, but printing is off-limits. If that affects how you use your printer at school, it might be a good idea to purchase one for home instead. But if that doesn’t pose a problem for you, there are plenty of other advantages of having a printer on hand at school.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is a great way to back up your important files, and a wireless mouse and keyboard can help you stay more organized while you work. An external hard drive also lets you share files between multiple computers if necessary. For example, if you work on one computer most of the time but need access to certain documents at home or on campus, an external hard drive can keep them safe and accessible. Plus, with enough memory space an external hard drive can even be used as a personal cloud that automatically backs up all of your important information online, so that in case of theft or damage your data isn’t lost forever. This type of storage is especially useful for laptops and other mobile devices where internal storage space is often limited or non-existent.
Conclusion
The right computer accessories can make all the difference when it comes to getting your work done, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing a model that matches your needs, you can save money while working more efficiently. If you’re in need of a new laptop but don’t know which features are most important, check out our review of laptops for students . With models starting at under $250 and some free shipping options, these affordable laptops can help you get started in college or keep going as an established professional. Have any questions about accessories? Leave us a comment below!
