What accessories are best to have with your laptop

[Hobbs28]

I am getting 250 dollars in rebates and about 70 bucks from best buy. I was wondering what are must haves for your laptop. This is my first laptop (e-machine m6805). I know I need a good case and as far as the computer goes I am happy with it and I need no upgrades at this time. I know I need an adapter for the car any suggestions? I would also like a good travel mouse and maybe a key board if there is a good one. I would imagine a usb hub would be handy. Anything else I have not mentioned? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I am new to the laptop game


Thanks
Steve

 

[CruisinGT]

A USB Flash Drive.....it has proven invaluable to me on many occasions already!!

 

[ShellGuy]

Steve,
I have a Targus backpack that I carry my borrowed lappy around in it is great. Has lots of room for all the stuff you may need. I would suggest a pwr inverter if you want car power now the size is up to you. In theory you could turn your car in to a mobil office if you so wanted. i would say atleaset a 2 plug inverter if not more. Yes the usb would be good. As would a external drive for backups. Like either a DVD burner or even better would be an External HDD. I use Acronis my self and have had no probs backing up and restoring images.

Will

 

[thuned]

Probably don't need many/any of these, but here's a list:
Retractable cat5 cable (or even cat11 cable). Not all places have wireless access if you travel (libraries, hotels, offices).
USB flash disk.
Extra batteries
Lock (hey, it's better than nothing)
USB speakers, external keyboard/mouse
USB night light
Flash card reader (for digicams)

 

[mrweirdo]

I would say a wireless card. It could come in handy expecialy at hotspots were you can get on the web

 

[ShellGuy]

His 6805 comes with ABG wireless so that is no prob same with the card reader.

Will

 

[Hobbs28]

Thanks for the replies keep them coming. As far as Mouse and keyboard and recommendations? Bluetooth or is that a waste? I have a usb reader/writer for my camera I can use for data. I am really leaning towards a back pack for the case for the extra storage space. Extra battery is 110 bucks I dont know if I will be away from power long enough to make it worth the money. I will get the retractable cable for sure.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Shivatron]

If your computer has BT built in already, then by all means buy a BT mouse and keyboard. I use an Apple Pro Wireless keyboard and a Logitech MX900 mouse with my T40P and I couldn't be happier. Plus I never have to worry about cables or dongles... it's great!

 

[ShellGuy]

Are you refering to using the Keyboard and mouse on the go or when you are sitting at home at ur desk? I have the new Logitech MX series mouse and keyboard non Blue. And i love them. The only thing about blue is you get better distance. This is the one i carry with me at all times. Has Great padding and lots of places to put stuff. If you want i can send you some pics of mine open so u can see inside.

Will

 

[dannybek]

One of the most important things is, security. Laptops are easy to steal because of their smaller size than desktops. They have a ability to be sold without the original buyer finding a trace of it. System passwords can be broken into, hard drives reformatted, stickers and markers erased.
I suggest a very practical method. Yet you will lose resale value when you want to sell. Buy a good soldering iron and burn your name and information on the notebook in a descrete location. Also buy other things that can minimize and recovery your notebook if God forbid, is stolen.

Best wishes Steve

 

[aakerman]

GPS pcmcia card maybe? Or a usb GPS device.
Extra batteries are always nice.
- I like the new bluetake bt500 mouse - very small, and is optical w. bluetooth.
LCD screen cleaner-handkerchiefs (dunno what they are called exactly).
2.5 harddrive encasing - an easier way to transfer files, than setting up a network.

 

[Hobbs28]

Thanks for all the suggestions I think I got a good handle on what I am going to get. I dont think I will ever own a desktop again unless I decide to play a lot of games inthe future. I like the fact I can take my computer any where I am going. The inlaws have a older mac and its all I can do not to rip that thing off the desk and throw it in the street hahaha

Thanks
Steve

 

[Bateluer]

I like the power inverter I bought to use my notebook in the car . . . I'm quite happy with my life, thank you.

 

[Pandaren]

portable surge protector in case you can't find a power strip to plug into

 

[MDE]

The laptop he has has a 6-in-1 card reader built in as well as 802.11g wireless and a full size keyboard, but no bluetooth.
You may want to get one of those notebook coolers, these puppies can get a bit toasty after prolonged use. Swing by the [l= M6805\7 thread] if you have any more questions!