| You've laid out good money for your laptop | | | | Cleansing ClothsOver time, the display on |
| computer, but you're not done spending just | | | | your laptop is going to get dusty, or even |
| yet.There are a few more laptop accessories | | | | smudgy. You're playing Russian roulette with |
| you may want to consider to make the package | | | | your laptop if you attempt to clean your |
| complete.1: Laptop Case / BagAs the newest | | | | display with paper towels and spray |
| member of the mobile computing force, you're | | | | cleaners.Instead, use disposable cleansing |
| required to take an oath of safe | | | | cloths. These essential laptop accessories |
| computing.And that starts with investing in | | | | are designed specifically to clean laptop |
| the most important of laptop accessories - a | | | | displays. Always have a stash on hand.7: USB |
| laptop bag. You can't very well go traipsing | | | | DriveA USB drive is a storage device about |
| around the world with your laptop exposed to | | | | the size of your thumb that plugs directly |
| the elements.When it comes to laptop bags, | | | | into a USB port.Capacity-wise, they're |
| you can spend $25 for a small case made from | | | | relatively small - usually well under 100 MB. |
| less expensive materials on up to several | | | | However, they're very useful for moving files |
| hundred dollars for one made of top-grain | | | | quickly and easily from one computer to |
| cowhide.However, in the end, the most | | | | another, e.g., moving a PowerPoint |
| important consideration is whether your case | | | | presentation from your laptop to your |
| can hold your laptop, plus all the other | | | | business associate's laptop.A USB drive also |
| goodies that go with it (like the ones | | | | makes a great temporary backup medium for the |
| described here).2: SoftwareDid your laptop | | | | really important files you create on the |
| come with software? If so, did it come with | | | | road.8: Blank CD-R DiscsYou've just finished |
| the right software - the software you | | | | your big sales presentation. Someone from the |
| actually need to perform whatever tasks you | | | | audience approaches you afterward and asks |
| need to perform?Don't just assume you have | | | | for a copy of the presentation.You'll make a |
| everything you need. You'll probably need to | | | | better impression if you:a) ask the person |
| add some software, as well as go online to | | | | for their email address and tell them you'll |
| update the software that was included.3: A | | | | email the presentation laterb) ask for their |
| Real USB MouseTrackpads and eraser nubs that | | | | physical address and tell them you'll mail a |
| fill an obvious need. However, given the | | | | CD laterc) burn them a CD of the presentation |
| option, most people would rather user a real | | | | on the spot.In case you didn't figure it out, |
| mouse.If you stop and think for a moment, | | | | the answer is c. Always be prepared with |
| you're likely to realize that many places | | | | these inexpensive laptop accessories.9: |
| where you'll be computing actually are | | | | Stereo HeadsetIt's great to be able to watch |
| suitable for a real mouse.So one of the most | | | | DVD movies no matter where you are. Imagine |
| useful laptop accessories you can buy is a | | | | watching your favorite flick at 30,000 |
| USB mouse, keep it in your bag, and use it | | | | feet.There's just one problem.The family in |
| whenever you're able.4: A Cat5 Ethernet | | | | the row behind you has absolutely no interest |
| CableYour built-in Ethernet port won't do you | | | | in hearing the dialog from Pulp Fiction.Do |
| much good if you get to your hotel room, | | | | yourself and everyone around you a favor. |
| discover an Ethernet connection, and don't | | | | When you're watching movies or listening to |
| have a cable. Some hotels provide them; | | | | music in public, use your headphones.10: |
| others don't. Always come prepared with the | | | | Security DeviceLaptop security devices come |
| right cable.5: A Standard Telephone CableThe | | | | in many shapes and sizes.For example, most |
| same holds true for your modem connection. If | | | | laptops include a security dock that allows |
| you don't have a cable to get you from your | | | | you to attach your laptop to some immovable |
| computer to the phone jack, you're not going | | | | object via cable, much like you'd lock up |
| anywhere in cyberspace.6: Disposable | | | | your bicycle outside the grocery store. |