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