| The notebook computer is coming of age. For the | | | | handy USB hub. |
| firsttime in history, notebooks or laptops are | | | | It will give you more options. |
| out-sellingtheir bigger cousins, desktop computers. | | | | 6. Wireless Card Most laptops and notebooks now |
| The rise in popularity of the notebook computer can | | | | comewith a wireless card. Many top brands have |
| becontributed to many factors: drop in prices, | | | | 802.11a, 802.11b, |
| stiffcompetition, aggressive marketing, but perhaps | | | | 802.11g or all three! If your notebook doesn't have a |
| thebiggest factor -- increased performance. | | | | wirelesscard, you can get a rather inexpensive 802.11b |
| With each new generation of notebooks, we are | | | | Linksys PC Cardadapter for under $50. |
| seeing somenovel breakthroughs: dual core notebooks, | | | | You may also want to check out the new Sony VAIO |
| PCI Express, | | | | VGN-T350P |
| Sonoma Chipset, increased storage, increased | | | | -- it has the world's first 'Cellular Modem Built In'-- |
| RAM,faster CPUs, better battery life and better | | | | accessthe Internet thru your cell phone. It has an |
| wirelessaccess including a Cellular Modem Connection. | | | | Integrated EDGE, |
| All thesenew innovations are making for a more | | | | Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for the ultimate in wireless |
| powerfulcomputer embodied in a sleeker smaller | | | | networking. |
| package thatconsumers want. | | | | EDGE stands for 'Enhanced Data for Global Evolution' |
| However, as most notebook enthusiasts know, to get | | | | thruthe Cingular Wireless national network. |
| fullenjoyment from your laptop or notebook computer | | | | 7. Optional External Hard Drive Most notebooks |
| you musthave certain essential accessories. These | | | | orlaptops now come with a 40 to 100 gig hard drives, |
| laptop accessorieswill greatly enhance your notebook | | | | but stillif you download and save a lot of movies or |
| experience and makefor a much more satisfying | | | | songs you will takeup that storage space quicker than |
| all-around 'complete laptop'. | | | | you ever thought possible. |
| Here's a wish list of laptop accessories you may want | | | | If you need an extra hard drive for storage or back-up, |
| toconsider purchasing: | | | | tryan external hard drive. |
| 1. Carrying Bag or Backpack This is essential ifyou will | | | | 8. Optional External DVD Burner Many laptops now |
| be doing a lot of traveling. You might evenwant to | | | | comewith a built in DVD drive but in case you need |
| consider a wheeled bag for those heavier laptops. | | | | this extra foror DVD burning (movies, songs, videos, |
| Try to purchase a laptop carrying bag that has plenty | | | | etc.) try an external |
| ofcompartments for all those notebook peripherals. | | | | DVD burner for your notebook. For maximum |
| Alwayscheck to see if your laptop or notebook will fit! | | | | compatibility, tryto get one that supports both DVD-R |
| 2. Extra Battery Since most batteries last lessthan 5 | | | | RW and DVD+R/RW formats. |
| hours you will need an extra battery or two. Youshould | | | | 9. Optional Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Might |
| also check out bringing along an external batteryfor | | | | soundstrange suggesting this option since most laptops |
| your laptop. | | | | already comewith a keyboard! But depending on your |
| 3. Port Replicator This is one essential you | | | | notebook make and model,the keyboards on most |
| shouldconsider buying for your laptop or notebook | | | | notebooks are not the greatest to type with. |
| computer. It's areal hassle dealing with all those wires | | | | It all has to do with the wrong angles and the shape of |
| and connections onyour laptop, that's where your port | | | | thelaptop, so if you want a wireless desktop style |
| replicator or dockingstation solves your problem. Plug | | | | keyboard andmouse, it is relatively cheap to buy. |
| all your peripherals intothe docking station or port | | | | 10. Insurance! If you do a lot of traveling, you maywant |
| replicator -- connect and disconnectyour laptop with | | | | to invest in some laptop insurance. Laptop theft isstill a |
| ease without having to deal with all thosewires and | | | | big problem and it's better to be safe than sorry. |
| connections. A must have! | | | | Acquiring any of these laptop accessories will greatly |
| 4. Auto and Airplane ac adapter Another | | | | improveyour notebook computer, making for a |
| essentiallaptop accessory if you do a lot traveling, | | | | hassle-free computingexperience that you will |
| battery life onmost notebooks is not great so having a | | | | appreciate and enjoy much more. Sodon't skimp, |
| handy source of acpower from your auto or from an | | | | instead, bring your laptop enjoyment up to itshighest |
| airplane is a 'no-brainer'! | | | | level by purchasing some of these much needed |
| 5. USB Hub Some older model notebooks come with | | | | laptopaccessories. |
| onlyone or two USB ports; if you need more -- try a | | | | You will thank yourself later! |