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| You've laid out good money for your laptop computer, | | | | 6: Disposable Cleansing Cloths |
| butyou're not done spending just yet. | | | | Over time, the display on your laptop is going to get |
| There are a few more laptop accessories you may | | | | dusty,or even smudgy. You're playing Russian roulette |
| want toconsider to make the package complete. | | | | with yourlaptop if you attempt to clean your display |
| 1: Laptop Case / Bag | | | | with papertowels and spray cleaners. |
| As the newest member of the mobile computing | | | | Instead, use disposable cleansing cloths. These |
| force, you'rerequired to take an oath of safe | | | | essentiallaptop accessories are designed specifically to |
| computing. | | | | clean laptopdisplays. Always have a stash on hand. |
| And that starts with investing in the most important | | | | 7: USB Drive |
| oflaptop accessories - a laptop bag. You can't very | | | | A USB drive is a storage device about the size of |
| well gotraipsing around the world with your laptop | | | | your thumbthat plugs directly into a USB port. |
| exposed to theelements. | | | | Capacity-wise, they're relatively small - usually well |
| When it comes to laptop bags, you can spend $25 for | | | | under |
| a smallcase made from less expensive materials on | | | | 100 MB. However, they're very useful for moving |
| up to severalhundred dollars for one made of top-grain | | | | filesquickly and easily from one computer to another, |
| cowhide. | | | | e.g.,moving a PowerPoint presentation from your |
| However, in the end, the most important consideration | | | | laptop to yourbusiness associate's laptop. |
| iswhether your case can hold your laptop, plus all the | | | | A USB drive also makes a great temporary backup |
| othergoodies that go with it (like the ones described | | | | medium forthe really important files you create on the |
| here). | | | | road. |
| 2: Software | | | | 8: Blank CD-R Discs |
| Did your laptop come with software? If so, did it come | | | | You've just finished your big sales presentation. |
| withthe right software - the software you actually | | | | Someonefrom the audience approaches you |
| need toperform whatever tasks you need to | | | | afterward and asks for acopy of the presentation. |
| perform? | | | | You'll make a better impression if you:a) ask the |
| Don't just assume you have everything you need. | | | | person for their email address and tell themyou'll email |
| You'llprobably need to add some software, as well as | | | | the presentation laterb) ask for their physical address |
| go online toupdate the software that was included. | | | | and tell them you'll maila CD laterc) burn them a CD of |
| 3: A Real USB Mouse | | | | the presentation on the spot. |
| Trackpads and eraser nubs that fill an obvious need. | | | | In case you didn't figure it out, the answer is c. Always |
| However, given the option, most people would rather | | | | beprepared with these inexpensive laptop accessories. |
| user areal mouse. | | | | 9: Stereo Headset |
| If you stop and think for a moment, you're likely to | | | | It's great to be able to watch DVD movies no matter |
| realizethat many places where you'll be computing | | | | whereyou are. Imagine watching your favorite flick at |
| actually aresuitable for a real mouse. | | | | 30,000feet. |
| So one of the most useful laptop accessories you can | | | | There's just one problem. |
| buy isa USB mouse, keep it in your bag, and use it | | | | The family in the row behind you has absolutely no |
| whenever you'reable. | | | | interestin hearing the dialog from Pulp Fiction. |
| 4: A Cat5 Ethernet Cable | | | | Do yourself and everyone around you a favor. When |
| Your built-in Ethernet port won't do you much good if | | | | you'rewatching movies or listening to music in public, |
| youget to your hotel room, discover an Ethernet | | | | use yourheadphones. |
| connection, anddon't have a cable. Some hotels | | | | 10: Security Device |
| provide them; others don't. | | | | Laptop security devices come in many shapes and |
| Always come prepared with the right cable. | | | | sizes. |
| 5: A Standard Telephone Cable | | | | For example, most laptops include a security dock |
| The same holds true for your modem connection. If | | | | thatallows you to attach your laptop to some |
| you don'thave a cable to get you from your computer | | | | immovable objectvia cable, much like you'd lock up |
| to the phonejack, you're not going anywhere in | | | | your bicycle outside thegrocery store. |